For the second year in a row now the community of Igiugig participated in the global movement of Earth Hour!

At promptly 8:30 pm, Alaska Standard Time, all lights, televisions and hopefully computers were shut down for an hour.  In my house, I had a crying girl and a very upset boy that he had to keep lights off.  Ida, with all of the kids in our neighborhood, took a stroll around the loop to celebrate this fun evening.  Our neighbors across the street (Alex and Terek) enjoyed the darkness.  As I drove into town I was pleased to see that most homes were participating fully.  Over at Barb’s they were enjoying a game of War by candlelight that lasted until well after earth hour was over, while at Nancy’s the candles were lit for some relaxing aromatherapy.  Mary and Tess spent the time talking a walk around the village.  I know there were a few houses reluctant to shut off their televisions and video games, their loss for not partaking in this world wide event.  Perhaps next year, no one will have a choice and the generator might just happen to shut down!

Thank you to all of those who showed support to raising awareness on global warming.

Sunday, February 7, 2010 was an interesting day. On the flight out to Anchorage to attend the Alaska Forum on the Environment (AFE) conference we landed in Iliamna. So far so good, right? We picked up a few passengers and once everyone was loaded we were again ready to take off! So there we sit, all buckled and bundled, and we wait…and wait…and wait. What’s up with that? Ah, engine troubles. Wait, what is this now? Jump starting the PLANE with a truck?! I did not know you could do that. COOL! Once the engine started we were on our way.

First of all, I would like to thank all of those who braved the cold January weather to participate in our New Year Village Clean-Up.  Dan, Susie, AlexAnna, Mark, Jason, Julie, Jeremy, Angel, Amara, April, Tess, Lukas, Blaise, Josh, Josephine, Dan Jr., Fewnia, Jolynn, Molly, Maggie, Andrew, DollyAnn, Kiara, Aiden, Keilan and Kaleb! You all rock!  The school kids had no choice in the matter, but they assisted happily and it was all the better. Due to high winds, loose dogs and recklessness, trash was blowing rampantly around our beautiful village.  Cigarette butts still manage to take away the attractiveness from our community, smokers; please do not litter your bad habit on our roads!  It is disgusting and rude, young school children are the ones cleaning up after adults, when we are supposed to be their role models.  When the chilling clean up was over our village was looking healthy again.  As a model community, we need to remember that we set the standards in recycling and village cleanliness for our region!  Take pride in the village you live in. 

We recycle, we, we recycle! (Chanted like a cheerleader). Why yes, this is your monthly environmental fill, informing YOU about the wonderful world of recycling! This month we are taking a look at polyethylene terephthalate (also known as PET or PETE) plastic.  What in the world is it?!  PET Plastic is a thin plastic commonly found in containers such as some beer bottles, cosmetics, mouth wash containers, peanut butter jars, salad dressing containers, soft drink and water bottles. It is any plastic container with the number “1” inside of the little recycle triangle at the bottom. People often buy items contained within a PET container because they are lightweight, low in cost, they do not shatter as glass would, and they are recyclable. When PET is recycled it is made into other items we use such as carpet, fiber, furniture, new containers, paneling, polar fleece, straps and tote bags. Pretty neat, huh? PET plastic is also transparent and pretty strong. So, now that you have been somewhat informed about PET Plastic, think about it! Tell a friend! You may be hearing about this again very soon.