Newest moneymaker: Energy Conservation: Alaska businesses invest in earth-friendly practices.

• Author: Resz, Heather A.
• Position: ENVIRONMENTAL

Alaska businesses are adopting a variety of "green" practices that save money, make money and take care of the environment. What businesses can do to be greener and why they want to move toward greener pastures varies from business to business, according to Green Star Program Director Jeanne Carlson.

"There are three main reasons: It saves money, it's the right thing to do, and for the positive publicity that comes along with it," Carlson said.

The nonprofit provides certification for businesses that practice waste reduction, energy conservation and pollution prevention through education and technical assistance. About 300 businesses are enrolled in the certification program and about 150 have earned the certification.

"Last year the number of folks entering the program and the number getting the award went way up," she said.

For example, in September 2008, the Lynden family of companies joined and earned Green Star certification, bringing the total awardees for that quarter to about a dozen. Typically, no more than two or three businesses apply in any given quarter, Carlson said.

Alaska Waste, Carlile Transportation Systems and K & L Distributors are just a few of the other Anchorage businesses that have earned their Green Star certifications.

The certification program began with the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce's Green Star Award and the organization was incorporated as a separate nonprofit in 1996.

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GREEN IDEAS

General Manager Don Grasse said K & L Distributors Inc. has saved thousands of dollars using Green Star's suggestions to become more efficient.

This year the company celebrates its 69th anniversary and has the dual distinction of receiving both its Green Star certification and Grasse receiving the 2008 Board of Directors' Award from Alaskans for Litter Prevention and Recycling.

"Winning the Green Star award was something we wanted to do to show our customers we're doing something to reduce our carbon footprint," Grasse said.

From signs that remind people to turn lights off to repacking broken cases of product, and changing out all 120 lighting fixtures in its offices and warehouse, he said the company has been working in this direction for years. And more green changes are planned, he said.

"As a company it really did help us become more efficient," Grasse said.

David McMullen, vice president of Alaska operations for K & L Distributors, said efforts started with things like how it handles its trash.

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