The economy is front and center these days, and many of us find our budgets being cut, and are forced to get more done with less money. A recent survey by the National Governors' Association found that "states face the most dire fiscal situation since World War II" with a cumulative budget shortfall of $40 billion. Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington are all experiencing budget shortfalls and seeking ways to continue providing services during this new era. Many corporations are laying off workers, or cutting benefits, or seeking other ways to economize. Although some economic indicators suggest that the economy may be improving, economists say that a full recovery is expected to be slow. So, what can we do right now?
        P2, of course. Now is an opportune time to do P2 ~ managers are attuned to saving money, and employees that come up with money saving suggestions prove themselves to be valuable assets to their employers. P2 offers "win-win" options that protect the environment, workers, and save money, all at the same time. Perhaps now more than ever, P2 is essential.
        Read on for real world examples of how Northwest businesses and governments are working to solve some of their economic woes, through P2 strategies and other creative methods.

Creative Ways to Get More Done, With Less

        The Northwest is full of smart people willing to think "outside the box" to solve problems. Strategies range from finding interns to help with projects, to getting free publicity to increase business, to partnering with others to leverage available funding. These strategies may be replicated in other organizations to help advance P2.

Funding a Project
        Statistics demonstrate that many energy projects, such as light retrofitting and heating/ cooling upgrades, will save large amounts of energy and money. But with high up-front costs, and a tight economy, it may seem wise to wait to conduct the upgrades. Energy Star representatives say this is often wrong: the longer a facility waits, the more money it loses.
        The public sector can take advantage of tax-exempt lease purchase agreements and performance contracts that allow upgrades to be funded today, using dollars that will be saved from future energy bills. These mechanisms may even allow upgrades to proceed without having a capital budget. Read more at www.naco.org/programs/environ/pollution/EPA.PDF.
        Energy performance contracting is also available to schools, hospitals, multifamily buildings, office buildings and other large facilities. It's a risk free way to fund improvements, and after the contract period ends, the building owner realizes all money savings from the energy upgrades. Learn more at www.escperform.org and check out their list of contacts for more information.
        For smaller businesses seeking loans to develop and market environmentally preferable products or to green their businesses, banks that support a conservation economy may be a useful resource. A conservation economy is one that recognizes P2, and moves to make the economy more sustainable. Here in the Northwest, check out ShoreBank Pacific at www.eco-bank.com and Shorebank Enterprise Pacific at www.sbpac.com. Sustainability is a main goal of these lenders and supporting businesses that are also working toward this goal is part of their mission.
        SEPs, supplemental environmental projects, are another potential way for government agencies and nonprofits to aquire funding for P2. Companies facing an environmental settlement or enforcement action may voluntarily agree to perform or fund a P2 project. Find more information at www.epa.gov/Compliance/civil/programs/seps.
        Lastly, for green building, upgrading equipment, or enhancing the use of renewable power, look for incentives programs. Offered by a variety of sources, they can help cover out-of-pocket expenses for P2 improvements.

Interns
        For the last two years, Idaho's Department of Environmental Quality has hired summer interns and integrated P2 work into their duties. In 2001, interns conducted over 150 P2 outreach visits to vehicle repair shops throughout Idaho. This year, interns visited over 100 public water systems and conducted assessments, provided recommendations, and answered questions. The intern program allows the agency to go beyond ensuring compliance, to also provide education and P2 recommendations. Furthermore, the interns spend time in the field discussing topics of interest to the operators, learning about their concerns and needs, and facilitating information flow back to DEQ, all at a very low cost.
        In 2003, DEQ plans to continue the program and work with the printing industry. For more information, contact Patti Best at 208-373-0146.

Mentoring Programs
        Environmental mentoring can help companies achieve environmental results. Benefits accrue to both the mentor and the mentee, including greater efficiency, networking, and enhanced public image.
        Mentoring can take on a variety of forms, one of which is simple peer-to-peer exchange. The Oregon Natural Step Network supports peer learning groups that discuss topics of interest and share ideas. Participants learn from each other on topics such as eco-indicators, facilities management, and sustainable investment.
        Another model is used by the PEER Center, the Public Entity Environmental Management System Resource Center. A virtual clearinghouse, it is specifically designed to aid local, county, and state governments that are considering implementing or have implemented an environmental management system (EMS) and want to access the knowledge and field experience of other public entities that have done so. Mentoring services can help those considering EMSs learn more, or those already doing it share tips. Find out more at www.peercenter.net.

Partnering
        Working with others can also yield savings, leverage scarce dollars, and promote P2.
        For example, PPRC recently partnered with public agencies, industry representatives, nonprofits and trade associations to conduct meetings with P2 content for the medical industry and for businesses concerned with proper stormwater management. Each partner brought different strengths - good mailing lists, meeting organization, publicity, etc. - and the meetings reached large audiences while sharing the workload for each partnering organization. Successful meetings were possible, even though no one partner had enough funding or staff to organize the meetings alone.
        In Alaska, P2 staff at the Department of Environmental Conservation learned that another department had funding to do technical data collection on underground injection wells, but did not have staff immediately available to do the work. The P2 staff partnered with the other department. They used the funding to gather the required data, but at each site they also conducted a "mini-site visit" and provided relevant P2 information. Being aware of partnering opportunities made this possible, and the well owners benefitted by receiving information in a single visit. It also provides an example of integrating P2 within an agency ~ a long term goal of the technical assistance community.

Measuring
        When pursuing any P2 project, it's important to conduct measurement to demonstrate the value of the project and to measure its effectiveness. Although it may require a little extra time up front, simple measures can powerfully demonstrate the value of the effort.
        As an example, PPRC designed a measurement tool that can aggregate P2 results from Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Although it currently includes only a fraction of all the region's P2 work, the combined totals are impressive. Since 1995, water conservation efforts have saved over half a billion gallons of water: the equivalent of drinking water for 6 million people. Hazardous waste has been reduced by 25 million pounds; electricity use reduced by over 587 million kWh (reducing carbon dioxide emissions by over 71,000 tons). These data are generated by aggregating only a handful of all the P2 results happening across the Northwest, yet they prove that P2 investments bring a large return To see the latest totals, visit www.pprc.org/measure.

Publicize
        More than ever, people are paying attention to environmental practices and corporate responsibility (see box). P2 helps improve your bottom line, and publicizing your P2 work helps attract new customers, retain current ones, and make your business stand out from competitors.
        Recognition programs offer a great way to announce environmental achievements, and take advantage of the free publicity they generate: a "win-win" situation. A partial list Northwest programs is highlighted in the box below.

Recognition Programs Alaska Green Star alaska.usgs.gov/GreenStar/index.html Envirostars (for many Puget Sound-area counties) www.envirostars.org Idaho GEMStars www.idahogemstars.org Eco-Logical Business Program (Portland Area) www.ecobiz.org Businesses for an Environmentally Sustainable Tomorrow (Portland) www.sustainableportland.org/default.asp?sec=energy&pg=com_best List of Oregon Recognition Programs www.deq.state.or.us/wmc/solwaste/cwrc/orrec1.html Washington Governor's Award www.ecy.wa.gov/sustainability/GovAward/gov_awards.htm Oregon Governor's Award www.oregonsolutions.net/awards/awards_main.cfm

 

Doing Well While Doing Good In this post-Enron and WorldCom era, you may hear the Common Man grumbling about lack of corporate accountability. Today that Common Man is likely to be making purchasing, and investing, decisions based on impressions of corporate responsibility. The 2002 Cone Corporate Citizenship Study found that 89% of Americans felt that corporate social responsibility was more important than ever, and many said they would not support companies they considered to be bad actors. 91% of those surveyed would consider switching to another company's products, 83% would refuse to invest in that company's stock, and 76% said they would boycott that company's products or services if they considered the company's corporate image negative. Forward-looking companies have been watching this trend, and are acting on it. A recent survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers found that many US companies are pursuing sustainability programs. Their top three reasons cited for this are: to enhance their corporate reputation, gain competitive advantage, and experience cost savings. Companies with a sustainability program cited their top five initiatives to work toward sustainability, and P2 was at the top of the list, used by 91% of companies working toward sustainability. (Read the full survey report at www.pricewaterhouse.com/extweb/pwcpublications.nsf/docid/263903B4969664F285256C1B004E73D0.) So, companies that pursue P2 experience multiple benefits: cost savings, the knowledge that they're "doing the right thing," and stronger staff and customer loyalty. It makes perfect business sense.

Don't Forget the Simple Stuff

        While P2 saves money over the long haul, some P2 projects will save money immediately, and many of these are virtually free to implement. Here are a few ideas to consider.

Reduce
        P2 starts with simple reduction, and consideration of exactly what's needed to do a desired task, whether it's running a P2 program or making widgets. Simple waste reduction projects can yield significant savings, and ways to save money may be staring you in the face.
        Boeing recently determined that company-wide it was receiving 50,000 copies of the Yellow Pages. A full time staff person was busy with distribution, routing, and recycling all these books! The company now receives this information on CD. It's easier to distribute, search and share phone listings, and staff time has been freed up for other work.
        Cutting paper use may also yield savings. The average US office worker uses 10,000 sheets of paper annually ~ that's full two cases per person. Although the up-front paper costs may be small, the full costs add up: office equipment maintenance, handling, paper storage, disposal, etc. A fictional, but typical, analysis of an office with about 100 full-time employees determined that while paper purchases cost roughly $6,600 per year, the full costs of paper use are closer to $57,000 on an annual basis. Find supporting information, and lots of paper P2 suggestions at eetd.lbl.gov/paper.
        As part of an effort to reduce paper use, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality state office reduced its annual paper use by over 2 million sheets since 2001 for a savings of nearly $10,000. Staff achieved this by printing and copying double-sided, accessing popular documents on the agency's intranet, and using email.
        Junk mail may be another area to target; in addition to its environmental impacts, junk mail takes valuable staff time to sort and deliver. At one office mailroom in the Seattle area, a six-week study showed that the mailroom staff was spending 25% of its time sorting Standard Class (formerly Third Class) advertising mail! Check out dnr.metrokc.gov/swd/nwpc/bizjunkmail.htm for resources to reduce the amount coming to you.

Classic P2 and Toxics Reduction
        You've heard it before: cutting toxics saves disposal costs and protects worker health. But beyond the immediate costs savings, there are other costs that don't always make it into the accountant's ledger.
        Reducing toxics may save money through reduced insurance premiums or allowing companies to get better deals. For example, Northwest hospitals that have phased out use of mercury have found that more companies are interested in providing bids. Prices are not necessarily lower, yet the hospitals have more options from which to choose. A Northwest wood products manufacturer switched to less hazardous painting and coating equipment. As a result of reduced cost of workers' compensation, health insurance, and conventional property insurance, annual insurance costs went down over $34,000 per year.
        Better worker health, reduced costs for worker's compensation, increased employee satisfaction, reduced paperwork and reporting requirements are all frequent benefits of P2. These cost savings don't always show up in traditional financial calculations, but they always affect the bottom line.

Energy & Water Efficiency
        Last year's energy crisis and price hikes provide additional motivation to save money through reducing energy use.
        In some cases, new technologies can save money. For example, LED (light emitting diode) technologies have improved markedly over the last few years while prices have dropped simultaneously. Combined with higher energy costs, municipalities are finding it makes economic sense to swap out old incandescent traffic lights for new LED models. They use 80-90% less energy and usually last 5-7 years (compared to the 1 year expected lifespan of a comparable incandescent light signal), so maintenance costs are drastically reduced and payback periods may be quite short. Portland, Bend, Lake Oswego, Lewiston, King County, Snohomish County and others have made the switch.
        Lighting is another area ripe for energy efficiency. When Boeing improved lighting efficiency a few years ago, the company saved 200 million kilowatt hours, reduced operating costs by $12 million, and as a side-benefit the improved lighting increased its defect detection rate, so the company's product improved as well.
        On a smaller scale, staff at Idaho DEQ have worked with the state office building's landlord to install efficient lighting. The program began in 1998 to gradually upgrade nearly 3000 bulbs in the building. Once complete, the upgrades should save over $4,000 annually on energy bills. In addition to this project, an energy audit recommended the state office conduct a "delamping" project to remove excess lighting. Staff tagged unneeded light bulbs, which facilities staff removed. Elimination of excess lighting will reduce energy consumption by nearly 22,000 kWh/year and over $1,100 annually.
        Saving water is another avenue for saving money. For more suggestions on both energy and water efficiency, including links to incentives programs to help reduce up-front costs for upgrades, see PPRC's past newsletter on the topic at www.pprc.org/pprc/pubs/newslets/news0801.html.

Green Procurement
        Buying environmentally preferred products can save money while supporting markets for products that are more sustainable. PPRC's last newsletter discussed this topic at length. In the vein of saving money, consider these product examples that contain recycled content, work well, and cost a fraction of their virgin counterparts.
        Modular carpet tiles can be manufactured from old carpet that has been inspected, cleaned, cut into large squares, and reprinted with attractive patterns. The product is guaranteed, can be applied with water-based adhesive, and individual squares can be replaced as needed, without replacing the whole room's carpet. (One example is EarthSquare at www.earthsquare.com, but many manufacturers make this type of product; for more information, visit www.metrokc.gov/procure/green/bul23.htm.)
        Recycled paint is similar, in that it is professionally formulated from leftover paint, tinted, and available at a greatly reduced cost. Kelly Moore blends recycled paint that can be ordered online at www.ecoatonline.com for a quarter of the cost of new paint. Metro in the Portland Oregon area has been collecting surplus latex paint from households and businesses and processing it into high-quality recycled paint since 1992. Metro processes more than 100,000 gallons of paint annually. Check out their colors and prices at www.metro-region.org/article.cfm?ArticleID=521.
        Buying cooperatives provide another potential opportunity for money saving while purchasing green products. One example is the Washington State Purchasing Cooperative open to state agencies, political subdivisions and non-profits. The program allows governments to expand the market for green products beyond small niches, and combined purchasing power can help even small customers reap the benefits of lower prices.
        When Everett Community Transit, a small political subdivision in Washington, decided to switch to ultra low sulfur diesel, it did so with a prediction that the fuel would cost 15 cents more per gallon than the regular diesel. The Office of State Procurement worked with the vendor to make the ultra low sulfur diesel available through the state contract at a cost of only 9 cents more per gallon thereby helping Everett achieve cleaner air as well as big cost savings!
        Learn more about Washington's program at www.ga.wa.gov/PCA/SPC.htm. Oregon Cooperative Purchasing Program also provides similar benefits. Check it out at tpps.das.state.or.us/purchasing/cooperative/about-orcpp.html.
        For more discussion of green procurement, how it can save your organization money, and how to overcome common challenges, see PPRC's last newsletter at www.pprc.org/pprc/pubs/newslets/news0902.html.

The View from PPRC: Sustainability & Practical Solutions PPRC has always been innovative. So, instead of having a typical 10th anniversary celebration, we thought we'd just quietly go and finish up our 11th year and have the privilege of talking about our information development and focus. Our motto, and mantra, over the last several years has been "Big Issues, Practical Solutions." This phrase truly describes the level of information and services needed to make positive environmental outcomes happen. Practical solutions are expecially necessary when we try to define the concept, and work towards achieving the goal of sustainability. Since 1991, we have been serving both the private and public sectors by researching, synthesizing and facilitating the use of high quality information on topics that form a nexus between two components of sustainability - environmental and economic. Our efforts have clearly identified and catalyzed P2 as a critical tool in advancing concepts of sustainability. In fact, a recent PriceWaterhouseCoopers survey of Fortune 1000 companies found that P2 is the top initiative being pursued by early sustainability movers in private business (see "Doing Well" article, this newsletter). As you can see from our programmatic focus above, we have moved outside of the traditional P2 boundaries - facilitating the diffusion of technology for very specific processes - and have been actively developing information that supports the integration of P2 ideology into core business activities (purchasing, product design, accounting, supplier management, facilities management). P2 is most successful when it is fully integrated into the culture of business. Like any other 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, our work can only succeed if we have a robust network of stakeholders and supporters. PPRC established a goal of raising $100,000 in cash contributions in 2003, and we would like your help in reaching that goal. Your tax-deductible contribution is leveraged with hundreds of thousands of dollars of granted funds to develop critical information that moves us closer to economic stability and environmental protection through pollution prevention. Please visit www.pprc.org/contribute to contribute. Best wishes to you and all your P2 endeavors in 2003. Sincerely, Chris Wiley Director

Take Advantage of Existing Services

        If your time is being spent researching, compiling, or developing P2 materials, don't reinvent the wheel. Many excellent resources exist and can be easily accessed. As a P2 information clearinghouse, PPRC specializes in knowing, or being able to quickly find out, who's doing what, and can provide technical assistance providers with resources they can deliver to clients.
        Outside of PPRC's service area (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington), tap into our partner organizations in the Pollution Prevention Resource eXchange (P2Rx) at www.p2rx.org. P2Rx centers offer many helpful services and resources. And closer to home here in the Northwest, PPRC provides a collection of services that can help stretch your time and allow you to get more done.

Have a research question? If you're a technical assistance provider in the Northwest, through PPRC's "Rapid Response" research service, staff can provide up to three hours of research on a specific question for you.
        Examples of past questions include: "What examples exist of independent research on toxicity of different road dust controls?" and "What types of environmentally appropriate fire fighting foams meet Class B AAAF requirements?" and "What are the functions and types of various electrical devices that contain mercury and are requiring disposal as they become obsolete?"
        Keep in mind that PPRC can't necessarily provide you with the final answer, but we can provide you with a narrowed list information resources and human contacts that get you several steps closer to an answer and save you time. To take advantage of the service contact Michelle at mgaither@pprc.org, and be sure to mention the organization you work for, and your state. See a list of previously researched topics at www.pprc.org/pprc/research/rapidres.html. (If you're outside the Northwest, you may still qualify for this service through one of PPRC's partner organizations in P2Rx. Start at www.p2rx.org/services/rapidresponse.cfm.)

Want to keep on top of the latest P2 news stories, web sites and P2 tools? Subscribe to PPRC's monthly "What's New in P2?" bulletin. It features headlines and short summaries of what's making news, as well as new P2 resources, and it's free. Although it's focused on the Northwest, current subscribers include people across the country, and even in other countries. Visit www.pprc.org/pprc/pubs/whatsnew.html to see previous issues, and sign up at www.pprc.org/infosignup.cfm.

Want help publicizing your new P2 information? Whether it's an annual report, a new fact sheet, or a job opening, share the information with PPRC, and we'll help get the word out to others. PPRC regularly networks with Northwest technical assistance providers and businesses, and we can help publicize new resources or interesting news. Call us at 206-352-2050 or send email to office@pprc.org.

Need funding for P2 projects? PPRC maintains a Request For Proposals Clearinghouse online. It can be searched by subject, geographic area, or keywords. Search it at www.pprc.org/rfp/rfp.html.

Looking for P2 information? PPRC's publications include resources for specific industry sectors and reports on topics like greening the supply chain, persistent bioaccumulative toxins, green purchasing and more. Access all PPRC's documents at www.pprc.org/pprc/pubs/pubs.html.
        Similarly, PPRC and our partner organizations in P2Rx offer "topic hubs" on a variety of industry sectors and P2 subjects. Nearly 40 hubs are currently available, and more are added on a regular basis. Each one provides some background information on the topic, P2 opportunities, and lots of links to relevant online information sources. See the list at www.p2rx.org/P2InfoNexpert/alphabetic.cfm.
        If none of these resources help answer your P2 information needs, contact us and we'll see what we can do.

Listserves (these excellent resources provide quick access to technical professionals & keep you informed of the latest developments on these hot topics) P2Tech - technical P2 topics and questions, plus voluminous acrhives of years' worth of past discussions and answers www.great-lakes.net/lists/p2tech/ WRAIN - (Waste Reduction Action Information Network) www.wrain.org EPPnet - environmental purchasing www.nerc.org/eppnet.html Sustain NW - building sustainable NW communities www.sdgateway.net/mailinglists/list44.htm

        I am extremely pleased to join the staff here at PPRC. The process began many years ago when I attended the first Earth Day celebration with my Dad. I grew up in a family that held our natural environment in great respect, and social justice issues and environmental consciousness have been a part of me as far back as I can remember. Just how far back I can remember is a matter of debate, but we won't engage that here. One clue: I have been a member of Bread for the World for almost 27 years.
        Perhaps the most fun job I ever had was at Ballard First Lutheran Day Care, where I was in charge of 8 to 10 four and five-year-olds. Being someone who loves children very much, it was hard to believe that I could be paid for playing with them and reading them stories. Unfortunately, it didn't pay a lot, and college has never been cheap, so I took a job in the restaurant field as a dishwasher and became a cook. My major interest was psychology, but after several years of full-time employment and evening classes I let my focus wane and never completed my degree in psychology. Part of my waning focus was meeting my beautiful and loving wife.
        I joined a large Puget Sound metal fabricator in 1985, moving eventually to supervisor in the production paint facility. In 1994 I started doing much of the environmental recordkeeping, and in 1996 I assumed the duties of the Environmental Coordinator. In 1998 I assumed the duties of Safety Director, Human Resources Manager and ETC (Commute Trip Reduction) Representative. Although sometimes the responsibility for all this seemed a daunting challenge, it provided me some insight into the ways each of these areas relates to and affects the others.
        I believe that bridging the gap between environmental activists, government regulators, and industry is a necessity to achieve meaningful change. I have witnessed firsthand the difference made by working in a cooperative manner versus working in an antagonistic fashion, and we made great strides in reducing our environmental footprint before I left the metal fabrication industry.
        When not at work, I enjoy hiking and fishing, and I am particularly fond of the North Cascades and Mt Rainier. I have hiked into Holden Village on eight different occasions and I plan to do so again. I also enjoy reading (you will never catch me without a good book or some magazines), movies and any sort of outing with my first love, my family. I enjoy (usually) building computers as a hobby, and my wife and I enjoy hosting parties, where cooking and or baking is a creative outlet for me.

Nominations Accepted For BEST Awards
        Know of a Portland area business that uses energy efficiently, conserves water, reduces waste, uses efficient transportation options, and/or develops environmentally-beneficial products and services? The BEST Business Awards honor businesses for their sustainable practices and products with a ceremony and public recognition.
        Since the program began in 1993, 70 BEST awards have been awarded to businesses in the Portland metropolitan area. As a result of their actions, these companies have reduced their operating costs by more than $12 million per year. As just one example, their annual energy savings add up to 46 million kilowatt-hours and nearly 7 million therms: enough energy to power nearly 21,000 typical Portland homes for an entire year.
        Applications will be accepted until February 20, 2003. The awards will be issued at a breakfast on Friday, April 18, 2003 in the Grand Ballroom at the Governor Hotel. Applications are available by calling 503-823-7222 or visiting www.sustainableportland.org.

Sustainability Forum
        With over 130 panels and workshops presented over three days, this meeting offers something for everyone. Conference organizers expect over a thousand attendees representing business, environmental and community development nonprofits, educational institutions, and government agencies. The Forum will examine sustainability in Oregon and the Northwest: the successes, failures and emerging opportunities. It will provide discussion, networking opportunities, and tools and strategies to use when undertaking sustainability initiatives. The meeting will be held from May 29 - 31, 2003 in Portland. For more information call 503-222-7041 or visit www.sustainablenorthwest.org/soc/sfindex.htm.

Phase-out of Toxic Dry Cleaning Chemical
        In an historic move that could set a national precedent, the South Coast Air Quality Management District recently became the first air quality agency in the nation to approve a gradual phase out of the toxic chemical perchloroethylene ("perc") used at dry cleaners by 2020. To help support the phase out, the agency's board approved $2 million in grants for dry cleaners that switch to a non-toxic alternative. Read more about the plan at www.aqmd.gov/news1/perc_adopt.htm.

Developing & Using Sustainability Indicators
        This one-day conference is about tools for organizations intending to become environmentally sustainable. The program will focus on selecting and using indicators that measure and assess progress toward sustainability. It is designed for leaders, managers, and their staff who are seeking to improve the social and environmental performance of public or private sector organizations. Speakers will discuss internal indicators of resource use, emissions, product and waste outputs, and other related social and environmental impacts. Concurrent workshops in the afternoon will address the development of indicators in manufacturing, service, and government organizations, as well as the proper use of indicators. Four world-class sustainability consultants will speak, in addition to seven users of sustainability indicators, including three CEOs, with real-world experience in the subject on February 27, 2003 at the Tiger Woods Center, Nike Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon. For more information, contact Steve Radtke at 503-241-1140 or steve@ortns.org or take a look at the conference flyer from www.ortns.org/events.htm.

Alaska Forum on the Environment
        This conference is Alaska's premiere education and networking event. The agenda covers a vast array of topics including environmental monitoring, modeling, oil spills, recycling, issues pertinent to the military as well as native communities, pollution prevention, and more in over seventy breakout sessions. The meeting is targeted to Alaska's youth, elders, citizen groups, businesses, and environmental professionals. The Forum will be held from February 10 - 14, 2003 in Anchorage. Visit www.akforum.com for registration and agenda information.

Driving Questions
        Why do residents of the Northwest's states consume 50% more gasoline per capita than British Columbians? Why is per capita consumption decreasing in Washington and Oregon and rising in Idaho and British Columbia? Probe into the issues surrounding transportation and gasoline consumption in the Northwest in this latest report from Northwest Environment Watch. Visit www.northwestwatch.org/press/gas_states.html to access the report, the executive summary, supporting maps, and other related information.