Our celebration of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day was far from what we expected it to be. A group of local nonprofits and community members started meeting biweekly back in October to plan a week of fun, engaging, hands-on (and in-person!) activities to celebrate Earth Day. When the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic made it clear our original plans were not going to work, the planning committee took some time to acknowledge the hard work we had all put in thus far before pivoting to a modified agenda of online events.
I helped to host five webinars from April 20-24th (see below for the complete list) that explored topics from recycling to social justice to legislation. Each of these webinars – presented by community members around Fairbanks – offered a unique message for Earth Day and beyond. The commitment to collective action was strong, and it felt empowering and exciting to focus on systemic change over individual change. Below are some reflections I took away from each presentation, in the order they were scheduled during Earth Week.
Recycle your electronic waste. Electronics that are close to or at the end of their useful life still have so much to give – repaired for future use, as parts for repairing other electronics, or as raw materials for new devices. Putting your electronics in the landfill is not only wasteful but harmful, too, since many electronics contain toxic materials that can leach out into groundwater or surrounding soil if not disposed of properly. Luckily, in Fairbanks, we have a convenient place to recycle our electronic waste!
Do your research to better support environmental organizers who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color. As advocates for justice – social, environmental, or climate – it is our responsibility to learn how racism and other forms of oppression have shaped and continue to dominate the environmental movement. Take responsibility for your own learning, recognize that this work is difficult and uncomfortable, and lean in.
We need a more just and equitable economic system in Alaska that is not dependent on a single extractive industry. There’s a heightened sense of fear in Alaska with the colliding problems of the pandemic and the collapse of the oil industry market, but there is also great opportunity. How can Alaska move away from being entirely dependent on this one extractive industry?
As a member-owner of our electric cooperative, you have the power to push for renewable energy solutions in Fairbanks. If you pay your electric bill to Golden Valley Electric Association (GVEA), you have a voice in the cooperative’s operation! Testify for renewable energy at monthly Board meetings, join the Member Advisory Committee, and VOTE for your district’s Director! Districts 1, 2, and 3 are up for election this year from May 9-June 15th.
Contacting your representatives works. You can get in touch with your elected representatives any time of the year – regardless of whether they’re in session – to talk about your concerns, including climate change. We’re in a unique moment in history to shape a post-COVID world that includes efforts to support communities on the frontlines of climate change, reduce carbon emissions, and mitigate the most harmful effects of a warming Arctic. Tell your representatives what kind of world you want to build!
Fairbanks Earth Week Webinars
- “Inside Electronics Recycling in Fairbanks” – Tait Chandler, Green Star of Interior Alaska
- “BIPOC Organizers Environmental Justice Fishbowl” – Lynette Pham, Christina Edwin, Emily Taylor, Jenna Stringer, Alyssa Quintyne, & Max – The Fireweed Collective
- “Plugging the Leak: Declining Oil & the State of Alaska’s Economy” – Sarah Furman, Siqñiq Maupin, & Larry Persily – Fairbanks Climate Action Coalition
- “More Power than We Know: Member-Ownership of our Electric Cooperative” – Phil Wight & Cathy Walling – Fairbanks Climate Action Coalition
- “Afternoon Snack – Climate in the Legislature” – Alyssa Quintyne & Louie Flora, The Alaska Center
Sarah Clement is the Program Director for Education & Outreach at Green Star of Interior Alaska