FollowANCHORAGE, Nov. 15, 2021 – Northern Star Resources Limited (Pogo) has committed to a three-year investment by sponsoring Alaskans for Litter Prevention and Recycling (ALPAR) bag program starting in 2022. Hundreds of rural communities across Alaska rely on ALPAR bags to collect and move plastic beverage bottles and aluminum cans on to recycling, as well as remove litter from roadways and beaches statewide.
“Litter collection and recycling programs are not only essential to protect our environment but it’s also an important part of creating sustainable communities;” said Wendie MacNaughton, External Affairs Manager for Northern Star Resources. “It supports tourism, local economies, and helps protect wildlife. With our direct alignment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, that’s something Northern Star is proud to be part of.”
“The long-term commitment is certainly welcomed and couldn’t be better timed,” said Anita Nelson, Executive Director. “After two budget-deficit years, NSR’s investment of $53,000 per year will make the difference in allowing us to again fully fund programs which were cut or suspended during 2020 and 2021.”
ALPAR bags are used in rural areas to collect and move empty plastic beverage bottles and aluminum cans on to recycling. Aluminum is an infinitely recyclable material. As many as 80 communities participate, keeping up to 12 tons of aluminum beverage cans out of rural landfills each year. The bags are also used across Alaska to remove litter from roadways, villages and beaches.
“Environmental stewardship is a critical component to our sustainability goals, and not just at our operations. Every choice we make to live more sustainably and every piece of trash we remove contributes to healthier, more beautiful communities across Alaska.” MacNaughton said. “ALPAR does an incredible job at making those choices easier and more accessible.”
“With our 40th anniversary coming up in 2022, we couldn’t be happier to showcase this partnership,” Nelson said. “Long-term investments lead to sustainability – Northern Star Resources recognizes this, and ALPAR is fortunate to share that vision with them.”
