Air Force sets historic Earth Day goal

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Curt Beach
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  As the nation celebrates the 45th annual Earth Day April 22, the Air Force is re-emphasizing its long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and encouraging its military and civilian workforce to promote recycling at home and on the job.

Installations worldwide are taking action to meet the Department of Defense's Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan goal of diverting 55 percent of non-hazardous solid waste and 100 percent of electronics waste this fiscal year and beyond.

"This is the highest diversion goal in the history of Air Force diversion efforts," said Nancy Carper, Air Force Civil Engineer Center integrated solid waste management.

Meeting these goals requires diligence and participation from everyone, from the recycling center manager looking for new ways to expand services, to office workers taking advantage of all available opportunities to recycle and not throwing out items like paper, plastic, aluminum cans and cardboard, Carper said.

Barksdale's recycling center, which recycles both household and office goods, has been dedicated to the cause of keeping the base clean and healthy since its creation in 1993.

"We need to be environmental stewards, and recycling is an easy way to make a positive contribution," said Alfredo Garza, 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron recycling manager. "Today, Barksdale personnel recycle more than 35 different types of items from paper and cardboard to materials such as concrete, asphalt, scrap metal, batteries, electronics, tires, and used oil."

In an age of growing technology, the need for effective electronics recycling has garnered national attention. All Air Force-owned electronic equipment is required to be recycled through Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services. The Air Force is encouraging its workforce to take proactive steps to keep home electronics out of the waste stream. Individuals are also encouraged to take advantage of the U.S. Postal Service's Blue Earth Federal Recycling Program, which makes it easier for individuals to recycle unwanted electronic devices.

Earth Day was founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson who said, "The wealth of the nation is its air, water, soil, forests, minerals, rivers, lakes, oceans, scenic beauty, wildlife habitats and biodiversity. That's all there is. That's the whole economy. That's where all the economic activity and jobs come from. These biological systems are the sustaining wealth of the world."

For more information on the Air Force's Earth Day efforts, visit http://www.afcec.af.mil/