MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --
Every year in the United States, over 900 million trees are cut down for raw materials according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Also, Americans generate over 200 million tons of garbage, all constantly sent to landfills.
To raise awareness about the importance of saving the planet, Moody recognized Earth Day on April 22 and Arbor Day on April 24. Both observances educated people of all ages about being good stewards of the environment.
"Earth Day is all about letting people know, this is our Earth and this is how we take care of it," said Elvis Lane, 23d Civil Engineer Squadron environmental specialist. "Everybody can do their part, adults and kids alike."
Lane visited local Valdosta schools, the Child Development Center and Youth Center to speak with children on how they can save their planet, one recycled bottle at a time.
"It's hard to teach a grown man to change but we can begin with children," said Lane. "We try to incorporate these recycling habits at a very early age and continue with that change as they grow. Sometimes, these children inspire their parents to start recycling."
To continue improving Moody's environment, Lane said the goal for this year's recycling efforts is to recycle 55 percent of the base's waste by 2016.
"If everyone here really tried a little harder to better our planet, we could definitely reach that goaI," said Lane. "I know we can do it, but it comes down to taking a little more effort by everyone.
"We have to monitor the areas we need to work on like air, water and recycling," he added. "If we don't, we'll end up in a trashy world full of landfills."
In addition to Earth Day, Moody also recognized Arbor Day, a national tradition which began in Nebraska in 1872. Moody celebrates Arbor Day every year with a commemorative tree planting in its base Tree City USA Park.
The Tree City USA Park program is a national tree initiative sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Moody is home to one of several iconic parks and was one of the first bases in Air Combat Command to receive this recognition.
"We're celebrating our 16th anniversary for being recognized as a Tree City," said John Crain, 23d CES forester. "Georgia is one of the leading states in tree planting, and Moody adds to that legacy."
By celebrating these observances, Team Moody hopes to equip the next generation with the practices to save the planet, one recyclable or new tree at a time.