America Recycles Day aims to heighten awareness

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brigitte N. Brantley-Sisk
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  When Airmen make the decision at work to recycle instead of throwing something away, they do more than help the environment- they save the Air Force money.

In 2009, nearly $54,000 was returned to the base as payment for recycling everything from batteries and tires to scrap metal and used cooking oil.

Moody will participate in America Recycles Day Nov. 15, which is the only nationally-recognized day dedicated to the promotion of recycling programs through awareness events.

"I've always been passionate about the environment and preserving it for the generations ahead of us," said Elvis Lane, 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron environmental specialist. "I am always thinking about the importance of taking care of the earth. It is our responsibility and we should take it seriously."

The upcoming awareness events about the importance of taking care of the earth are aimed at a younger audience.

"It's much harder to try to change an adult's habits than it is to teach children about what's right from the very beginning," said Mr. Lane. "We teach the children now so they can not only grow up with these good habits, but they can pass them on to other people in their lives."

Though a younger audience is targeted, adults do have the potential to make a huge impact.

"We have to pay for every ton of trash that we take to the local landfill," said Mr. Lane. "So if half of that is actually recyclable material and we had recycled it, we would have cut our annual costs by 50 percent. It takes very little effort to spend a few more seconds putting each material in its own bin.

In addition to their work, Airmen are also encouraged to practice positive recycling habits at home.

"It's important for me to recycle because it reduces pollutants in the environment," said Airman 1st Class Rangel Robinson, 23rd Force Support Squadron customer support representative. "It's also important for the Air Force to recycle because it shows citizens the military cares about the environment."

Moody will contribute to the Air Force's recycling efforts by hosting the following events on Nov. 15:

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Booth at Base Exchange
10 a.m.: Presentation at Child Development Center
3:30 p.m.: Presentation at Youth Center