Moody celebrates Earth Week

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Frances Locquiao
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  In celebration of Earth Day on April 22, Moody dedicated a week full of activities and events to spread awareness about the environment, energy conservation and recycling.

Events that took place from April 20-24, included an information booth inside the Base Exchange, an Earth Day fun run, a base-wide clean-up, a hazardous materials drop-off and wing Pride Patrols.

"Every year on April 22, concerned citizens around the world gather to organize and promote social, cultural and economic behaviors we must adopt to leave a healthy and sustainable planet for our children," said Elvis Lane, 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron environmental specialist. "The 23rd CES chose to extend the event to a week because we want to emphasize that taking care of the Earth is a year-round effort."

Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson founded Earth Day in 1970 when he first proposed a worldwide environment movement.

More than twenty million people participated in demonstrations across the country, which sparked the formation of the Environmental Protection Agency and it was that day which became known as the first-ever Earth Day.

"It's important to increase knowledge on the environment so we can take better care of it," said Mr. Lane. "We must continue to recognize that our actions have an effect on the environment. Individuals can do their part through responsible recycling, saving energy and conserving water."

In addition, Moody members were asked to "spruce up" their facilities by using bales of pine straw, azaleas, peat moss and trimming equipment provided by the 23rd CES Self-Help office.

"Throughout the week we provided necessary tools and equipment to help clean up around facilities," said Tech. Sgt. Charles Bell, 23rd CES self-help program manager. "It gave people a chance to get some fresh air and take part in cleaning. We wanted individuals to take pride in their workplace by improving the landscape."

Moody also participated in an Air Force-wide campaign known as "Operation Change Out" by replacing incandescent bulbs with new energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.

Energy Star-qualified bulbs use about 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. They also save about $30 or more in electricity costs over each bulb's lifetime.

More than 1,000 compact fluorescent light bulbs will be shipped to Moody along with 50 occupancy motion sensors to help in energy conservation.

The final event of the week was a tree-planting ceremony held at Moody's Tree City USA park.

"Planting a tree is just one of many things we can do to help the environment," said Col. Henry Santicola, 23rd Wing vice commander. "It's great to see so many people participating and making an effort to take care of the Earth."