Moody celebrates America Recycles Day

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Frances Locquiao
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  In celebration of America Recycles Day Nov. 15, the 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron hosted a magic show in addition to a pre-1975s car show to spread awareness about recycling. 

America Recycles Day, which began in 1997, is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to encouraging Americans to recycle and buy recycled products. Moody has been celebrating the event since 2001. 

"The purpose of ARD is to show the benefits as well as the importance of recycling," said Elvis Lane, 23rd CES environmental specialist. "Recycling helps protect the environment by allowing less waste to go to landfills. Recycled goods can be made into other useful items." 

We have seen in many instances that materials such as newspapers can be recycled to make grocery bags, pencils and even T-shirts, added Mr. Lane. 

For the first event, a representative from the Keep Lowndes/Valdosta Beautiful visited Moody's Youth Center and performed the "Magic of Recycling" show. 

"The magic show allowed us to teach young kids about recycling by making it fun and educational at the same time," said Greg Haugen, a member of the 23rd CES and the celebration team. "We showed them what the differences between trash and recyclable goods were, and how to properly dispose of each kind." 

The second event was a booth set-up and pre-1975s car show near the Base Exchange parking lot. The team provided information on energy and water conservation at the booth area. They also gave away pencils made from recycled jeans, T-shirts and notepads. 

"We wanted to highlight different ways to recycle," said Mr. Haugen. "The car show demonstrates another way to recycle because parts or scrap metal from cars can be used over and over again." 

Though only one day is set aside to encourage recycling and buying recycled goods, both Mr. Lane and Mr. Haugen emphasized that it should be an everyday practice. 

"Recycling is a way of thinking," said Mr. Lane. "We need to continue this mindset for the future of our children."