Airmen keep world clean for brighter future

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Holly Mansfield
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  The Air Force celebrated Earth Day, April 22, by cleaning the environment at bases and outside communities around the world.

With this year's theme of "Conserve Today - Secure Tomorrow," Airmen are continuing a tradition which started in 1970 by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson to create a cleaner environment for future generations to grow up in.

"In 1990, Earth Day went global in 141 countries and the event continues to spread internationally, providing a powerful focal point from which people can demonstrate their commitment to being good stewards of the environment," said Amanda N. Mehrtens, 86th Civil Engineer Squadron energy manager.

Taking the ideas of the Nelson, people from Columbus, Ohio all the way to India are doing their part in making the world a more sustainable place to live.

According to www.earthday.org, over the past few weeks, more than one billion people spanning more than 190 countries jumped to action to support Earth Day.

Even with a large amount of people participating around the world, whether it's picking up trash at the local park or switching to energy saving light bulbs, Airmen can do their part by simply making smarter decisions.

"Each of us can play a part in reducing our ecological footprint," said Mehrtens. "Start with small steps, like changing your conventional light bulbs to energy saving bulbs, such as LED (light emitting diode) or CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) bulbs. These more efficient bulbs use 80 percent less energy and can last 10 times longer."

Taking these steps, according to www.earthday.org, is one place to start but it shouldn't stop after Earth Day is over. A Billion Acts of Green, an ongoing campaign that inspires and compiles individual acts of environmental service, has reached their goal of one billion actions and is now shooting for two billion. Continuing these types of goals can keep the planet looking better every day.

To get more information about how to preserve the environment, contact the 86th CES Asset Management flight at 480-7279 or visit www.earthday.org.