Reuse, recycle for Earth Day

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dillon Johnston
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  April 22 is Earth Day, a day reserved for taking time to find new ways to reduce the footprint of humans on the planet.

The goal of the observance day is to raise awareness to how people can protect the environment in their own way, by changing simple things.

"(There are) simple steps you can take right now to cut global warming pollution," said Frank Carpenter, 341st Civil Engineer Squadron environmental protection specialist. "Don't leave lights on, set your thermostat as low as is comfortable in the winter and as high as is comfortable in the summer, carpool, use public transit and combine errands into one trip."

There are also some energy wastes which may not seem apparent, but still use a surprising amount of power.

"Turn off appliances when not in use," Carpenter said. "Did you know that when your TV sits in standby mode it still uses 75 percent of the power of when it is turned on? Cell phone chargers still use power when plugged in and not charging your phone, same with your other electronics. It is called phantom power use."

Knowing these tips and tricks and applying them to everyday life, over time, can reduce energy bills and the footprint left behind by humans on the planet. In addition to energy conservation, Carpenter believes in the "reduce, reuse and recycle" mantra.

"On Malmstrom we have a recycle center next to the car wash that takes paper, plastics, aluminum, tin and (corrugated) cardboard.

"For every ton of paper recycled, you save 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, 463 gallons of oil, enough energy to heat your house for a year, three cubic yards of landfill space and eliminate 60 pounds of air pollution," he said.

While Earth Day is a reminder of how to treat the environment, it is important to remember that it takes a year-round commitment to properly take care of the earth.

"Earth Day, and every day, is a time to act to protect our planet," Carpenter said.

For Carpenter, the work done today for the planet is not to benefit those living on it now, but for future generations.

"Please remember this ancient Kenyan Proverb: 'Treat the Earth well.  It was not given to you by your parents. It was loaned to you by your children,'" he said.