Nellis cleans up in observance of Earth Day Published April 22, 2013 99th Civil Engineer Squadron environmental department NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Millions of people around the world will observe Earth Day April 22. Air Force leaders are challenging Airmen and their families to contribute to the effort to protect the environment. The Air Force theme for this year is "Conserve Today, Secure Tomorrow," and this year's celebration focuses on water resource management and pollution prevention or P2. Across the Air Force, installations are taking aggressive strides for a common goal - P2: enhance sustainability, minimize waste, and cut costs through the use of innovative technologies, strategic reuse and recycling of products and materials, and the replacement of hazardous materials with nonhazardous ones. Energy conservation and efficiency programs, in addition to use of alternative and renewable energy sources, are also helping pave the way for a sustainable Air Force. Air Force officials emphasize there is always more that can be done, and it takes a concerted effort from all members of the team. Nellis AFB has been a leader and a crucial organization in Las Vegas, implementing water resource management and P2 measures such as: · Investing in energy efficiency measures, such as installation of energy and water efficient washers, xeriscaping, hybrid vehicles purchase, etc., which will save approximately $600,000 annually in energy costs. · Completing the Warrior Fitness Center, opened in 2012, which is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certified by U.S. Green Building Council. · Operating a 140 acre solar power system which produces more than 14 megawatts of power supplying approximately 25 percent of electricity requirements for the base. · Operating a recycling center which processes 1,600 to 1,700 tons of recyclable material semi-annually. The environmental team here has participated in an array of activities during Earth Week since 1992. In addition, this year marks the 19th year that Nellis AFB is designated as a Tree City USA by the Nevada Department of Forestry in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation. The Tree City USA program is a national program that provides the framework for community forestry management and meets four core standards of sound urban management. More information on Tree City USA can be found at http://www.arborday.org/index.cfm The environmental team will conduct the following activities April 25 in support of Earth Day and Arbor Day at the Maj. Gen. Billy McCoy Environmental Grove located next to the Crosswinds Inn Dining Facility: · NDF presentation of Nellis AFB designation as a Tree City USA where the base will receive recognition as a Tree City USA community for the past 19 years. The award will be presented at 2 p.m. · The Arbor Day Tree Planting Ceremony will be held at 2:10 p.m. following the presentation of the Tree City USA designation. · Maj. Gen. Billy McCoy Environmental Grove clean up where 99th Civil Engineer Squadron Environmental Section will conduct a clean-up of the environmental grove immediately after the tree planting ceremony. Volunteers are welcome and should wear ABUs or work attire for civilians. Clean-up The first Earth Day occurred April 22, 1970, and was established by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, marking the beginning of the modern environmental movement. To get information on how you can contribute to the Air Force's effort for sustainability and pollution prevention, visit the Air Force Earth Day website at www.af.mil/earthday.asp and the Facebook page, "Blue Acts of Green" at www.facebook.com/blueactsofgreen. These sites offer innovative ways people or organizations can take to perform an act of "green" at home or work to benefit the environment and prevent pollution. For more information on any of the events above, call Marco Furlan, 99th CES, at (702) 652-6410 or marco.furlan@nellis.af.mil.
