Energy Awareness Month: Changing the culture one person at a time Published Sept. 29, 2009 By Airman Cynthia A. Haughton Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- How many times have you walked out of a room and left the lights on? What about leaving your television, stereo or computer turned on overnight? Or how about taking a joy ride with your friends on a lazy Sunday afternoon because there is nothing better to do? Everyone is guilty of these things, but with October being Energy Awareness Month, maybe it's time to start paying closer attention to the energy that we use, and sometimes possibly waste. On Sept. 13, 1991, President George Bush declared October Energy Awareness Month. Since then, the U.S. Department of Energy has been conducting energy awareness campaigns that promote the wise and efficient use of our nation's energy. The Air Force's energy vision is to "Make Energy a Consideration in All We Do" and the energy strategy is to reduce demand, increase supply, and change the culture. Airmen are called to work together to improve the energy efficiency of our aircraft, equipment, vehicles and infrastructure to ultimately improve combat capability. Through energy conservation, decreased energy usage and increasing awareness of the need to decrease energy consumption, the Air Force hopes to reduce its demand for energy. The Air Force is working to increase its energy supply by researching, testing, certifying and implementing new technologies to assist in creating new domestic sources of supply, like the photovoltaic solar power plant here at Nellis. In order to accomplish these goals, the Air Force strives to create a culture where all Airmen make energy conservation a consideration in everything they do, every day. This means taking the time to turn off all lights and electronic devices when they're not in use, not wasting gas and driving when it is unnecessary, carpooling to work, and just making a conscious effort to save energy in every way we can in our daily lives. "If every Airman takes the opportunity to do their small part, it can all add up to big savings and make the Nellis community a greener place to live," said Michelle Price, base energy manager. Increasing energy efficiency is one of the five desired effects of Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century (AFSO 21). Members can make a difference by identifying innovative ways to conserve energy, and then taking action to reduce our Air Force energy demands. So be smart this October; put your thinking caps on, and turn off electronic devices when they're not in use. Make energy conservation a part of your every day routine for the rest of your life, not just this month. It will help stretch the current Air Force budget and make the world a better place.
