Tinker stays pro-active, encourages programs and ideas during Earth Month

Published April 13, 2012
By Brandice J. O'Brien
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- To many, April is the month of spring showers. To the 72nd Air Base Wing Civil Engineering Directorate, April and its 22nd day is a time of possibilities, appreciation and green awareness. April's Earth Day and Earth Month have been designated for worldwide events that promote "green" awareness and appreciation of the planet's natural environment. At Tinker, officials have planned several events.

Britton Young, Tinker's Energy Team point-of-contact in the 72nd ABW/CE, said participating in Earth Month is easy. Performing even simple acts or making little changes can result in big differences in the environment and Air Force budget.

"This is a big thing. From the Air Force top on down, they're excited about it," Ms. Young said. "It's a way to be smarter about the things we do for the planet. Being green is just good for the Air Force."

From 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., on April 18 at Bldg. 3001's Hollywood and Vine intersection, the 72nd ABW/CE is hosting Environmental Awareness Day. Booths and displays showing environmental and energy programs will be set up. Program managers will be available to answer questions and a local utility company will offer information about a new energy-savings plan.

From 1 to 4 p.m. on April 26, volunteers are invited to participate in a base-wide creek clean-up.

In between these two events, base-housing residents are invited to take part in a household hazardous waste collection at the Balfour Beatty Communities Community Center parking lot. The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on April 21.

Tinker personnel are also encouraged to visit "Blue Acts of Green," a Facebook page devoted to reducing the carbon footprint by allowing guests to share recycling and energy-saving tips.

"The Air Force wants us to remember that conserving is just good business for the Air Force and the future of our planet," Ms. Young said. "Being green doesn't just save resources; it saves money and encourages us to be innovative thinkers."

For more conservation information, call Diana Cramer at 736-3093. If interested in participating in the creek clean-up, call John Truong at 734-1228.

Eight Tips to reduce your carbon footprint
· Run errands and shopping trips on the same day. By driving less, fewer emissions and air pollutants will be released into the atmosphere.
· Make sure sprinklers are only watering the lawn. Watering a driveway or sidewalk is not only unnecessarily, but can lead to washing pollutants into storm drains.
· Wash a car in a vehicle wash rack and if the car leaks or drips, place a drip pan underneath the vehicle so unnecessary pollutants don't end up in storm drains.
· Create less trash, use reusable bags when shopping.
· Replace disposable items with reusable ones. Instead of purchasing brand-new razors, batteries, ink cartridges, coffee filters, air-conditioner filters or food storage items, replace only what is needed.
· Discard or recycle what is no longer being used. By purchasing fewer items, less waste is created.
· When ordering take-out or fast food, purchase items that have as little accessories as possible. Instead of ordering a cup of ice-cream, order a cone so there is no excess packaging and in turn, waste.
· Dispose hazardous waste and toxic products at a hazardous-waste facility. Such products include: paint, paint thinner, solvents, motor oil, brake fluid, used oil filters, pesticides and oven cleaner.