October is energy awareness month

  • Published
  • By Air Education and Training Command
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Since 1991, October has been recognized as Energy Awareness Month. The U.S. Department of Energy traditionally uses this month to kick off its annual energy awareness campaign, promoting the efficient use of our nation's energy. 

This year's theme, "A Sustainable Energy Future; Putting All the Pieces Together," encourages all Americans to see how they fit into the big picture. This guidance combined with the Air Force's new energy program theme, "Energy Solutions... Fueling the Mission," looks to achieve the long-term goal of energy independence and security through energy conservation action taken today. 

No matter how large the problem may appear, the fact remains that each of us is a part of the solution. Every day, each of us makes decisions that can stimulate sustainability and a new energy economy. When we put all the pieces together, all of us -- the Federal Government, private industry, and the public -- have the means to shape our energy future and move our nation toward energy independence. 

The United States consumes more energy than any other nation in the world, and the federal government consumes the most energy in America. DOE and the Air Force realize that both the private and public sectors must take action to become more energy efficient to control America's energy destiny and achieve energy security. 

Why Should You Save Energy? 

· RESOURCE DEPLETION: Most American energy comes from petroleum or petroleum products, natural gas and coal. These are all "fossil fuels," created millions of years ago deep in the earth from decaying plants and animals. They are non-renewable sources and will eventually be gone. 

· AIR POLLUTION: Coal and natural gas generation plants produce harmful emissions. 

· PHYSICAL FITNESS: Some energy conservation activities such as walking, bicycling, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator can actually work to improve your health. 

· EQUIPMENT LIFE: All equipment is rated by the number of hours in its expected life - equipment operating eight hours per day rather than 24 will last three times as long. 

· SAVE MONEY: Energy conservation is the "least-cost" strategy for energy independence.