Small steps help keep Air Force ‘green’

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Logan Fleming
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Legal Office
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Recycling, resourcefulness and conservation are just a few steps each of us can take to help the Air Force go "green."

Fall is here and another winter is quickly approaching, bringing a whole new set of challenges and jobs we must do. As we aim to become a "greener" Air Force, we can all look for ways both at home and work to contribute to preserving the quality of our environment for future generations.

Preparing your house for the winter now can save you some time, money and discomfort later on when the winter weather rolls in.

It is important to keep environmental and energy conservation factors in mind, like setting your thermostat to a steady temperature between 65-75 degrees to save heating and energy costs.

The temperature in most buildings on base will be set at 68 and 72 degrees.

Keep in mind, electric space heaters are prohibited for safety reasons and also for energy conservation purposes.

Saving energy does not end once your duty day is over. Here are a few simple ways to save energy while away from the office.
  • Turn off all lights
  • Turn off all computer monitors, speakers, printers and shredders
  • Unplug electronic chargers when not in use
  • Turn off copiers and fax machines
  • Unplug coffee pots and microwaves
  • Unplug TVs, DVD players and radios
  • Close windows and doors
  • Turn off bathroom and conference room lights when exiting
The Recycling Center, in Building 126, located in the northwest corner of the base, is an excellent resource for recycling cans, bottles or paper.

Even starting an office recycling bin in one of your trash cans in the office can help promote a "greener" Air Force.

Reducing pollution is as important as recycling. Department of Defense policy is to educate people on the problem along with creating ways to reduce pollution.

Some of those ways are reducing the use of hazardous material, reducing the generation or release of pollutants and reducing the adverse effects on human health.

The Air Force strives to reduce and eliminate dependence on hazardous materials, reduce waste streams, reuse generated waste and recycle waste not reusable.

The Air Force instills in everyone a more eco-friendly culture where every person has a part to play in making sure that we are not wasting resources. By adding a few eco-friendly habits to your day, you will help create a "greener" Air Force and save some money.