Air Force encourages, challenges everyone to prevent pollution

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  • By Staff Reports
  • U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Millions of people around the world will observe Earth Day April 22. In recognition of this day, the Air Force is challenging all members to conserve natural resources, minimize waste and prevent pollution.

"I challenge all Airmen to think about pollution prevention in new ways," said Gen. Norton Schwartz, Air Force chief of staff. "We all need to understand that we can make a difference in managing waste so we can find cleaner, more cost effective ways of accomplishing our mission."

RAF Mildenhall is joining installations across the Air Force in taking aggressive strides to enhance sustainability and cut costs.

One endeavor the Air Force has undertaken to improve sustainability is modifying current processes to incorporate innovative, environmentally friendly technologies.

RAF Mildenhall Airmen developed a filtration system that cleans contaminated JP-8 aircraft fuel, enabling it to be recycled and used on base as heating fuel.

"On average, more than 50,000 gallons of waste fuel was generated each year and disposed of as hazardous waste, at an approximate cost of $170,000 per year," said Janice Tatum, 100th Civil Engineer Squadron environmental support.

"Now, thanks to this recycling effort, RAF Mildenhall is saving (at least) $84,500 per year in both new heating fuel costs and hazardous waste disposal savings," said Tatum.

Even seemingly small changes can pay large dividends.

"I call upon every Airman to rethink how we approach waste in the Air Force," said Terry Yonkers, assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment and logistics. "As the Air Force becomes leaner, we need to reduce the burden of waste disposal costs that impact our budget. Ask yourself what you can do to become a little greener and leaner in your workplace."

Substituting nonhazardous and environmentally friendly materials for hazardous ones is another way the Service is going green. Such product replacements not only create a healthier environment for Airmen, but also reduce the need for hazardous material disposal.

Recycling is another means of preventing pollution and diverting waste.

In addition to traditional recycling efforts, recycling has become the standard in Air Force construction and demolition projects.

During the recent runway project at RAF Mildenhall, concrete was reused and recycled. To date, the project has resulted in the recycling of 8,800 tons of concrete on site, according to Fola Adeyemi, 100th Civil Engineer Squadron Programs flight project manager.

"Approximately 3,000 tons of concrete will be recycled for our Lincoln Road project, and another 1,700 tons will be recycled for (RAF Mildenhall's) new running track," he said, adding that the base will also recycle approximately 3,350 tons of concrete for a new parking lot.

"Recycling the concrete means there is no need to send it to landfills, thus reducing energy and pollution (associated with) transportation, eliminating landfill charges, and saving landfill space," Adeyemi said.

Recycling the concrete has saved RAF Mildenhall $59,000.

"We strive to achieve energy-efficient construction, and one of our many markers is the Leadership and Energy in Environmental Design certification program, which provides validation of a project's green features, using a credit system - by recycling, we are able to achieve credits under this scheme," said Adeyemi.

In addition, RAF Mildenhall has successfully implemented a dorm recycling program with very positive results from residents, said Tatum.

"Residents were each given a set of sturdy reusable bags to separate and collect recyclable materials in their rooms. (They) then took their recyclables to large bins located in each dormitory laundry facility - the amount and cleanliness of the recyclables generated has been very impressive, and we hope to continue increasing this trend," she said.

To learn more about recycling at RAF Mildenhall, contact Rory Palmer at DSN 238-5551.

Construction projects are also incorporating several energy saving features, with many of the buildings qualifying for LEED certification.

To help emphasize the importance of individual efforts, the Air Force is promoting a "Blue Acts of Green" social media page. RAF Mildenhall Airmen and their families are encouraged to visit the site at www.facebook.com/blueactsofgreen to commit to perform an act of "green" at home or work, to benefit the environment and prevent pollution.

"We must make a habit of being green, making the most of all the resources we use and looking for opportunities to conserve today for a secure tomorrow," said Erin Conaton, undersecretary of the Air Force and the Air Force senior sustainability officer.

(100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs contributed to this article)