Earth Day is an annual event held on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events that are coordinated globally, including one billion people in more than 193 countries.

This year’s Earth Day theme is ’Restore Our Earth,’ which focuses on natural processes, emerging green technologies, and innovative thinking that can restore the world’s ecosystems. It is up to each and every one of us to Restore Our Earth, not just because we care about the natural world, but because we live here.

Although social distancing and maximum telework prevent us from having an Earth Day celebration on the Center, the importance of taking care of our environment and conserving our energy resources remains a priority. We can all impact the environment by making environmentally-friendly decisions on a day-to-day basis. Employees can continue the spirit of sustainable practices by turning off their computers and lights when leaving work, participating in the Aeronautical Center’s Recycling Program, and reporting potential water leaks or energy waste to the Office of Facility Management (AMP) trouble desk at ext. 4-3687. With your help, we are making a difference, protecting our nation’s natural resources, and taking care of the earth.

What else can we do to Restore Our Earth?

• Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Cut down on what we throw away. Look at your trash can. Can that paper be recycled? Could you use a washable coffee cup instead of the Styrofoam disposable one? How about bringing a thermos instead of a plastic water bottle?


• Volunteer. Volunteering to help clean-up our community. The Aeronautical Center sponsors a clean-up campaign called ’LitterBlitz’, helping to clean up the surrounding environments near the Center every year. This year, let’s get involved.


• Educate. Teach your children and help them build sustainable habits.


• Conserve Water. Plant drought-tolerant gardens. Turn off the water while shaving and brushing your teeth.


• Conserve Energy. The Department of Energy estimates savings of about 1% for each degree of thermostat adjustment per 8 hours. So, adjusting the thermostat by 10 degrees while you’re at work could save 10% annually.


• Shop wisely. Use less plastic by bringing a reusable shopping bag.


• Use long-lasting light bulbs. Energy efficient light bulbs reduce greenhouse gas emissions.


• Use your city’s Hazardous Waste Disposal Program. Batteries, fluorescent and LED light bulbs contain materials that are harmful to our environment and should not be thrown into the landfill. Most cities have a special program for recycling these items, and the disposal of used oil, pesticides and oil-based paint.


• Plant a tree.

Restoration is imperative to fighting climate change and making the Earth a safer and healthier place to live. It’s time to step up. It’s time to make a change. Together, we can celebrate and protect our planet at the same time.