Earth Day, April 22, 2018 is a day set aside to remember the importance of being good stewards of natural resources. Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin helped get the first Earth Day recognized on April 22, 1970. This year marks the 25th year that the Aeronautical Center has taken time to remember the importance of taking care of the environment and conserving energy resources.
The MMAC 2018 Earth Day event proved to be another exciting success. The Aramark Indian Taco lunch special and the four food trucks helped attract people to the event. The earth-friendly vendors such as OG&E, City of Oklahoma City, Fosters Nursery, Eskridge Auto Group, and others provided earth-friendly information about products and services that are available to help promote a sustainable environment. The Office of Facility Management (AMP-100) also distributed 1,400 tree saplings to employees. By planting these trees, the employees will be supporting a clean environment while also helping to replenish trees lost during ice storms in recent years. Trees promote clean air and provide oxygen by absorbing pollutant gases and filtering particulates out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark. Trees absorb carbon dioxide which helps combat greenhouse gas buildup by removing and storing the carbon while releasing oxygen back into the air. In one year, an acre of mature trees can provide enough oxygen for 18 people and absorb the amount of CO2 produced when you drive your car 26,000 miles. In addition, trees can help conserve energy. Three shade trees placed strategically around a single-family home can cut summer air conditioning needs by up to 50 percent. This reduces the energy demand for cooling our houses, which reduces carbon dioxide and other pollution emissions from power plants.
In addition to planting trees, there are many other ways that businesses like the MMAC can improve the sustainability of our use of environmental resources. Saving energy is a big one. Did you know that only about 30% of the energy input into a commercial electrical power plant (whether from coal or natural gas) actually reaches the consumer as electricity? The rest is lost as heat, friction, in the combustion process, and in generating and distribution losses along the way. By conserving electricity in your homes and at work, you can save three times as much in energy resources going to the power plant. Converting to LED lighting, saving on cooling by installing efficient equipment, setting back thermostats, and purchasing Energy Star appliances are just some of the things the Aeronautical Center is doing to help conserve energy resources. Consumers like yourself can do the same things at your home.
In support of Earth Day, MMAC’s Operations and Maintenance Division (AMP-300) would like to share the results of our recycling program. In July 2017, AMP started a new Janitorial Service contract with Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC) that included taking over all normal recycling items at the MMAC. The list of items below are currently recycled by DRTC, along with a summary of monthly average volumes.
While recycling efforts are extremely important, please remember that the items above reflect only those items used or consumed on Center. Employees are not allowed to bring personal home recycling material to work. You are encouraged to find an alternate means of recycling off Center premises with your local municipalities or solid waste vendor for your own personal recycling.
We all have an impact on 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 Recycling Program, and reporting potential water leaks or energy waste to the 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 Mother earth.
