The Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center began celebrating Earth Day 31 years ago, and this year is no different, as the Center demonstrated its continued commitment to protecting our planet and conserving our natural resources. Earth Day is an annual event established by Congress in 1970 to recognize on April 22 the importance of environmental protection and conservation of resources. Since then, Earth Day has been recognized worldwide in nearly every country.

Although the weather threatened our festivities early Wednesday morning, it was a beautiful day in Oklahoma – just what you would picture for an ideal Earth Day celebration. There were displays providing conservation information for natural resources, like the Oklahoma County Master Gardeners and the True Sky Credit Union providing flower seeds for beauty and pollinator support. Participants provided information on energy conservation, such as energy-efficient windows (thermal windows), insulation (USA insulation), and solar lighting (SolaSolutions). OG&E also had a booth promoting their energy efficiency consultant CLEAResult, which provided information on conserving electric energy at work and home. Delicious food was provided by Pahs on a Roll and Blue Sky’s BBQ food trailer.

Let’s not forget the trees! Over 700 trees were distributed to attendees to take home and plant in their yards. Trees – the marvel of creation that helps our planet by capturing carbon dioxide and providing life-supporting oxygen to our atmosphere. Trees – that help prevent soil erosion and can provide energy-conserving shade in the summertime for our homes. Trees – that provide habitat for birds and other animals and can provide a renewable energy source to warm our houses and prepare our food. Trees – that make our yards and our planet more beautiful.

So, what are some things that each of us can do to support the conservation of our resources? Here are a few suggestions:

• Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Cut down on what we throw away. Look at your trash can. Can that paper be recycled? Could I use a washable coffee cup instead of the Styrofoam disposable? How about bringing a reusable bottle to work instead of a plastic water bottle?
• Volunteer. Volunteer for cleanups in our community. The FAA sponsors a cleanup near the MMAC every year. Get involved at your next opportunity.
• 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. Don’t overwater your lawn.
• Conserve Energy. The Department of Energy estimates that there will be a saving of about 1% for each degree of thermostat adjustment per 8 hours. Adjusting the thermostat by 10 degrees while at work could save 10% annually.
• Shop wisely. Buy less plastic and bring a reusable shopping bag to the store.
• 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 harmful to our environment and should not be thrown in the landfill.
• Plant a tree.

2024 MMAC Earth Day Video

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 Recycling Program, and reporting potential water leaks or energy waste to the AMP trouble desk at ext. 4-3687. With everyone’s help, we can make a difference by protecting our natural resources and caring for our planet.