An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Article Display

JB MDL contributes to Air Force 'green' initiatives

  • Published
  • By Pascual Flores
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  The Air Force is challenging every member of the Air Force family to do his or her part to conserve natural resources, minimize waste and prevent pollution as millions around the world observe Earth Day April 22.

"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."

Like Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, installations across the force are taking aggressive strides to enhance sustainability and cut costs.

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

The Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is leading efforts to reduce the pollutants and heavy metals currently involved in stripping paint from Air Force planes. Tom Naguy, senior program manager for environment and energy in the AFRL's materials and manufacturing directorate, is overseeing the project. The robotic "de-painting" system uses a laser as an effective and environmentally safe alternative to existing processes.

JB MDL has taken an active role in using environmentally friendly technology by utilizing solar power panels throughout the installation.

"The New Jersey Army National Guard building here on the installation had 18,000 solar panels installed on its roof," said Kenneth Smith, 87th Civil Engineer Squadron environmental chief. "Many solar panels have been installed throughout McGuire and Dix and more are in the planning phase."

Strategically reusing products and materials, where appropriate, is another way the Air Force is slashing costs and controlling its waste stream.

JB MDL has implemented an earth-friendly initiative of reusing treated waste water to irrigate Falcon Creek Golf Course.

The important thing to remember is that even seemingly small changes can have big effects.

"I call upon every Airman to re-think 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 be 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.

JB MDL has substituted hazardous materials with nonhazardous materials to provide a healthy environment.

"We have changed the solvents used in our safety machines to use nonhazardous parts washers and have replaced the use of toxic chlorine gas with a nonhazardous calcium hypochlorite," said Smith. "We have also added an alternate disinfectant to help remove chlorine in the Dix swimming pools."

Construction projects are also incorporating several energy-saving features, with many of the buildings qualifying for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification.

"Civil engineers are building sustainable installations every day," said Maj. Gen. Timothy Byers, the Air Force civil engineer. "We are focusing on being smarter, faster, better and cheaper; we are reducing waste, conserving energy, and building leaner, more sustainable facilities because we know these efforts not only support the environment, but also save money and improve our mission capabilities."

To help emphasize the importance of individual efforts, the Air Force is promoting a "Blue Acts of Green" social media page. JB MDL Airmen and their families are encouraged to visit 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.