Earth Day, every day
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Earth Day, celebrated April 22 each year, is a well-known, worldwide event dedicated to improving awareness toward preserving Earth’s atmosphere and habitat.
The celebration promotes recycling, energy and water preservation and protecting the environment through regulation of harmful emissions into the air.
Charles R. Hill, a station environmental protection specialist, said he wants Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, residents to realize environmental conservation is their yearlong responsibility.
“From the private all the way up to the commanding officer, everyone places a stake in environmental preservation,” said Hill. “Earth Day is a day people think about the environment, recycling and pollution prevention, but after that day, they just drop their pack, but it’s all year long. Earth Day is every single day.”
Although recycling may not be required for station residents, if all personnel would recycle their trash and eliminate the need for personnel hiried to do so, the air station will save a substantial amount of money, according to Hill.
On top of recycling, Hill also stressed the need for station residents to regulate the resources they are using.
“Energy conservation is a big thing as well,” said Hill. “A lot of people think the water is free here, but it’s not. It costs money to heat it and provide it, which is expensive. The other big one is electricity ... if there is no one in the room, shut the lights off. That will really save a lot of money for the air station, too.”
Hill said recycling and conserving are the two biggest factors station residents can contribute to, in turn saving the station and Government of Japan money and bettering the U.S.-Japan alliance.
As well as contributing to a better alliance, Chris Haynes, station environmental director, said environmental contribution is what makes each person’s life a better existence.
“Environmental conservation is what makes it safe when you go home at night, and keeping a country that’s worth protecting,” said Haynes. “If we don’t protect our environment that supports life on earth, then we aren’t here.”
Hill said the environmental personnel are always open to the opinions of station residents. If residents have any questions or further tips to reach more base personnel, call 253-3733.