Commentary: Earth Day reminds us how far we've come, what can still be done

  • Published
  • By Mr. J. Hillman
  • 355th Civil Engineer Squadron pollution prevention
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Since we first celebrated Earth Day 40 years ago, we have come a long way toward understanding the negative impacts humans have on the environment and have begun working to minimize those impacts.

For example, laws have been enacted to restrict the production and use of toxic and harmful gasses called ozone-depleting substances (ODC's). For the first time since measurements have been taken, scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have recently reported a drop in the concentration of ODC's measured at seven sites around the globe suggesting that our efforts to protect the ozone layer may be paying off.

Other positive trends in environmental protection include the rapid growth of recycling programs throughout the United States. Recycling rates are up more than 50 percent over rates a decade ago. This means that less trash is going to the landfill, and there is less of a demand for virgin raw materials harvested from the nation's forests.

But we still have a long way to go. Everyone needs to contribute to make the goals of Earth Day work. Governments are helping, but the most successful results come from the efforts of individuals like you and me. Our actions as individuals can have tremendous effects on the preservation of the environment.

Consider this: The installation of low-flow aerators on kitchen and bathroom sinks can save as much as 70 gallons per month for every family member. For a community of 3000 residents, about the size of base housing, that's over 250,000 gallons per year!

Proper maintenance of your automobile can significantly decrease fuel consumption. A well-tuned car uses 9 percent less fuel than a poorly tuned one. In addition, insuring that your car's tires are properly inflated reduces fuel consumption by as much as 5 percent over a car with underinflated tires.

Compact fluorescent light bulbs use approximately 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs. Replacing just one incandescent bulb with a compact fluorescent bulb would decrease carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere by a half a ton over the life of the bulb.

And finally, making aluminum from recycled cans requires 95 percent less energy than making aluminum from raw materials. The energy saved from recycling just one can is enough to operate a television set for 3 hours.

We also have to look for products made from recycled material. If we don't buy these products, then there isn't a market, and without a market for the recycled products there isn't a market to collect and reuse what we recycle.

As we celebrate this year's 40th anniversary of Earth Day, you may want to reflect on your own efforts to preserve our planet. You may even want to think of some Earth Day resolutions that you and your family can strive toward that will help minimize harmful impacts on the environment. Your efforts will not only help improve the planet today, but will help insure that future generations can enjoy a healthy environment.