Friday, April 22, 2011

It’s Earth Day: Go green — Army Green!

By Capt. Nathan Olson
Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs– April 22, 2011
Wisconsin Army National Guard Environmental Branch Chief

Okay, admit it — when you think of earth-friendly, the Wisconsin National Guard might not be anywhere near the top of your list.  But you’d be pleasantly surprised.  Over the past 20 years the Wisconsin National Guard has taken dramatic steps to reduce its environmental impact by reducing hazardous waste and stepping up our recycling program, and joining Wisconsin’s Green Tier program.

We accomplished this by changing what we purchase, adjusting work procedures to maximize how we use materials, and finding new and better disposal methods.  And so can you!

It doesn’t matter what we do if we don’t have your help.  Why wait ’til tomorrow — today is Earth Day, founded by Wisconsin’s own Gaylord Nelson.  The Army and Air Force are key players – as a state, and as a National Guard, let’s set the standard — the green standard.

Take Action and be part of the solution.

•Keep recyclables out of the trash
•Fully use all products. When you have a choice of a partially used container and a new container, use up the partial container first.
•Return used lithium batteries to supply. Small lithium AA and 123A types used to power our flashlights and optics are very common, and have special disposal requirements.
It’s also “Guard the Environment” week — a grassroots effort to increase participation in environmentally friendly activities in our communities. Kudos to the Soldiers in the Recruit Sustainment Program, who cleaned up hiking trails and other natural areas in Rice Lake, Madison, Fond du Lac, Green Bay and Elroy this week.

How do you protect our environment?  Share your tips here.  Together we can make a difference.

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