Thursday, October 20, 2011

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Recycle Center Kicks Off Energy Awareness

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nardel Gervacio, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Whidbey Island

OAK HARBOR, Wash. (NNS) -- Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island hosted an Energy Awareness 2011 Kick-off event at the base recycle center, Oct. 19.

The kick-off promoted energy conservation education and awareness on recycling, as well as informing attendees of continual energy saving integrations implemented by the base.

In a brief statement, Capt. Jay Johnston, commanding officer at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island thanked the attendees for kicking off the event and highlighted Team Whidbey's achievements so far.

Highlights included the installation exceeding mandated 30 percent energy reduction ahead of the fiscal year 2015 time line; the installation is also well on its way to meeting the mandated 26 percent water reduction goal by the end of fiscal year 2020.

For fiscal year 2010, the combined energy and water cost to the installation was $4.9 million and energy projects awarded or under construction in fiscal year 2011 are a combined annual energy cost reduction of $566,000.

"It's the little things that make a difference in energy usage, and we call all to make the choice to do them and be a part of making a difference," said Johnston.

"Our goal here at the recycle center is to try to be at a point where we are 100 percent waste-free; our goal is zero waste by 2020," said Kassandra Gale, recycling office technician, NAS Whidbey Island recycle center.

NAS Whidbey Island's conservation efforts were recognized Oct. 12 in Washington D.C. at the Navy Memorial with a fiscal year 2010 SECNAV Platinum Level of Achievement, an award NAS Whidbey Island has achieved four years in a row.

"We have the vision, and where we are right now, we are at 77 percent for the fiscal year '11. It's the fifth year we had 77 percent recycling or better, so I'm happy about that," said Gale.

According to Gale, NAS Whidbey Island recycling efforts in FY11 alone saved 22,644 mature trees, 9,324,000 gallons of water, 3,996 cubic yards of land fill space, 2,664 barrels of oil, and 5,328,00 kilowatt hours of electricity.

"Recycling to me means a healthier lifestyle for me and my entire family. It keeps my house and my living situation cleaner, and it helps the environment," said Aviation Maintenance Administrationman Airman Stephen Anderson of Oak Harbor, Wash., assigned to Fleet Readiness Center Northwest (FRCNW). "I'm a nature buff; I've enjoyed the beauty of our beaches and the mountains of Washington, and I've seen a lot of trash along the way and stuff that are recyclable. That's why recycling and energy conservation and the disposal of household and hazardous materials is so important."

Today's event also served as the start of the countdown to America Recycles Day, November 15, celebrated annually since 1997.

No comments: