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In December 1970 Congress authorized the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts. As a result, Ameri-cans began honoring Earth Day on the April 22nd every year.
Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson, a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, developed the idea for a national day to focus on the environment after witnessing the ravages of the 1969 massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California.
Nelson said, “building a sustainable society is the critical challenge of this century. Everything depends on it.”
In 1990, Earth Day went global in 141 countries and the event continues to spread internationally, providing a powerful focal point from which people can demonstrate their commitment to being good stewards of the environment. This year, more than 1 billion people in 192 countries worldwide will celebrate Earth Day.
Earth Day provides an opportunity to highlight the need for a clean environment with even more urgency as effects of climate change become more apparent every day. Scientists have amassed evidence suggesting that it is more important than ever to take action. The good news is that we do not have to give up our lifestyles to create an effect, and small changes can make a big difference.
Below is a list of changes you can make now to lower your carbon footprint:
Get informed. Learn more about the science behind our climate challenge and the responsibility that all sectors hold in addressing the issue. Add your voice to the issues that are shaping the climate debate and seek out emerging, evidence-based data.
Shop at a farmers market. There is a popular movement toward “sustainable consumerism” occurring in Europe and the U.S., which promotes purchasing goods that are produced with the minimum amount of resources consumed in the production of those goods. Farmers markets require minimal resources in order to produce goods that provide as much, if not more, benefit to the consumer. Many nearby cities, including Kaiserslautern, hold regular farmers markets, making a weekly trip easy.
Use energy-saving light bulbs. Another energy saving option is to change your conventional light bulbs to energy-saving bulbs like LED (light emitting diode) or CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) bulbs. These bulbs are more efficient and use 80 percent less energy while lasting up to 10 times longer saving you about $25 annually, and reducing 14 kilograms of carbon emissions from being produced by electrical companies each year.
Turn off or unplug electronics when they are not in use. Turning off electronics, or even unplugging them, instead of keeping them on standby, will save both energy and money. Washing your clothes at a lower temperature will also reduce hot water bills.
Walk or take public transportation instead of driving. Walking is a healthy alternative to driving short distances, and your wallet will be grateful. Transportation is now the largest source of carbon emissions in the United States. No matter where you live, travel by car or airplane contributes heavily to our shared carbon footprint. Take public transit, bike, or walk when possible — it’s good for your health, your wallet and the planet.
Lower your thermostat. Did you know that for every degree you lower your thermostat you will consume about 10% less energy? Lowing the temperature is a win for your wallet and for the environment.
For more environmental infor-mation, please contact the 86th Civil Engineering Squadron Installation Management Flight at 480-5086, 480-7712 or email 86ces.cea@us.af.mil.
How does the KMC officially celebrate Earth Day 2022?
Keep a lookout for daily Earth Day challenges, and the chance to win some Earth Day swag, posted on the 86th Civil Engineering Squadron Facebook page at https://m.facebook.com/groups/8804.
Also, don’t forget to join the 2nd annual 86th Civil Engineering Group Wild Boars Mud Run. This three-day event starts on May 12th. With just shy of three miles of mud trails and tough obstacles, you are sure to have a great time. Keep an eye out for the event sign-up at https://m.facebook.com/AFRamsteinFSS/.
