Earth Day ‘Caught in the act’

Janet Taylor-Birkey

Global warming trends and shortage of natural resources are debatable, but there is little debate that people worldwide need to take care of the Earth.

The goal of making people aware of their role and responsibility in taking care of planet Earth is something embraced on both sides of the political platform. According to the Earth Day Web site at http://www.earthday.net, “Earth Day 1970 achieved a rare political alignment, enlisting support from Republicans and Democrats, rich and poor, city slickers and farmers, tycoons and labor leaders.”

This political alignment quickly spread as more people learned how to make a difference. According to www. trails.com., a Web site promoting recreational trails, “Earth Day has only increased and spread around the world, with activities, celebrations and events growing steadily over time and millions of concerned citizens taking part. It is now recognized as the largest non-religious holiday in the world.”

Cannon is on the cutting edge in making a difference. A five-year winner in the annual Green Zia contest, Cannon has a user-friendly recycling program and goes by the three r’s of reduce, reuse and recycle in running a “green” base, said Jake Madril, 27th Civil Engineer Squadron.

Part of Cannon’s effort to involve base personnel is the 2006 Earth Day “Caught in the Act” Recycling Contest, beginning Monday and continuing to April 15. Sponsored by the 27th Civil Engineer Squadron’s Environmental Flight, squadrons are evaluated on their recycling programs by volunteers visiting selected buildings and observing recycling efforts, according the 27th CES.

“The purpose of the contest is to evaluate Cannon’s knowledge and participation in the base recycling program, [which is] to promote recycling, not an inspection,” said Gene Smith, 27th CES.

Winners in the large and small squadron categories will receive prizes based on the overall recycling efforts. Items considered in the judging are the availability of recycling containers, use of recycling containers vs. trash cans, knowledge of recyclables and recycling attitudes.

For more information on recycling or Cannon’s Earth Day activities, contact Gene Smith at 784-1096 or e-mail [email protected].