Recycle, reduce, reuse: 188th Wing closes the loop
By Senior Airman Cody Martin, 188th Wing Public Affairs
/ Published April 21, 2016
EBBING AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ark. -- Earth Day is a day when people throughout the world show support of the environment.
The 188th Wing practices environmental protection every day, led by Capt. Lance Griffith, 188th Wing environmental manager.
"The environment is all that we have," said Griffith. "A lot of people just take advantage and think someone else can take care of it. We all have to step up and do our part."
One of the most beneficial ways the 188th aids the environment is with their recycling program. Primarily, the 188th has processes to recycle paper, plastic, aluminum and cardboard, but can recycle many forms of waste including ink cartridges and batteries.
"We take care of ourselves here," Griffith stated. "We utilize containers for plastic, cardboard, paper and other things of that nature to recycle the waste."
On base, there is a cardboard bailer near headquarters, building 188, cardboard containers for paper near the Logistics Readiness Squadron building, building 108.
Recycling provides many benefits, from reducing waste sent to landfills and incinerators to conserving natural resources and preventing pollution.
The 188th Wing receives an added benefit of compensation for turning in recycled material. These funds can then be used to cover any costs for the recycling containers, provide funding for the services within the 188th Force Support Squadron and can be used by the wing commander for morale, welfare and recreation functions.
"After their finance cycles, we get a check from the recyclers we turn waste materials into, depending on the amount we turn in," Griffith explains. "The money that can be made from trash instead of people throwing it away can be used for other purposes, including a fun run or fishing derby."
The 188th also plants trees around the base, including pin oak trees planted around the 188th FSS conference room. Once they grow and blossom, the trees are expected to take heat off of the facility.
"We are looking at bringing in more trees, including around the pond to shade for people that want to fish," Griffith said. "I feel it's more aesthetic and nice to see more trees around here and adds to the landscape."
Griffith can be contacted for any questions on the recycling program at 479-573-5446 and for more information, tips and resources, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency website at www.epa.gov.