FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Many of you are playing a major role in improving our Quality of Life and Responsible Stewardhip (protecting our precious resources) here at Fort Jackson. I would like to thank you for what you're doing with two of our four priorities (the others being Leader Development and Training/Readiness) and ask that you don't let up.

Instead, I urge you to educate and pull others along. One of our goals here at Fort Jackson is to become a Net Zero installation. Our collective efforts to reduce our energy costs, water consumption and to create a waste-free environment have proven to be beneficial in improving our quality of life and environment for Soldiers, Civilians and Families.

Not only have we been able to save money, but it provides us with a cleaner and more energy efficient environment. As a post, we must continually strive to reduce our energy use. If we can produce more energy on site than we use within a year, we will become a Net Zero Energy installation.

This means we must remember to turn off lights, cut back on excessive use of electrical appliances and turn off computer monitors after leaving work. Every little bit helps toward our goal.

Moreover, eliminate excess use of water to achieve our water conservation goals. For many of us who live on post, let's remember to shut off the water when we are finished and cut back on long showers. It's necessary for our future that we continue to make changes in how we use our water so we can become a Net Zero Water installation, as well.

Another concern is our trash dumping areas. Recyclable batteries, fluorescent light bulbs (lamps), and mercury-containing equipment are examples of universal waste. Remember, if you have a questionable waste item that may need to go in a separate recyclable bin, ask someone who can help you or call the post Environmental Division.

If we convert our waste streams to valuable resources that can be used to help rebuild and assist -- namely with our reconstruction efforts on post we can save approximately more than $5,000 in recycling efforts.

Remember, we can always save a little green by going green.

Recently, 17,000 tons of concrete were crushed and resourced from renovation and demolition projects on Fort Jackson to be used for future projects, such as erosion repair work, roadways and filling activities. These types of projects can save us money by not having to purchase this type of resource to fix our infrastructure.

For the next two months, we will conduct numerous programs and projects that will help us achieve Net Zero installation status -- a status that will lead to a cleaner environment for all of us. Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Ernest Lee and the Environmental Division's Solid Waste Program are spearheading a postwide cleanup. We need to get involved and improve our environment with waste-free areas.

In addtion, our Directorate of Public Works and FMWR will host a "Green Initiative Day," April 13, in support of Earth Day. This will be a great opportunity for our Soldiers, Civilians and Families to have fun and learn new information about recycling to improve our community.

Through sustainable initiatives, energy conservation programs and recycling programs, I know we can reach our goal of becoming a Net Zero installation. We will continually promote improvement of environmental initiatives, environmental laws, prevent pollution, and manage sustainable programs.

Again, thank you, Team Jackson, for your efforts in making us better and cleaner. These types of efforts will only bring us that much closer to achieving our ultimate goal of becoming the preeminent training center in the Department of Defense.

Army Strong and Go Green!

Victory Starts Here

Victory 6