FORT STEWART, Ga. - Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield continues to meet and exceed standards set for the nation's recycling program. Federal facilities were mandated several years ago to incorporate recycling practices into all daily operations and we are doing that. However, there are still many among us who have not gotten the memo.
The responsibility for an effective recycling program does not rest on any one person or organization alone. Each and every one of us - Soldier, Family Member, DOD Civilian and contract personnel - working on the installation can and should be making a difference.
Just to help make a difference, the garrison, with the help of the Directorate of Public Works has launched a new campaign called "Caught Doing Something Good."
We're on the watch for community members who are doing the right thing in regards to recycling. We will take pictures of the inside of the recycling containers and pictures of the Soldier and their Family Members who are doing it right. When you're caught doing the right thing, we want to recognize you through this newspaper and Marne TV as well as award you a certificate and a sign in your front yard broadcasting that you were "caught doing something good."
We often hear the jingle, "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" anytime there's a discussion about recycling; often focusing on the last "R"- Recycling However, the other "Rs," Reduce and Reuse, are just as important to closing the loop on our recycling efforts.
Reduce means using fewer resources. Some of the things that we can do are going "bag-less" where you can, purchasing electronics and appliances that are energy-efficient, conserving water at home and in the barracks, and saving money by purchasing gently-used items.
Reuse means before you recycle or dispose of anything, consider whether it has life left in it. A magazine can be shared, a cell phone can be donated, and a bicycle can be repaired. And finally, recycling is the processes of collecting, processing, remanufacturing, and reusing materials instead of discarding them.
Recycling also reduces the amount of material going into landfills, thus preserving the land for more uses. It also reduces pollution that may result from waste disposal, conserves energy and creates jobs. Simplified, recycling means to process old and used items so that the material can be used to make new products.
Creating an atmosphere where everyone is committed to the success of the recycling program is vital to its continued existence on our installation.
In order to make the recycling process "easy," all facilities, building managers, and unit commanders should provide blue, clearly marked recycling containers inside each building and position them next to the trash cans, so no one has to take additional steps to recycle.
All paper products should be placed in one container with a clear plastic liner/bag in order to reduce contamination. If you have questions, contact your Recycling Compliance Person that has been assigned to each Brigade, Battalion, Company, and agency on the installation. If you still have questions contact the DPW Environmental Office.
While we are trying to make recycling as easy as possible for everyone, the choice is ultimately in your hands. I encourage all Army Families, Soldiers, Civilians, and visitors to not only do their part and recycle but also encourage others to do the same.
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