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N.C. Air National Guard encourages airmen to be environmental stewards

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Patricia F. Moran
  • 145th Public Affairs
CHARLOTTE, N.C. --  The 145th Airlift Wing held an Environmental Education Day, organized by the Wing Environmental Manager, Lt. Col. Sam Ingram, at the North Carolina Air National Guard base, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, April 23, 2015.

Local community agencies were invited to come and educate employees on new initiatives in sustaining our water quality, recycling and environmental restorations.

Men and women join the military for many reasons, including a call to defend their country.  In the North Carolina Air National Guard, defending the country involves protecting fellow citizens as well as the environment.

The 145th Airlift Wing and its geographically separated units in Stanly County are dedicated to continually improving our environmental performance, and we encourage our airmen to be environmental stewards.

The Wing endorses the implementation of an installation-wide Environmental Management System and is committed to compliance with federal, state and local environmental laws, regulations and other requirements.

Within the framework of this management system are the goals of promoting the conservation and sustainable use of natural and manmade materials, prevention of environmental pollution and minimizing waste generation.

NCANG operates an efficient program managing receipt and distribution of all hazardous material. Where those materials cannot be eliminated, the environmental office works to make sure they are handled and disposed of properly.

Additionally, the environmental office operates a robust, qualified recycling program whereby brass, cardboard, office paper, rechargeable batteries, aluminum and plastic bottles are managed to keep these materials out of our landfills.  In 2014, there were over 60 tons of cardboard, mixed paper and scrap metal alone recycled.

"At the 145th Airlift Wing, Combat Operations Group and Civil Engineer Regional Training Site - three North Carolina Air Guard installations - every effort is put forth to protect the environment and make it available for military training," said Ingram. "These efforts include cultural and natural resource management, pollution prevention, recycling and clean air and water conservation."

Engineering teams ensure new buildings are utilizing the best energy saving products ensuring water and electricity are not wasted and are sustainable for the future.

Airmen recycle more than 30 different types of items from paper and cardboard to materials such as concrete, asphalt, scrap metal, batteries, electronics, tires and oil.

Educating and partnering with community outreach programs such as Environmental Education Day ultimately helps protect these lands, which have been entrusted to us, and keep our airmen ready, reliable, responsive and relevant.