Going ‘green:’ we all must do our part Published May 30, 2008 By Senior Airman Stephen Collier 21st Space Wing Public Affairs PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- It's been described as a fad, a movement and a way of life. It's even been a rock concert. With pundits on one side and so-called experts on the other, going green picks up steam everyday. But just the thought of it can be a little confusing. Make no mistake: the Air Force, recently named the third-largest purchaser of green power by the Environmental Protection Agency, is taking the lead as one of the top organizations committed to becoming more energy efficient and greener. Big-ticket items, like pumping synthetic fuel into our B-52 bombers and C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft, Nellis Air Force Base's solar power plant in Nevada and Holloman Air Force Base powering its running trail lights with miniature wind turbines in New Mexico, are now all in play. Just look around your own office, squadron or wing. Has your unit switched to energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs? If available, has your unit switched to using E-85 ethanol fuel in its government vehicles? And are the members of your unit doing the simplest of energy-saving actions, like turning your computer monitors off at the end of the day? And it doesn't stop at the work place. For years, more and more communities have embraced recycling programs to mirror typical trash disposal. And how about that insulation foam your spouse has been hounding on you to install in your attic? Didn't they also mention something about new weather stripping too? The cost savings, as well as the energy efficiency gained from these smart moves can leave you feeling not only better about the environment, but the width of your wallet too. Most of the things we can do to go green are obvious and easy. But if that's the case, why aren't more of us doing them? We can all make use of public transportation more often. Many of us have neighbors or friends we're stationed with that live near by. Are you carpooling? If the Air Force is doing its part to lower energy usage, shouldn't you? If an organization of more than 650,000 Total Force Airmen, to include military, civilians and contractors, can become more energy efficient, we can all help make the world just a little bit greener at home and in our daily lives. The "green" list goes on and on. More initiatives on how you can go green can be found at the Department of Energy's Web site at www.doe.gov. Still looking for more ways to help the environment closer to home? Stay with the Peterson Web site and the Space Observer as they both go green for the month of June. Energy saving and efficiency tips, articles featuring what 21st Space Wing units are doing to go green and information on what each of us can do in the local area to be more energy mindful will be available throughout the month. Knights, let's go green!