MCB HAWAII -- In Marine Corps Base Hawaii’s pursuit to become self-sustaining, the base held its annual Earth Day Expo at Mokapu Mall April 17, highlighted by the 26,000 recyclables brought in by a unit competition.
Marine Corps Community Services coordinated the event, encouraging service members and their families to enjoy a morning of knowledge and fun, while learning the many ways to care for the environment.
“It creates awareness amongst everybody regarding good stewardship to the environment and resources,” said Maj. David Hudock, director, Environmental
Compliance and Protection Department. “It’s an all hands effort.”
“I think people are enjoying [the expo],” said Jeff Chaney, director of MCCS. “Compared to last year, we’ve had a larger turnout and a lot of great sponsors that are giving out a lot of great prizes. It’s beneficial and educational for everyone from the environmental stand point.”
Volunteers roamed around the crowds of people, handing out reusable shopping bags, which can be used to replace the use of plastic or paper bags.
One of those people was Col. Robert Rice, commanding officer, MCB Hawaii. Rice has set a goal for the base to be self-sustainable and energy efficient by 2015.
Hudock said Rice has been forward thinking, trying to get the base to a point where it can survive off of renewable energy and global resources alone.
Smarter forms of energy are just one small component to sustainability and sustainable living.
Hudock also said people need to think about creating a future they can enjoy which is as comfortable as it is today, and he believes renewable resources are one way to achieve that.
A recent test drive with a prototype hydrogen-fueled car at Kaneohe Bay was one way to explore alternative fuels, said Rice last month.
“Whether you like it or not, [fossil fuels] are going to run out, and there’s no denying it,” Hudock said. “If we continue to use products that are not renewable or create a giant waste stream, we’re not setting ourselves up for success in the future. It’s ensuring our children, grandchildren and future generations will enjoy the type of lifestyle we have today, which is pretty comfortable.”
One of the events highlighting the day was the award ceremony for the Mokapu
Elementary School students, who were recognized for their Earth Day posters, depicting the exploration of alternative forms of energy.
“It’s important that the community understands that we’re doing everything within our power to ensure the environment is being taken care of,” Hudock said. “Whether it’s banning plastic bags or building nests for Booby Birds, the specter of things we do is huge and diverse.”
A base unit-recycling competition brought in 26,000 recyclable containers for redemption of more than $1,300 at the expo.
Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 51 won the small unit category and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 24 won the large unit category.
Each unit’s redemption amount went back to the unit’s MWR funds and the winners of two categories also received a check for $250 from MCCS for those funds.
Booths were filled with plants from local nurseries and information on the environment were set up to inform people of growing issues and how people can help to reduce them. There were also booths set up to provide information about energy conservation.
Lance Cpl. Steve Blizzard, a rifleman assigned to Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment and his wife said they enjoyed being able to walk around and see what they could do to contribute.
“I knew about recycling and energy saving appliances, but there’s so much more that can be done,” Blizzard said. “And it never hurts to learn more about how to help the environment.”
In another environmental effort to support Earth Day, Marines from several units here took part in Malama Ka Aina, a special project to maintain the base’s beauty. Puuloa Rifle Range, Marine Corps Training Area Bellows and Camp H.M. Smith were also part of it.
Almost three tons of material were collected and nearly a ton of that was recyclable.
Hudock said he likes to consider every day is Earth Day. Although it has been designated one day out of the year, he believes the other 364 days should be regarded with the same concern for the environment.
“It’s important that we think about it on a day-to-day basis,” Hudock said. “Everything you do from throwing a can into the recycling or throwing out cardboard has an effect. You might not see it right away, but somewhere down the line you will, and it’s important to think about.”
Celebrated since 1970, Earth Day is a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment on April 22.