Holloman to celebrate Earth Day 2010 Published April 13, 2010 By Ramon Acevedo-Cruz 49th Civil Engineer Squadron HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- During the decades of the 1960s and '70s, the country witnessed many events of such magnitude that they will be remembered for generations to come. Among them, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, Texas, the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights movement and the scientific and technological advances that led us to the Moon and winning the space race. While all these events were taking place, an idea, a virtual cinch to put the environment into the political "limelight" once and for all, grew from the first small celebration in 1962. Finally in 1969 and '70, Gaylord Nelson, a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, nationally initiated one of the most powerful ideas of our time -- Earth Day. April 22, 2010, is the 40th anniversary of this powerful idea. This year, the 49th Civil Engineer Squadron Asset Management Flight has planned several activities providing an excellent opportunity to spread Earth Day and Energy awareness. We will have an information table with recycled items and energy efficiency literature for our visitors at the Community Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 22 and 23. During the event, we will also have a display of hybrid and high-mileage cars. Additionally, the Asset Management Flight will be participating in the 16th Annual Community Earth Day Fair, April 24, at the Alameda Park Zoo in Alamogordo. The winning posters from the recent Recycling and Energy poster contest will be on display at Holloman and Alamogordo during the Earth Day celebration and at base facilities thereafter as a reminder that we should celebrate Earth Day every day. Lastly, on April 21, we will provide free compost material for landscaping to Team Holloman military and civilian personnel. Visit us next to building 1266 in the Recycling Center. You can help us reduce Holloman's $18,000 a day energy use by turning off all non-required lighting, printers, monitors and other office equipment such as shredders, copiers, scanners and fax machines when not in use or reporting outdoor lighting that is on during the day to your facility manager. Another idea designed to save money and energy is the upcoming No Heat, No Cold period on base from April 15 through May 15, 2010. You can help us save money with this program by keeping the air conditioner and heater off, and accommodating by dressing appropriately. Until the 1970s, the concept of environmentally friendly or being "green" was non-existent on a national scale. Rivers and oceans were being polluted, toxic dumps were growing at an alarming rate, toxic pesticide use increased and many species of wildlife were diminishing or disappearing. Now, awareness of the environment has become an important part of everyday life. Earth Day became an instant success. It did not take long for people to take notice and start doing something to stop the madness. A nation-wide grassroots demonstration on behalf of the environment brought together 20 million participants the first year in 1970. American Heritage Magazine called the first Earth Day "one of the most remarkable happenings in the history of democracy." Today, people are more environmentally conscious than ever. Purchasing fluorescent light bulbs may cost more, but cuts your electric bill; setting your home thermostat lower in the winter and higher in the summer saves money; taking shorter showers saves water and money; carrying reusable shopping bags saves energy and decreases litter; and buying a small high-efficiency car can actually decrease your energy and finance expenses. We should celebrate Earth Day every day and take action to help save our planet, our home.