MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- During the month of April, the Environmental Department here is slated to raise awareness on the significance of environmental appreciation for the 40th anniversary of Earth Day April 22.
Since 1997, Japan has enforced the Law for the Promotion of Sorted Collection and Recycling of Containers and Packaging which requires consumers to follow sorting guidelines and dispose of their waste in an organized fashion.
As residents in this country, there are small steps that service members and civilians can take in an ongoing effort to minimize their own carbon footprint and maximize the potential of reusable resources during their stay.
Personnel living off base are not permitted to bring their trash and dispose of it on base, where trash is likely to pile up in excess amounts.
By sorting materials into their proper recycling categories out in town, contractors don’t have to spend extra time and money collecting and separating the mess.
“If people are motivated to do that, we really appreciate it,” said Melanie Bengtson, environmental director here.
Taking the time to sort recyclable products benefits the air station financially and ultimately benefits service members and civilians through the Qualified Recycling Program here.
QRP recycles hundreds of tons of small plastics, cardboard, paper and various types of scrap metals including aluminum, copper wire, lead and steel ever year.
Previously, lead acid batteries were among the materials being disposed of as hazardous waste but are now listed among the recycled materials.
“The money goes for good things,” said Bengtson.
Revenues from the program go right back into the air station by funding various projects including the construction of several bus shelters, shades on the playgrounds and recharging sheds for electric vehicles and solar lighting.
QRP is also open to ideas from residents on ways the money can be spent.
Another concern the Environmental Department has raised is the importance of disposing of hazardous materials properly.
“Only rain in the storm drain, as they often say,” said Bengtson.
Pouring mop water, soap, oil or washing a vehicle over or near a storm drain is highly discouraged and are sure ways to spread storm drain contamination.
Even though soaps are biodegradable, they still effect the water quality by consuming the oxygen in water.
“If people are going to wash their vehicle, we would like to see people use the car wash here as much as possible,” said Bengtson.
Those who own vehicles are also encouraged to be mindful of how and where they dispose of their vehicle liquids such as oil and antifreeze.
“All the oil for personal vehicles can go to the auto hobby shop,” said Chuck Hill, environmental protection specialist here. “For the people in the shops, we have designated areas around the air station where they can take their used oil.”
The Hazardous Minimization Center, located at Building 1645, has a locker that contains reusable hazardous materials such as household chemicals or paint that people have donated for others to use at no cost.
If service members are executing a permanent change of station and need to get rid of these items, rather than throw it in the trash where it doesn’t belong, they can drop the trash off at the HazMin Center for others to use when they come aboard the air station.
“It is always a good thing to check before you go out shopping and spend a lot of money,” said Bengtson. “It might be available right there at the HazMin Center and it’s free.”
For more information about environmental awareness and upcoming Earth Day events, call 253-6857.