JOINT BASE LANGLEY EUSTIS, Va. –
"America Recycles Day," a national program that began in 1997 by Keep America Beautiful, is celebrated every year on Nov. 15, and encourages Americans to recycle and buy recycled products. This day promotes the environmental, social, and economic benefits of recycling, as well as encourages Americans to create a better natural environment. ARD also raises awareness in local communities of the benefits of recycling.
Recycling reduces the amount of waste going to already crowded landfills, as well as conserves natural resources and saves money. According to the 733rd Civil Engineering Division Environmental Element's records, Joint Base Langley-Eustis diverted approximately 1,715 tons of recyclables, including cardboard, mixed/shredded paper, scrap metal, toner cartridges, single stream recyclables, and mattresses, in fiscal year 2011, preserving natural resources and landfill space.
To celebrate "America Recycles Day", Fort Eustis, is sponsoring several events: "Cash 4 Cans" Aluminum Can Recycling Contest, "Turn In Your Old Mobile Phone," and "Take the Pledge." Activities, tenants, and staff divisions are encouraged to form a team to compete in the Aluminum Can Recycling contest. Teams can be of any size and represent large and small tenants/activities and base staff support divisions. The contest to recycle the most aluminum cans will run through Nov. 30. The 733rd CED EE will pick up the recycled aluminum cans and redeem them for cash. Teams will be recognized and receive their cash award at the Environmental, Safety and Occupational Health Council Meeting Dec. 8 from 10 to 11 a.m.
"Turn-In Your Old Mobile Phone" will collect cell phones to be turned in to a local Goodwill branch and sent off for refurbishing or to be recycled. Contact the points of contact at the end of the article for pick-up for the entire month of November on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Take the pledge to learn more about recycling efforts in your community. Stop by the Fort Eustis Exchange Nov. 8-15 to fill out a pledge card and receive a token made from recycled content.
At Langley Air Force Base, a display including environmentally-friendly products will be at the Exchange on Nov. 15. Stop by to learn about recycling at Langley AFB and receive a reusable shopping bag and much more.
To show our appreciation, a rewards program for recycling is offered at kiosks installed throughout JBLE, called "Dream Machine." For every beverage container recycled, either aluminum or plastic, people are given points that can be redeemed for discounts at restaurants and stores throughout the country. At Langley, kiosks are located at the Exchange, the AAFES Class Six/Shoppette, and at Bethel Manor. At Fort Eustis, there are two kiosks located at the Exchange.
You can do your part to make sure JBLE is fulfilling its mission in saving our country's resources and economic viability by doing something small and simple like recycling or increasing the amount that you already recycle. Visit http://hrclean.org/localities.shtml for a list of recyclable goods in your locality. For more information, contact Emma Watterson by email at emma.m.watterson@us.army.mil or by calling 878-4123 ext. 308, Karen Harvey by email at Karen.harveyharris@us.army.mil or by calling 878-4123 ext. 227, or Michael V. Mallozzi by email at michael.mallozzi@langley.af.mil or by calling 764-1141.