LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
A stubborn winter wind broke the warm spring air as the young children hustled outside, eagerly gathering around the main attraction - a pile of dirt.
April 22 to April 28 was Earth Week and the 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron Environmental Team was out to educate the populace, in this case children. The planting of a tree at General Russ Child Development Center was one of many events held throughout the wek.
The tree planting was in honor of Arbor Day, a day dedicated to planting and caring for trees. Children from the CDC got to help Col. Korvin Auch, the 633rd Air Base Wing commander, plant a tree. Auch gave a brief speech on the importance of keeping trees healthy before planting the sapling Bald Cypress.
"Today is a day to stop and smell the roses," said Auch. "It is our job to make sure there will be roses to smell for future generations."
The team also went to Bethel Manor Elementary School April 24, and gave a brief seminar followed by a relay race for recycling. The seminar covered Hampton area policy on what can and cannot be recycled. The team passed out different items and told the kids why some items, even though they may be recycled elsewhere, would not be selected for recycling.
The relay race consisted of the children taking items to either a recycle bin if recyclable, or a trash can if not.
"It is very important to get the kids involved." said Michael Mallozzi, a 633rd CES pollution prevention manager. "It sticks with them."
Teaching students about the impact of pollution and wastefulness in the early stages of childhood sets up a foundation for good habits later on, said Ashley Sadorra, a 633rd CES water quality manager.
"You can make impressions on children," Sadorra said. "They can teach their parents about thinking green while they're young."
Families can help improve the environment in ways other than simply recycling. Growing a garden, conserving paper or reusing old water bottles are all ways to be eco-friendly, said Sadorra.
Minor changes and major motivation are the true game changers for reducing wastefulness, said Tech. Sgt. Scott Moler, a 633rd Mission Support Group environmental manager.
It doesn't take an event to make a difference," said Moler. "You have to want to make a difference."
Every unit here has the ability to aid the cause, said Sadorra. Turning of lights, starting a recycling rotation and preventing dumping are all ways Service Members at Langley Air Force Base can help out.
The Environmental Team also took their efforts outside the Langley AFB gates in their quest to educate the masses.
Along with educating the children, they helped the local community clean up five bags worth of trash, and approximately 1,000 pounds worth of artificial and natural debris at Armistead Park. The team also gave out 424 reusable bags to carpoolers and hosted the EnTrust shredding truck, which shredded and recycled 1,488 pounds of paper.