Earth Day: Help preserve natural resources Published April 21, 2010 By Glynn Batla 82nd Civil Engineering Squadron SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- April 22 is designated "Earth Day" and the Sheppard Environmental and Energy Departments hosted a display regarding waste reduction, recycling, and water conservation at Sheppard Elementary School in observance of Earth Day activities. Give-away items such as key chains, book marks and pencil holders were passed out during the morning-long event. The theme for Earth Day 2010 "Take Action: Commit to a low-carbon, clean-energy future." Each year, the federal government uses more energy than any other single organization in the nation, and the Air Force is the largest user of energy within the federal government. That energy provides electricity to light the Sheppard buildings, heat and cool facilities and fuel the fleet of aircraft and ground vehicles. Sheppard is the Air Force's largest and most diverse technical training operation in Air Education and Training Command. The whole base has a responsibility to use energy and natural resources wisely, reduce fossil fuel use, purchase energy efficient products from suppliers who have a clear commitment to sustainability, generate renewable energy resources and preserve and utilize precious natural resources such as water. With only 3 percent of all the water in the world being "fresh," it is very clear that everyone should be active stewards of the environment. Each Airman can decide to make a conscious decision to reflect on their daily actions and consider the results that affect the health of the planet on a global level. It is up to each individual at Sheppard to make the commitment to achieve a low-carbon energy future and to preserve our natural resources. Each person can take small actions that collectively add up to big results. Together, Sheppard has the power to make our base more energy efficient.