Earth Day

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Valerie Hosea
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  

The purpose of Earth Day is to raise awareness about environmental concerns. At Sheppard, the main concern is conservation of natural resources. 

Sheppard is one of the main consumers of water and electricity in Wichita Falls, TX. Each year Sheppard consumes a vast amount of energy and water used in Wichita Falls. For that reason, Sheppard also puts forth major efforts to conserve local resources. 

"Through the efforts of the Sheppard community, about 5000 mega watt hours were saved over a three month period. That's enough electricity to power 380 homes for an entire year," said 2nd Lt. Kevin McKinley, 82nd Civil Engineering Squadron. "Efforts to shut off lights and computer monitors have helped to get energy consumption going in the right direction." 

While the energy saved from January to March 2009 was an excellent amount, Sheppard still aims for less use of natural resources. 

"Recent energy reports have revealed that team Sheppard was able to reduce electrical consumption by 13 percent over the past three months, compared to fiscal year 2008. We are hoping to continue this downward trend of electrical consumption throughout the upcoming cooling season," Lieutenant McKinley said. 

Energy conservation is Sheppard's strong point. However, water conservation is an issue. 

"Unfortunately, water consumption has increased. This winter season has brought little rainfall. So water conservation is just as important now as (it will be) in the summer," the lieutenant said. 

Water usage increased by 19 percent during the first quarter of this year. That's a total of 12.5 million gallons more than last year's quarter. Actions must be taken.

If Sheppard participated in the following actions, each person would save more than 275 gallons of water every month. 

Water conservation tips
· Store drinking water in the refrigerator rather than letting the tap run for cold water. 

· Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation. 

· Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you'll save up to 150 gallons per month. 

· Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month. 

· Using a hose nozzle or turning off the water while you wash your car. You'll save up to 100 gallons every time. 

· Don't use running water to thaw food; defrost food in the refrigerator for water conservation and food safety. 

Electrical conservation tips 
· Keep the temperature at 76 degrees Fahrenheit during the hot months. (Heating/cooling represents a majority of our energy consumption.) 

· Turn of the computer at the end of the work day, over the weekend or when it is not in use. 

· Perform a quick inspection around the office for lights to turn off at the end if the day. 

· Shut off lights located next to the windows during peak sunlight hours to help reduce energy consumption. Shade the office from the sun in the summer to reduce energy used for cooling. 

· Check wattages of incandescent light bulbs in the office or house; sometimes more light can be produced using the same amount of energy. Example: 60 watt bulbs can be substituted for 13 watt high efficiency bulbs.