MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. -- Aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, there are a number of energy saving, environmentally friendly efforts in place including a geothermal plant, solar panels and numerous projects focused on reducing energy use in the Bachelor Enlisted Quarters aboard the Air Station.
While large-scale efforts are impactful, helping the Air Station meet its goal in 2012 to reduce energy usage by 30 percent, individual efforts can produce equal benefits.
“We’ve met our goal but we’re still conducting projects to further reduce energy usage,” said Neil Tisdale, utilities director and energy manager aboard the Air Station, in 2012.
The efforts of individuals aboard the Air Station can directly impact the environment.
Pollution prevention and minimizing impact play a large role, according to the commanding officer’s environmental policy statement.
To save energy, unplug electronics and chargers when not in use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, and turn lights off when not at home.
Water conservation is important for the environment and for saving money, according to the City of Savannah environmental affairs.
Beaufort county water primarily comes from the Savannah River through the Upper Floridian Aquifer, according to the City of Beaufort and the City of Savannah. This water source supplies water to a large portion of Georgia and South Carolina.
The more water pulled from these sources, the greater the risk of saltwater contaminating the source of fresh drinking water, according to the City of Savannah.
To conserve water, fix leaks immediately. Turn off faucets while not in use, and shorten showers. Water plants during the cooler hours of the day.
Do not throw away hazardous materials such as oils, paints or chemicals in dumpsters. Hazardous materials should be turned in to the Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Office, which can be contacted at228-6461.
Littering can directly and indirectly harm the environment, according to the environmental protection agency.
Wildlife can ingest or become entangle in trash, and the same trash can also kill plants, according to the EPA.
Batteries and recyclable materials should also be appropriately disposed of. For information on the MCAS recycle program, call 228-7694.
“It’s good to be a good steward of our environment,” said Tisdale. “We all live here.”