MCAS Beaufort -- The Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Office held an Earth Day poster contest throughout the month of April. The award ceremony was held aboard Laurel Bay, April 24.
The air station is committed to protecting present and future mission readiness and capabilities through effective and efficient environmental management. By promoting and observing Earth Day in the Laurel Bay schools and local community MCAS Beaufort is educating Marines, sailors, and families about this policy.
"This Earth Day poster competition is a fun way to educate and involve our children on environmental management," said E.J. Wenrick, the recycle manager with NREAO. "We want to make sure they know how to be conscientious of the environment and how to implement good environmental practices into their everyday life."
April 22 has been designated as Earth Day since 1970. Initially earth day was created to protest pollution oil spills, water and air pollution, toxic dumps, loss of wilderness and endangerment to animals. This year will mark the 47th Earth Day. Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron sets funds aside for the NREAO to sponsor the poster contest which has been held annually for several years.
"We have the employees from NREAO conduct the judging process," said Wenrick. "We are judging on the art work, the amount of time that went into the poster and the facts used on the poster; who did their homework. This year’s contest theme was give a hoot, don’t pollute."
Across the Marine Corps, installations are participating in Earth Day activities to help remind all Marines, Sailors, civilians, and their families that their everyday actions help protect our resources and contribute to the long-term success of the Marine Corps, according to Marine Administrative Message 222/18.
"As a force in readiness, we must recognize the critical interdependence between our mission, the environment, and the communities in which we train and operate, both at home and abroad," according to the MARADMIN. "Practices that minimize our environmental impacts help to protect and sustain lands for future training, ensure the health of our forces and the surrounding communities, and reduce operational and logistical costs. Simple changes in our personal behaviors can make a meaningful impact: turning off lights when leaving, carpooling to work, reducing water use at home and in the workplace, participating in recycling and waste minimization programs; using reusable bags; and minimizing spills and disposal of harmful chemicals and cleaners."