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Earth day: Keep it clean every day, not just today

16 Apr 2010 | Lance Cpl. Josh Pettway Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort

Earth day is coming soon and for those who do not know, here is a little history on the event and a few ways to focus more on preserving the planet.

Everyone has a different story to tell, but there is one thing every living creature shares on this planet and that is a home. Like any home, the Earth requires maintenance and renewal to ensure those residing in it live long, healthy lives.

Thus, the introduction of Earth Day.

Earth Day is held to inspire people to take time out of their day to care for the world they live in.

Late President John F. Kennedy went on a national conservation tour for five days and reached eleven states to spread the word and inspire more people to show their concern for the environment in September of 1963. The event did not pick up quickly but would soon be celebrated annually in the United States.

Earth Day’s success depends upon the amount of participants it inspires.

It takes more than just a few people to repair the damages to the environment caused by littering, the green house effect and pollution. By recycling and using safer methods of transportation, the health of the environment can be improved.

“If people recycle more and utilize the proper receptacles for plastic and aluminum they can make a difference gradually,” said Terrance Dunnington, a supply technician with the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office for the Air Station. “If an area suffers from pollution, mold can develop or worse making it hazardous to the health of those nearby.”

The Air Station will be taking its own measures to ensure the environment is in good health.

During the first week of June, Fightertown and Laurel Bay will conduct dumpster inspections to ensure they are being properly utilized. The inspection makes sure that no materials are thrown into the dumpsters that are not supposed to be and notifying the shop using it.

Dumpster inspections are just one of many ways that people can help to save the Earth.

“It is the responsibility of people nation-wide to take care of the Earth,” said Jason Thomas, a recycled materials handler for the Air Station. “By doing our part now we make things better for the next generation that follows us.”