Earth Day Keeps NDW Environmentally Conscious through Action

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- April 22 marks Earth Day for 2013, and many will use the day as an opportunity to make their homes, neighborhoods, and the planet a more environmentally cleaner place.

Across the fleet, commands are showing that Navy blue and gold can combine to make green, and Naval District Washington (NDW) is doing its part as well.

"On Earth Day and throughout April the Navy and Marine Corps team - as well as individual sailors, Marines, civilian employees, and families - have the opportunity to take local action to demonstrate their commitment to protecting the environment," said Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Environmental) Donald Schregardus in a message to the fleet. "No matter where you serve, you can take action by participating in local clean-ups, reducing waste, increasing awareness of neighborhood recycling programs, saving energy, or planting indigenous trees in your area. The options are limitless. Everyone can find or create a way to take local action."

Earth Day was founded in 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson as a grassroots effort to increase awareness of environmental issues. Since the 1990s, the Department of the Navy has typically celebrated Earth Day annually with themes, "green" installation events, participation in community and educational outreach activities, and articles or other information products that highlight local Earth Day events and ongoing Navy and Marine Corps environmental and energy programs.

The Navy takes a particular interest in Earth Day. In addition to helping further its year-round green energy initiatives and conservation, the day's events help to build relationships with local communities near Navy commands through joint events and activities. In NDW, many events are taking place on or around Earth Day in celebration of the Navy's efforts to stay green.

Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) in conjunction with the Anacostia River Watershed Society will hold a riverfront cleanup April 20 from 8 a.m. to noon. The JBAB Morale Welfare and Recreation will also be sponsoring Earth Day-related events including a poster contest, 5K run/walk, U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force Drill Teams performance and a blessing of the fleet.

Naval Support Facility Carderock will hold an Earth Day event April 23. Included will be posters and information booths set up all day in Building 40, a tree planting event at the south end of the parade field from 9 to 11 a.m., and an invasive species education and removal event from noon to 1 p.m.

The Washington Navy Yard will hold a commuter fair from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., as well as an invasive species education and removal event from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., both in the lobby of Building 22 April 24.

"Luckily, the easiest and most effective earth day programs can be accomplished at little or no expense," said Schregardus. "Picking up trash at a local park, clearing debris from a beach, or volunteering with a local environmental project can all be done on a shoestring budget. Bring your coworkers, friends, shipmates, and fellow Marines and increase your impact exponentially at no extra cost. Make a difference this year."

For more information on Earth Day events in NDW, visit www.facebook.com/NavDistWash.

For more news from Naval District Washington, visit www.navy.mil/local/ndw/.