Naval Hospital Bremerton Celebrates Earth Day 365

BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- Naval Hospital Bremerton (NHB) officially recognized Earth Day 2013 on April 24, with several static displays on the Quarterdeck showcasing the command's environmental stewardship efforts.

Naval Hospital Bremerton Commanding Officer Capt. Christopher Culp, Executive Officer Capt. Maureen Pennington and Command Master Chief (CMDCM) Douglas George attended the event and met with the individuals who work to ensure NHB is setting the example for others to follow in energy conservation.

Resource Efficiency Manager, Dr. John Payne noted the hospital is at the forefront of energy saving programs like electric conservation and natural gas consumption as well as other ongoing projects within the hospital's domain.
"The parking garage for example and the LED (light emitting diode) lights being used have proven to have made a significant improvement in energy conservation," said Payne.

From fiscal year 2012 to 2013 Naval Hospital Bremerton has managed to save more than 500 Kilowatt hours in electrical usage and more than 250 Kilowatt hours in natural gas usage, according to NHB Environmental Protection Specialist Ramon Calantas.

"Things like daylight harvesting, automatic restroom occupancy lights, and time clock controls for the lobby or other areas not in use after hours have been the difference makers. It's important we all do what we can to keep the excess usage down to a minimal," said Calantas.

Navy commands around the world have been participating in Earth Day throughout the month of April in celebration and acknowledgement of the nationally recognized event held on April 22.

Earth Day came about as a way to remind people of their commitment to environmental protection and community engagement, and has been celebrated nationally since 1970.

As a globally deployed force, the Navy has countless opportunities to interact with local communities in unique environments, whether in the tropics, in the desert, or along the coasts. This year's theme, "Global Reach' Local Action" highlights how Navy Sailors, families, and employees can act locally to demonstrate the Navy's commitment to protecting the environment.

Staff members from Branch Health Clinic Bangor were also in attendance including Hospitalman Patrick Young of Optometry Department. Young noted the Bangor Clinic keeps a constant conscientious focus on recycling.

"We're very much on top of staying green with reminder emails that come out and the presence of cardboard, cans and bottle recycle bins everywhere makes it easy for everyone. It's that visual that stays with you while at work or off that makes you first think of 'how I can reuse this' or get it into the nearest recycle bin or have it repackaged somehow instead of just not caring and tossing it away," said Young.

According to the Earth Day Network webpage, it's fairly easy to attempt to go green in some capacity or another. In a person's household, for example, there are plenty of ways of 'going green' and 'staying green,' such as: Replacing basic light bulbs with fluorescent ones can be a great place to start because they save energy and reduce omissions into the environment; Recycling anything you can such as cans, paper, bottles, etc.; Planting certain drought resistant plants, requiring less water; Start a compost pile in your yard some where...that would be a huge benefit to the environment, by keeping organic material out of the waste stream; Try using less heat or air conditioning, by adding a layer of clothing or reducing clothing; and Try Carpooling or invest in hybrid vehicles.
According to Capt. Pennington, it's the NHB's team concept of supporting the numerous environmental stewardship projects in place that makes the command successful in keeping the Earth Day concept an daily effort.

"There's a reenergizing here. So many people have put in a lot of hard work which has made the difference. It's hospital wide and in every department that's put us where we are," said Pennington.

This year, more than 45 installations around the world are celebrating Earth Day with community events such as recycling drives, beach and base cleanups, 5K runs, bike-to-work initiatives, tree plantings, and environmental fairs. Additionally, installations and commands have been turning to social media to promote their events, share Earth Day ideas, and interact with their global network of fans.


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For more news from Naval Hospital Bremerton, visit www.navy.mil/local/nhb/.