MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- This year’s Pollution Prevention Week, themed “The Future is Now,” kicks off Sept. 18 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

Since 1995, citizens across America have observed National Pollution Prevention Week, heightening their pollution prevention awareness. This year, Miramar officials have big plans for those who live and work aboard the air station.

In a prelude to the National Pollution Prevention Week, an informative class was held aboard the Station to discuss solutions to one of the biggest pollution concerns- the recycling of antifreeze and other hazardous waste materials.

In keeping with the theme of “The Future is Now,” Keith Spencer, environmental protection specialist, Environmental Management Department, MCAS Miramar, touched on potential plans of hazardous waste management.

“In the near future, we would like to mainstream the process of recycling coolant by solely using the Air Station’s Hazardous Minimization Center,” Spencer said. “This would ultimately save money for the units, and further reduce the wastes waste and contamination.”

The plans were derived from the input of those familiar with the waste generating practice and activities to include motor transportation mechanics, the Auto Skills Center representatives, and avionics mechanics.

Although station-wide plans for mainstreaming the recycling of hazardous waste will ultimately save money for the units and reduce contamination, it is in the hands of the individual Marine to make the big impact.

Marines like Cpl. Jennifer Goff, motor transportation mechanic and hazardous waste coordinator, Marine Aviation Support Squadron 6, Detachment A, Marine Aircraft Group 46, MCAS Miramar, not only ensures that her Marines are practicing safe environmental practices on the job, but also at home.

“At work we’re always trying to dispose and recycle our waste properly, whether it's antifreeze, saturated rags, or simply plastics or cans,” said Goff, who works on operating and fixing humvees and 7-ton trucks. “At home, I always try to avoid throwing my cans and other recyclables in the garbage, and when I’m walking down the street I always make an effort to pick up trash, no matter whose it is.”

Goff, who is also a mother and San Diego native, realizes the importance of such practices.
“I have a son, and I want his future to be brighter,” she said. If you don’t have kids, do it for the children who will grow up in this environment that we’re helping to create, we can make a difference.”

According to a press release from the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable, evaluating existing waste practices, conducting in-house training, and simply telling others about safe practices are a successful ways to promote pollution prevention.

Through proper practice, Spencer knows the effects will be rewarding for not only the Marines on station, but the environment as well.

“We are not creating ‘tree huggers’ or ‘environmentalists’, and the Marines don't see it that way either,” he said. “We all realize that through pollution prevention, we’re trying to improve efficiencies, save some money, and reduce compliance liabilities. These goals are good for us all as a Marine Corps and a country, and quite possibly may have global implications.”

For more information on pollution prevention, contact the Environmental Office at 577-1108 or visit http://www.p2.org.