ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Col. David Eaglin, 48th Fighter Wing vice commander, Chief Master Sgt. Brian Kentta, 48th Mission Support Group superintendent and Airmen from the 48th Civil Engineer Squadron gathered to re-open the 48th FW recycling center, April 22.

The 48th CES held the re-opening on Earth Day to promote the Air Force initiative to, "Go Green."

"We're working hard to reduce our carbon footprint as a base and to give back to the base and its Airmen," said Nathan Campbell, 48th CES environmental qualified recycling manager.

Many countries all over the world have observed Earth Day on April 22 since 1970, to remind the world populous to be environmentally conscious through such activities as recycling.

Studies by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencies, have shown that the average American produces approximately 1,600 pounds of trash per year, a majority of which is recyclable material.

According to Campbell, recycling saves resources and cuts down on waste costs for the Air Force and the Liberty Wing. RAF Lakenheath processes thousands of pounds of recyclables, monthly, but Liberty Airmen could always be more conscious and do their part by not throwing away recyclable materials.

The Liberty Wing, recycling center is open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and Saturday, 7:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., and recycles plastic, mixed paper, cardboard and scrap metal.

With profits made from the recycling center, and the meticulous planning efforts of the 48th CES, the 48th FW has expanded the on-base recycling facility.

"Over, the last three years, the recycling center expansion has been a work in process," Campbell said.

The expansion of the recycling center added a drive through facility, where larger house hold items can be properly disposed of.

The facility collects about 700 tons of recyclable materials a year that save the Air Force about $250,000 annually.