RAFL, RAFM make small changes, big differences

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Erika Brooke
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
"Small Changes--Big Differences" is RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall's motto for Earth Week running from April 19 to 26.

Earth Week is an opportunity to raise awareness about environmental issues and how everyone can make a difference.

Throughout the week, Airmen and their families are encouraged to focus their attention on the small changes they can maketo their lifestyles to create a cleaner, healthier and safer environment all year round.

"We want people to be conscious about what they do and the effect it has, short term and long term. It may not affect them directly, but their decisions will affect their children and grandchildren," said Jean Dennett, 48th Civil Engineer Squadron, environmental flight administrator. "Conservation can become a way of life."

Volunteers from RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall are working together to broaden the meaning of "environment" and offer insight to protecting and conserving the world we have now. They have organized a variety of events to suit all ages, including a golf tournament, conservation work with the local community, poster contests at the schools, and the week's main event, an Earth Fair April 26 at the Lakenheath Base Exchange.

"We can't turn the clock back and money can't fix or reverse all the damage that's already been done, but we can make changes today...We can make a difference today," said Mrs. Dennett. Encouraging this year's motto, "Small Changes--Big Differences," the Earth Week team of volunteers is trying to get the message out there about reducing pollution, saving energy, conserving water, the correct disposal of hazardous waste, and making better decisions for our environment and ourselves.

According to a recent Airman's Roll Call, Environmental & Energy Awareness: Creating a Culture, Air Force leadership wants to create a culture where energy conservation is a consideration in all we do. Being 'environmentally friendly' can become a way of life for all Airmen with simple changes in their everyday routines.