Sustainability goal for 2025 gets big boost

Miriam Easley/Sustainability Outreach Coordinator

Because of the efforts of 17 units and five garrison directorates, 1.176 tons of aluminum cans were recycled this year during the Aluminum Can Challenge. The third annual 90-day challenge began Aug. 1 and ended Oct. 31 and despite the deployments, the participating units were able to collect more cans than last year. The 70,000 aluminum cans collected and recycled saved the equivalent of 4,000 gallons of gasoline or enough energy to power a television for 23 years.

On Nov. 12 the units, including both Soldiers and family readiness groups, were awarded first, second and third prizes based on unit size during a ceremony at the Family Resource Center. Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew Barnes, garrison command sergeant major, presented the awards and commended the units for their tremendous efforts during the 90-day challenge.

The unit fund prize pot had been doubled from last year: $500 for first place, $300 for second place, and $200 for third place. The Most Consistent Recycler of the Year was awarded to MAMC Troop Command, also the first-place winner in the large unit category, and resulted in 200 day passes to Great Wolf Lodge. In addition to the prize money, the units also keep the 33 cent revenue per pound of aluminum recycled; this is continuous throughout the year.

The garrison directorates acknowledged during the award ceremony for their recycling efforts included: Public Works – 301 pounds; Eagle’s Pride Golf Course – 165 pounds; Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office – 29 pounds; Logistics-Hazardous Materials Control Center – 20 pounds; and Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security-Range Control – 14 pounds.

Two individuals were also recognized during the ceremony: Al Johnson, for his continuous recycling efforts at Soldier’s Field House and Al Ziemer of Public Works for his constant support of the recycling program.

“The real ‘Thank you’ goes to all the people who contributed to the program at the various accumulation sites throughout Fort Lewis,” said Ziemer. “What we do individually is important. This aluminum can drive is just another example of success that comes from everyone taking the time to do the right thing.”

The Aluminum Can Challenge is a part of America Recycles, a recycling campaign to engage and educate the community on the importance of recycling. In addition to the challenge, there were also educational activities at the North Fort Youth Center and a Recycling Extravaganza at the PX. The PX event featured personal document shredding and electronics recycling by LeMay, Inc.; light bulb exchange by Tacoma Power; book donation and giveaway by The Reading Tree; personal belongings donation accepted by Tacoma Rescue Mission; and refrigerator recycling by Jaco, Inc.

The combined events are all part of meeting a Fort Lewis sustainability goal: to achieve zero net waste by 2025. With continued dedication such as that displayed during the America Recycles campaign, we’re well on our way.