Kadena earns federal environmental award Published June 27, 2007 By Master Sgt. Jeff Loftin 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Kadena recently earned the 2007 White House Closing the Circle Award for its recycling program. The award, presented at the White House June 12, recognizes the significant contributions and positive impacts of federal employees and facilities in environmental stewardship. "Although the team realized we had an exceptional program we were ecstatic to learn that we won the award," said Christa Winnie, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron Environmental Flight chief. "Our program has excelled over the last year, but it is a pleasant surprise to receive this level of recognition for our efforts." The base competed against other Department of Defense, federal agency and private sector programs, according to Huan Nguyen, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron Pollution Prevention Program manager. "There was a lot of competition," he said, "but we do a great job here and we finally got recognized for that." Among Kadena's many environmental contributions in 2006, the base reduced its solid waste disposal rate from more than 25,000 tons to approximately 14,080 tons through recycling, composting and mulching. The effort saved the Air Force more than $2.8 million in disposal costs for the year. Kadena also found innovative ways to recycle cooking oil by placing collection drums around the base for residents to dispose of used cooking oil. The collected oil - more than 350 gallons - was then converted by a contractor into bio-diesel fuel for vehicles. "We have things here at Kadena that are not available at other bases in Japan or in Pacific Air Forces," said Mr. Nguyen about the cooking oil collection program. As the only military installation on Okinawa operating a glass recycling center, Kadena collected more than 340 tons of glass from residents, clubs and restaurants. The glass was finely crushed, mixed with sand and reused for on-base construction projects. This saved $88,000 in disposal costs and $33,000 in reductions of fill material. The base also recycled 66 tons of cardboard, four tons of lead acid batteries, and 495 gallons of antifreeze, which reduced hazardous waste disposal costs. It also composted 750 pounds of organic waste saving $185,000. The compost was made available to the DoD community on island. Kadena is the senior executive agent for all military family housing on the island of Okinawa, which includes more than 8,180 housing units. The base MFH recycling policy yielded 440 tons of recycled material in 2006, including 380 tons of recycled metal. "Overall through a team effort of base personnel and local nationals we reduced the refuse going into local Okinawan landfills by 50 percent in 2006," said Ms. Winnie. In addition to recognizing outstanding recycling efforts, the Closing the Circle recycling award also recognizes programs that include internal education and public outreach components. Kadena requires all base newcomers to attend a recycling briefing where they learn how to separate and package recyclables, and how to dispose of waste both on and off base. Additionally, the base partnered with the local Japanese community for Earth Day to participate in recycling games, contests and demonstrations raising awareness of the importance of recycling. More than 1,500 people attended the events. "Kadena Air Base's recycling program is just one example of the importance of environmental stewardship across the Air Force," said William C. Anderson, assistant secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Logistics. "I am proud of Kadena for receiving this award." Staff Sgt. Monique Randolph, Secretary of the Air Force Office of Public Affairs, contributed to this story.