Tyndall's 'green' efforts shine in time for Earth Day Published April 20, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Christopher Reel 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- In Tyndall's efforts to strive to be a 'green' base, Tyndall Fitness Center receives the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Platinum level. "The facility was built using 39 percent recycled content and more than 35 percent materials found within a 500 mile radius of Tyndall," said Brian Allen, 325th Civil Engineer Squadron mechanical engineer and project manager. "Using local materials reduced energy costs and usage associated with long-distance transportation." The fitness center is just one of the many ways Tyndall is improving to be an eco-friendly base. "As of November 2009, Tyndall began incorporating Lutron Electronics Ecosystem Ballast and Ecosystem Controls into building 1690," said Nicole Prush, government business development supervisor at Lutron Electronics. "We are also working on installing products in hangar five that will maximize the use of natural daylight by switching off electric lights when there is sufficient daylight available," she said. "Lighting accounts for 38 percent of electricity used in office buildings. Since dimmers extend lamp life of certain types of bulbs, the base can save money by buying fewer bulbs, as well as reducing the energy and environmental impacts associated with manufacturing." Along with improving lighting systems on base, Tyndall has also recently been working on its demolition and consolidation efforts in order to save energy and resources on base. "The majority of the materials after these demolitions are given to the base's recycling center," said Robert Myers, recycling coordinator. "In 2010, the Tyndall Recycling Center recycled approximately 1,563 tons of materials," said Myers. "Materials such as cardboard, paper, plastic, aluminum cans, news print, batteries, used oil, metal, and wood can be recycled at the Tyndall Recycling Center." "Recycling is one of the most important habits Team Tyndall can adopt," said Edwin Wallace, 325th Civil Engineer Squadron, solid waste and recycling, hazardous materials program manager. "Recycling helps protect natural resources by not relying on virgin materials like trees, aluminum and oil," added Wallace. "Most people do not realize that plastics are petroleum based. By recycling plastics, we can reduce the use of oil. Use recyclable bags or ask for paper bags when shopping to help decrease the use of plastic." The 325th Civil Engineer Environmental Office educates Team Tyndall and the local schools on ways to conserve resources and protect the environment. Members will be promoting air and water conservation, recycling and handing out favors from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 22 at the base commissary. In addition to their efforts at the commissary, members of the environmental office will also be visiting Parker Elementary and the Child Development Center here to discuss Earth Day. They will be informing the children and teachers on how to be more environmentally friendly. The office encourages everyone to walk or bicycle instead of driving a car short distance to help cut back on air pollution. Planting trees and flowers is another way to help preserve the quality of air. Conserving water can be as easy as remembering not to let the faucet run while brushing one's teeth and substituting a short shower for a bath.