4th CES brings the green to Wings Over Wayne Published May 5, 2011 By Matthew Latham 4th Civil Engineer Squadron SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Those who braved the high winds and impending storm to attend the 2011 Wings over Wayne Air Show and Open House were able to visit the 4th Civil Engineer Squadron booth that was full of free Earth Day items designed to send a message to all attendees: Seymour Johnson Air Force Base cares about the Earth. Each visitor received a reusable grocery bag. An estimated 100 billion plastic bags are used in the United States every year requiring more than 12 million barrels of oil to produce them. Plastic bags sit for approximately 1,000 years in landfills before decomposing and releasing toxic chemicals into the soil. Reusable grocery bags reduce the number of disposable bags thrown away by more than 30 per year and are composed of a strong lightweight material. Each booth visitor was offered a tree in a box. The red maple came with instructions, seed and peat moss for an easy start to planting. Planting a deciduous tree (where the leaves fall off during the winter) on the southern side of homes provides shade during the summer and warming light during the winter. Trees reduce storm water run-off, the possibility of flooding and improve surrounding air quality. Soil conditions surrounding deciduous trees are improved due to the natural mulch provided every fall, reducing costly additives or conditioners. Airman e-BEAST was out and about, greeting children, taking pictures and directing the air show patrons to the 4th CES booth. Free free items such as pencils, bird feeders, jar openers and chip clips could be gathered along with free t-shirts featuring Airman e-BEAST or a sunflower Earth Day design. Seymour Johnson is committed to reducing energy consumption in compliance with Executive Order 13423 Energy and Water Reduction Requirements. In accordance with the order, the base must reduce energy intensity by 3 percent annually and/or 30 percent by 2015. Also, a 2 percent annual and/or 16 percent reduction in water use is required. Please call 4th CES Operations Services at 722-5139 for assistance with maintenance questions.