MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- More than 100 Marines, Sailors and Department of Defense employees joined together to raise awareness for Mother Earth in the annual Earth Day 5k Run/Walk here, April 24.
Cherry Point has taken significant steps in energy conservation. Participating in this event is another step service members and race participants are taking to raise awareness of energy conservation.
“We want to promote Earth Day in a positive way and since the Marine Corps is big on physical training, we thought it would be a good way to get people out and exercising while still promoting Earth Day,” said Matt Wallin, a physical scientist with the Environmental Affairs Department.
Earth Day is a general awareness day to honor the earth and support environmental protection for future generations to come, explained Wallin.
“Everyone can help,” said Wallin. “Our supply of natural resources is limited, so recycling, cleaning up after ourselves and using trash receptacles are small steps that can make a huge difference.”
Cherry Point has a material recovery facility that is open to base patrons. The facility can take cardboard, plastic, aluminum and other recyclable items.
EAD plans to host Recycling Day in November in addition to promoting Earth Day to support conservation efforts.
“You have to lead by example,” said Wallin. “You may not see an immediate result, but if we get a good number of people doing it, we can make a difference.”
As participants ran the 3.1-mile route, they were excited to help raise awareness and promote ways in which we can preserve and conserve energy.
“The race was a great way to recognize Earth Day,” said Amy Morgan, a participant in the race.
Morgan hopes that people will take the time to consider ways to improve their environment.
“Please recycle everything you can and conserve water,” said Morgan. “Encourage other people to support the environment because every effort counts.”