As protectors of our nation, the U.S. Army safeguards the American people and the land on which we stand. Conservation has become a major part of the Army’s agenda, so it’s only natural that Earth Day is a special celebration for the Army around the country.
An environmental movement
Earth Day began more than 50 years ago as a grassroots teaching movement to open the nation’s eyes to the immense impact of pollution on the environment. U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson modeled nation-wide demonstrations after the teach-in movements of the 1960s, encouraging Americans to stand up against toxic dumps, pesticides, polluting factories, and other harmful acts that were severely affecting air and water quality.
These large-scale demonstrations led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and the passing of several environmental laws, such as the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act. By 1990, Earth Day and its message spread worldwide, inspiring action among 200 million people in 141 countries.
Celebrated annually on April 22, Earth Day works to “diversify, educate and activate” environmental change around the world. This year’s theme “Invest In Our Planet” strives to mobilize individuals and organizations for environmental education and action. Organized tree plantings, cleanups, discussions, upcycled crafts, celebrations, outdoor recreation, and plenty more are shared on EarthDay.org to encourage everyone to join together to preserve and protect our planet and our health.
A history of protecting the environment
Well before the establishment of Earth Day, the U.S. Army contributed to and led conservation efforts to protect, preserve, and enhance the land and its plant and animal species.
In the late 1800s, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USAEC) worked diligently to prevent dumping of pollutants in the nation’s harbors. In several cases, the Corps enforced this program and helped bring offenders to court. The Corps gained more authority over the years and today protects navigable waterways, wetlands, and other aquatic areas. It develops infrastructure through new approaches and technology and collaborates with other agencies to combat environmental crises.
USAEC protects the land, water, and air through management of clean air, hazardous waste, drinking water, pollution prevention, recycling, and more. It preserves tens of thousands of historic and archaeological sites around the country to maintain cultural and historic resources. Its conservation efforts impact 13.6 million acres and 184 endangered species. The work of USAEC and its partnership with other organizations significantly improves and sustains the environment shared by all citizens.
Acting today to enjoy tomorrow
Environmental initiatives launched and completed by the U.S. Army today create a greener and more sustainable tomorrow. While some of these initiatives were born from specific Army needs, their impact and influence reach into the communities, states, and country they serve.
This March, several Army units earned the 2022 Secretary of the Army Environmental Award for their innovative and creative environmental solutions, including:
The Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield Water Quality Team efficiently and creatively managed two community drinking water systems by implementing a collaborative multi-unit strategy where two smaller tanks were installed – one for potable water, the other for fire suppression – to ensure water quality and overall safety.
The Colorado Army National Guard’s Environmental Quality program became a leader in the state and nation for its reduction of energy, minimization of waste, and shifting its fleet to hybrid and electric vehicles.
The Maine Army National Guard created a new 5,000 acre-plus training area from Maine’s wilderness. This training site balances the use of the space for the National Guard alongside protecting over 1,000 acres of wetlands which are home to several vulnerable or endangered species, including the Atlantic Salmon and the Canadian Lynx.
The Nebraska Army National Guard devised a way to protect the endangered whooping crane in several states through the establishment of the Crane Protection Team. This team assesses risks to the crane’s populations - like intrusive vegetation on sandbars and exposed powerlines – and works to remove the obstructions so that the crane’s migrations and breeding habitats are not disrupted.
These and countless other examples illustrate the Army’s commitment to environmental stewardship. When the Army follows best practices today, it ensures a stronger environment tomorrow.
Earth Day: Secure the Future
In preparation for Earth Day each year, the Army celebrates and promotes its activities with a new poster and message. This year’s poster states: Sustain the mission. Secure the Future. A partnership for the planet.
2022 Earth Day poster, from the U.S. Army
Given the many examples above, it’s clear the Army walks the walk. For Earth Day, it shares that mission and extends that partnership to its communities. The Army will work with government agencies, academia, and businesses to determine how environmental efforts can lead to readiness and defend from future threats.
The Army prepares and provides an extensive package of Earth Day materials to plan celebrations and projects at posts around the country. Look for events such as environmental fairs, recycle drives, cleanup efforts, poster or logo contests, environmental walks, tours of local facilities, speakers, and more.
This April, go green with Army green as the Army partners with public and private institutions to fulfill its mission of protecting and cleaning the environment.
