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District holds Earth Day Symposium

April 24, 2009
By Brittany Brown
Norfolk District Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va.—Embracing the Army's Earth Day theme of "Sustaining the Environment for a Secure Future," the Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, hosted a symposium which encouraged district employees to "go green."

Stephen Decker and Nancy Hankins of Norfolk District's Regulatory Office were on hand to provide information about the Regulatory Office's efforts to "go green" by sharing large files, such as permits and manuals, electronically.

Other Regulatory table topics included tips and information for employees to adopt sustainable practices at home and in their respective offices. Several dozen district employees signed up to receive additional information via email from the Regulatory Branch relating to the aquatic environment, gardening and a host of other topics.

Clint Deardorff and Dianna "Bumper" Hancock, commercial sales specialists from Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse, offered expert advice about energy efficiency, including lighting options, fireplace dampers and doors, insulation, air filters, weather-stripping and energy efficient appliances.

In addition to the table topics, Norfolk is Beautiful and the City of Virginia Beach Department of Public Works provided printed materials and giveaways for attendees. More than 50 district employees entered a raffle contest to win a Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse gift card by sharing a random fact that they learned from the symposium. Economist Laura Schreiber was presented the gift card on behalf of the Public Affairs Office.

For more about Earth Day activities around the Corps of Engineers, visit
https://environment.usace.army.mil/?contentRegion=Item&id=57015

"Going Green" Facts and Tips from Norfolk District's Earth Day Symposium

  • Norfolk District is in the process of "going green". A project delivery team has been established at the district to facilitate Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) renovations to the Waterfield Building.
  • Homeowners can use rain barrels to collect and redistribute rain water for when they need it most – during periods of drought -- to water plants, wash cars, or to top a swimming pool. It provides an ample supply of free "soft water" to homeowners, containing no chlorine, lime or calcium making it ideal for gardens, flowerpots and window washing.
  • A healthy buffer consists of trees, shrubs, and ground cover that slows down and filters storm water runoff to protect water quality.
  • Fats, oils, and grease are bad for plumbing systems. Never pour grease or cooking oil down the sink drain or into the toilet. Instead, pour grease and oil into a can. You can store the can in the freezer until it is full. Then, just toss it in the trash. Opened soup or vegetable cans work well for storage purposes.
  • Don't put grease and food scraps down the drain, even if you have a garbage disposal. Scrape grease and food scraps from pots, pans, and plates into the trash for disposal. Put a basket or strainer in sink drains to catch food scraps and other solids; empty the contents of the basket or strainer into the trash.
  • Pet waste contains bacteria and parasites. Pet waste is a significant contributor to bacterial contamination in area waterways after a storm.
  • ENERGY STAR qualified washing machines use about half the water and 50 percent less energy to run.
  • Use cold water wash and rinse cycles on your washing machine whenever possible.
  • An inexpensive method of weatherizing windows involves attaching thin, clear plastic film to the window trim inside of the house using two-sided tape.
  • Home air filters should be changed on a monthly basis. To remember this, homeowners can schedule their filter changes with another regular household activity, such as paying a monthly utility bill.

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