Air Force recognizes 2006 environmental award winners Published June 21, 2007 By Courtesy of 56th Civil Engineer Squadron and 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- The 56th Fighter Wing was recognized as the recipient of the 2006 Gen. Thomas D. White Environmental Award at the Pentagon June 7. Luke won the Pollution Prevention Award nonindustrial category for its commitment to avoiding pollution. "By making effective environmental education the primary focus, finding innovative ways to recycle solid and hazardous wastes, capitalizing on marketable materials, effectively allocating qualified recycling program funds, maintaining focus of its surroundings and using internal resources efficiently, Luke embodies pollution prevention excellence," said Jeff Schone, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron pollution preventions manager. From 2005 to 2006, through education and the right personnel initiative, Luke bought more than 450 electric vehicles, eliminating 3.5 million fossil fuel trips and more than 600,000 commuting miles. As a leading partner with Maricopa Association of Government and Valley Metro, car pooling, van pools and available bus routes increased 30 percent and eliminated 72,000 single occupancy vehicle trips to and from Luke. The initiative helped reduce regulated pollutants around Luke by 79 tons. The 56th FW is an active environmental steward of conservation, preservation and restoration, for the Air Force, the state and local communities, according to Schone. Some of the programs included becoming a member of "Valley Wide Recycling Partnership," a joint effort of 15 cities that educated more than three million local residents on the importance of recycling; orchestrated a state recognized Tres Rios Nature and Earth Festival that netted 5,600 attendees and 100 wildlife and environmental exhibits; reusing 198 tons of spent oil and jet fuel, more than 2,500 tons of cardboard and 56,000 tons of wood pallets. "This commitment, stemming from the leadership down to the lowest levels goes beyond compliance to encompass a model environmental, safety and occupational health management system," Schone said. According to an Air Force News article, William Anderson, assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment and logistics, said, servicemembers Air Force wide are committed to meeting environmental standards set forth by the Defense Department by 2012, two years ahead of the commitment. "We're the largest green power purchaser in America, we're helping to wean the country off its addiction to oil and we're installing the largest solar array at Nellis Air Force Base, (Nev.,)" he said. Luke is known not only for F-16s, but for its commitment to innovative recycling alliances, local and national educational programs, community outreach partnerships, waste minimization and diversion projects, green purchasing, LEAN initiatives and the Luke environmental excellence program.