R 261504Z MAR 19
MARADMIN 197/19
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC L LF//
SUBJ/EARTH DAY MESSAGE 2019//
POC/C. SAKAI/CIV/MCICOM GF/TEL: 571-256-2806//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  As a force in readiness, we must recognize the critical interdependence between our mission, the environment, and the communities in which we train and operate, both at home and abroad.  If we do not meet our environmental responsibilities, we compromise the ability of our installations and our Marines to generate combat power into the future.  Practices that minimize our environmental impacts help to protect and sustain resources for future training, ensure the health of our forces and the surrounding communities, and reduce operational and logistical costs.  For example, since FY2008, the Marine Corps has reduced solid waste generation by 37.6%, saving nearly $242M and decreasing our future environmental liabilities.  However, we can do more.  Simple changes in our personal behaviors can make meaningful impacts:  turning off lights when leaving, carpooling to work, reducing water use at home and in the workplace, participating in recycling and waste minimization programs, using reusable bags, and minimizing the use of harmful chemicals and cleaners that could lead to spills or require disposal.
2.  Earth Day, celebrated every year on 22 April, presents an opportunity to raise awareness of our responsibilities and to demonstrate our commitment to protect the environment while still accomplishing our military mission.  Marine Corps installations participate in a wide variety of events around Earth Day, which help to remind all service members, civilians, and their families that their everyday actions help to protect our resources and contribute to the long-term success of the Marine Corps.  I fully support each installation's efforts to increase environmental awareness this Earth Day.  I encourage everyone to seek out and participate in Earth Day activities aboard your installation and in the surrounding communities.  Use Earth Day as a reminder to reflect on the choices you make every day so that meeting requirements of today does not compromise the availability of resources for future generations.  A sustainable future begins with you.  Your choices will influence the Marine Corps' ability to fight tonight, and 20 years from now for a fight not yet determined.
3.  Information related to the official Earth Day organization is available at https:(slash)(slash)www.earthday.org.
4.  Release authorized by MajGen V. A. Coglianese, Assistant Deputy Commandant, Installations and Logistics (Facilities).//