Base prepares for Earth Day celebration Published April 16, 2007 By Yong Park Civil Engineering and Logistics Squadron LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE -- Twenty million people across America celebrated the first Earth Day, April 22, 1970. It was a time when cities were buried under their own smog and polluted rivers caught fire. Now Earth Day is celebrated annually around the globe. Through the combined efforts of the United States government, grassroots organizations and many concerned citizens, what started as a day of national environmental recognition has evolved into a world-wide campaign to protect our global environment. Earth Day is a time to celebrate the gains made and create new visions to accelerate environmental progress. Earth Day and every day is a time to act to protect the planet. Thirty-seven years later, Earth Day traditions remain a strong part of the nation's public commitment to protect our Earth for generations to come. Los Angeles Air Force Base will celebrate Earth Day 2007 with the following events: On April 19, the base will sponsor the annual Earth Day Fair in the Schriever Space Complex courtyard from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Various programs will have displays and provide information on ridesharing, recycling, air and water quality, household hazardous waste and various promotional items. Many off-base organizations and agencies have also been invited to participate in the event including Fort MacArthur Marine Mammal Rescue Center, Southern California Edison, West Basin Water District, various local government and transit agencies and The Aerospace Corporation's Bike Club. The Automobile Club of Southern California will cut free spare keys for autos. Local transit agencies will provide information about services available to base personnel. For more information, call the Environmental Management department at 310-653-5512. On April 21, Los Angeles AFB personnel are welcome to participate in the Earth Day celebration at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium located near Fort MacArthur at 3720 Stephen White Drive in San Pedro with a trash cleanup of the beach, 8-10 a.m. Learn more about the environment with representatives of more than 40 local and national environmental organizations and government agencies in the CMA courtyard from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Find out how to get involved and have fun through children's activities, a native garden walk and wetland and salt marsh open house at Salinas de San Pedro. For more information about the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium beach cleanup, call 310-653-5512. Also on April 21, a Household Hazardous Waste Roundup will be held at Fort MacArthur beginning at 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the Community Center (Bldg. 403) parking lot. Types of hazardous waste which will be accepted at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day include motor oil, paint, paint thinner, turpentine, cleaners with acid or lye, pesticides and herbicides, household and car batteries, electronic equipment and aerosol spray cans. Types of wastes that will not be accepted include extremely reactive wastes, explosives, ammunitions and radioactive materials. When turning in household hazardous waste to the collection point, please note that cans need to be contained in a cardboard box. Do not mix different household chemicals. All containers should be closed and not leaking. Household hazardous waste should not exceed 5 gallons or 50 pounds total. This event is open to all residents living in military family housing at Los Angeles AFB. For more information about the household hazardous waste collection, please contact Ivar Sohn at 310-653-5491.