Earth gets more than a day on JBLM

  • Published
  • By Marisa Petrich
  • Northwest Guardian
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  For some, a single day might be enough to give back to the planet they live on -- but not at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Following installation tradition, a week's worth of events have been planned to educate and improve the base community. Many of the events require volunteers -- but the effort is well worth it.

"They get to get outside and contribute," JBLM Sustainability Outreach Coordinator Miriam Villacian said.

There are other reasons to get involved, of course. Volunteers will receive T-shirts and tote bags (funded for the first time by proceeds from JBLM's recycling program), and will be treated to plenty of free barbecues.

Another first is aimed at getting kids more involved. Screenings of the Dr. Seuss-inspired movie "The Lorax" will take place April 20, including a morning show for kids in Child, Youth and School Services programs.

Other events are slightly more low-key. For instance, interactive displays on sustainable practices and subject matter experts will be featured at both the McChord Commissary and Lewis Main Exchange during the week.

Overall, though, the main idea behind the week is to let people know that doing things that are good for the planet are often also best for individuals.

"Sometimes I think people think it's harder than it is," Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Special Events Director Kate Laverents said.

For her, composting and recycling -- and volunteering -- are not terribly difficult to do. You might even say that her favorite part of the week is easy as (mud) pie.

"Just to get out of the office and get your hands dirty," Laverents said.

Earth Week Events:

April 16: Volunteer at the community garden, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and enjoy a free barbeque. Call 253-967-5776 to volunteer.

April 17: Educational exhibits - McChord Commissary, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

April 18: Educational exhibits - Lewis Main Exchange, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

April 19: Clean up Solo Point Beach. Clean up starts at 2 p.m., free barbeque is at 5 p.m. Call 253-982-0718 to volunteer.

April 20: Watch "The Lorax" at Cary Theater at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.