Our Military is Greener Than Ever

In honor of Veterans Day, we'd like to not only honor those that have served our country, but also to highlight some of the armed forces' recent environmental efforts.

Last month, the Navy launched the U.S.S. Makin Island, an eco-friendly ship that's powered much like a hybrid car, with both gas and electric energy sources. The Navy hopes to use this ship as a model for moving away from fossil fuels and toward more renewable fuel sources.

The Army base at Fort A.P. Hill recently won Virginia’s Department of Defense Eagle Award for its environmental stewardship. The installation constructed a low-impact parking lot and preserved more than 4,200 acres of forest just outside the post’s perimeter. Its soldiers also practice shooting on hollow steel targets instead of on junk vehicles, which tend to leak harmful chemicals into the ground.

In 2007, the military committed itself more to greener bases by constructing solar and wind farms, and by encouraging its servicemembers to turn off lights and lower consumption levels.

For more information about the Army's environmental programs, check out the U.S. Army Environmental Command.

--Julie Littman