Since it is Memorial Day, I have been wondering how our government has incorporated ‘green’ into our defense system. Green is now a part of most all of our lives in some way or another. Corporations, schools, households and individuals alike are becoming more aware of what this means and taking steps in many cases to make changes to their lifestyles or businesses. The government has also taken steps to implement green standard and policies. I would imagine the Department of Defense, however, may have a more challenging time with this than other agencies. The environment seems to be considered more of a military asset versus something we need to protect; dolphins and bats used as bombs, destruction of sensitive ecological habitat, nuclear weapons. We could destroy the entire planet so why bother going green at all. With a growing commitment to the health of our environment, further analysis needs to be created to find a balance between environmental and national security. Are we willing to accept some environmental damage in exchange for the military gain of war?
According to the E.P.A., the U.S. is taking steps together with the D.O.D. toward environmental protection and homeland security. Protecting clean, safe drinking water in the U.S. and decontamination of toxic incidents are a few of their main focuses. In my opinion, national security is increasingly dependent on a global healthy planet. There are many things on a local level that individuals can do. Start with the American flag that you put in your front yard today in honor of our fallen service members. Let’s honor them one step further and instead of throwing it in the trash tomorrow, save it for next year. If even just one whole block chose to make this small gesture, think of all the waste that could save!
