Scott AFB going green Published Sept. 3, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Amber Kelly-Woodward 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill -- The 375th Civil Engineer Squadron aided Scott in becoming more environmentally friendly by building a "green fence" in front of one on-base facility. The fence, near Building 700, is made of recycled plastic and wheat straw. "The fence is extremely good, not only for the planet, but also economically," said Staff Sergeant James Messer, 375th CES structural craftsman. "Although it costs more, it has a longer lifespan and it aids in base beautification." The fence also does not pose any additional obstacles as do wood fences. The plastic prevents moisture damage and the straw protects the plastic from Ultraviolet damage. The fence is also 100 percent recyclable. "It is a little heavier, but less hazardous because there are no splinters," said Airman 1st Class John Moss, 375th CES structural apprentice. Another place that has become more environmentally friendly is the Nightingale Inn Dining Hall which has replaced their Styrofoam to-go food and drink containers. The new containers are made of 100 percent natural and sustainable materials. These containers and cups are made from corn, potatoes and sugar cane. "The Dining Facility has always been a huge supporter of the recycling program," said Randolph Rose, Nightingale Inn Dining Hall general manager. "Last year we recycled 48,000 pounds of cardboard, aluminum and compoundable waste." The Dining Hall is also currently installing new ceiling tile that is made from stone dust popped like popcorn and then pressurized into two-by-two tiles. The tile is made so that water will go through it and not become discolored, which is what the current tiles do. The new tile is also mold and mildew resistant, but can crumble in a person's hand back into the natural dust product it is made from. To take things a step further, the Dining Facility is also in the works of getting new equipment to make their kitchen more earth friendly. Mr. Rose is working on purchasing an attachment to a pulper the Dining Hall already has called eCorect. The eCorect takes cardboard and composite waste, including the new recyclable containers, and decomposes them to reduce waste to up to 80 percent. The soil supplement produced can be used for landscaping because within 30-45 days it will biodegrade back into the earth. Green efforts can be seen all around making not only Scott a better place, but the earth as well.