In recognition of Earth Day on Thursday, Wichita Mid-Continent Airport is celebrating the success of its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and generate less hazardous waste.

Since the inception of a recycling program in May 2008, more than a quarter million pounds of materials have been recycled. The environmental initiative has included the recycling of office paper, corrugated cardboard, newsprint, magazines, plastic bottles, printer cartridges and aluminum. Materials have been collected through recycling bins placed throughout the airport terminal and concourse. Other efforts to reduce the airport’s carbon footprint include the recycling of batteries, tires, scrap metals, motor oil, fuels and asphalt.

Airport tenants, including the airlines, rental car companies, concessionaire and the Transportation Security Administration, have participate in recycling efforts, said Valerie Wise, the airport’s Air Service and Business Development Manager.

“Everyone has really embraced the program, and through ongoing training and education we continue to improve motivation and results,” Wise said.

The airport has several activities planned to celebrate Earth Day including a seminar - “Being and Working Green” – at 9:00 a.m. in the second floor conference room. City of Wichita, Sedgwick County, USD259, and airport tenant representatives have been invited.

Several companies will have booths or tables set up in the terminal to display green seal products and green equipment for offices and cleaning. Southwest Paper will have a booth for product literature and will hand out cookies to airport guests. A Waste Connections recycle truck will be stationed in front of the terminal building from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. when officials will demonstrate how they manage recycling from residences and how to recycle at home. Vendors have donated green pens and green seals to give to tenants and passengers. Please tune into City 7, which will soon air a video of the airport’s recycling efforts.