Women’s History Month - Women taking the lead

  • Published
  • By Col. Denise Kloeppel
  • 66th Air Base Wing Inspector General
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  "We need to protect, conserve and consume resources as if they were our own. We must be vigilant in safeguarding every resource we control," said Gen. Donald J. Hoffman, Air Force Materiel Command commander. Additionally, General Hoffman stated, "AFMC is accountable to the American public for responsible, efficient use of all resources within its control." 

As we celebrate Women's History Month, we are reminded that women play a vital leadership role in executing General Hoffman's directions. 

Women make up 51 percent of the entire population. In her article, "Women power: how to market to 51% of Americans," Joanne L. Krotz wrote, "By 2010, Women are expected to control one trillion dollars - 60 percent of the country's wealth, according to research conducted by Business Week and Gallup." Additionally, women make nearly 80 percent of purchasing decisions and still accomplish 60 percent of household duties. 

Women's actions are instrumental in making a difference toward saving the planet. Women are purchasing the products, using the products and disposing of the products. If women make the right choices regarding the items they buy, use and dispose of, think of the impact it will have on the environment. 

Consider some of the following actions that every woman can take to have a positive impact, such as: installing a programmable thermostat, mapping out errands, taking a break from driving (once we thaw out), considering the number of and temperature setting of the refrigerator and switching to reusable shopping bags and drinking water from reusable containers. An additional way to conserve resources is to use reusable gift bags made of cloth with draw strings. Not only does this save paper, its saves time. 

By taking these actions, women not only talk the talk, but walk the walk. Leading by example is one of the most effective means for instituting change. Taking one step toward conservation will make an impact, so listen to what our mothers used to tell us: "Turn the lights out."