Over the past decade war has become a common household word. Currently, American troops are fighting two major wars simultaneously, one in Afghanistan and one in Iraq. There are many pieces of equipment that give these warriors the edge and ensure that the U.S. military has the upper hand. Manufactured rubber has countless uses in the military, from the heavy duty soles of boots to the stocks and handholds of guns.
Soldiers’ shoes alone count for tons of rubber. The boots used by the military are made rugged and hardy, able to withstand the most rigorous conditions. They also have padded comfort features for soldiers who are on their feet all day. The rubber treads are an integral part of the perfect boot. Goggles and glasses are made with frames that feature high-grade rubber for glasses that will fit well but won’t cause excessive sweat. Rubber is featured everywhere on the soldier’s body, from kneepads to handholds.
Rubber is even used by the military for training purposes. The best shooting ranges feature Rubberecycle rubber mulch flooring and backstops for reduced danger of bullets ricocheting and sound echoes. The mulch makes training safer and more effective. The U.S. military uses only the best for America’s finest, and this means rubber flooring and gear.
The government echoes the sentiments of most Americans when it comes to going green by putting a cap on greenhouse emissions and by making government offices leaner and greener throughout the country. Another easy step in that direction would be to recycle old rubber items used in the military. With technology hurtling forward at breakneck speed, every year more rubber objects become obsolete and require disposal. This would translate into tons of recycled rubber and would not only bring in revenue through sales of the mulch, but would also give other private industries around the world a positive working example of how to go green and make money. With a mixture of the right ideology and conviction the world can become a better, healthier place. It can start with the U.S. military.
