Happy Earth Day!
Happy Earth Day!
Today is the 38th annual celebration of the planet we call home, and a day to step back and think about things we can do to preserve and restore our natural resources…
So that’s the official line on Earth Day, but I want to know: what do YOU think about Earth Day?
Is it a time to reflect on accomplishments?
A time to call for more action?
Or something in-between?
Send a post, let us know, then go outside and do something good for the planet.
Home > Blogs > Living Green > Archives > 2008 > May > 21 > Entry
Area hospital wins national enviro award
My plan today was to continue talking about eating locally produced food, but I received some info this morning I wanted to share with my dear readers (by the way, thanks again for tuning in - this blog has received a record number of hits the past few weeks).
The Jewish Hospital received an environmental excellence award May 20 from Hospitals for a Healthy Environment, a national organization that promotes greening in an often waste-heavy field.
Here’s what the organization had to say about the hospital, one of 157 facilities and organizations honored this year:
(Following from press release)
“Jewish Hospital has been singled out for their efforts to protect patient health and preserve the environment,” said Bob Jarboe, Executive Director of Practice Greenhealth. “Jewish Hospital’s approach to health care demonstrates a keen understanding of the impact our activities have on the environment. Jewish signed on to the Partner Recognition program to improve their environmental performance, now they invite others to make similar commitments.”
Some highlights of what’s being done at Jewish Hospital include:
- Reprocessing and recycling of equipment from the operating rooms. Certain types of surgical tools are placed in a container and sent to a company that sorts them into what can be recycled and what can be reprocessed. Reprocessed tools are carefully cleaned, sterilized and packaged for re-use.
- The use of a new liquid waste disposal system in the operating rooms. The liquid waste disposal is an electric suction machine that treats liquids so that they can be disposed of safely in the sewer, rather than going to biohazard trash.
- A medical waste reduction program. This is being accomplished through better identification of what is considered medical waste and an extensive education program for all associates. The industry standard is three pounds per patient day. Jewish Hospital generates less than one pound of medical waste per patient day.
- Additional recycling/reuse initiatives. They include: a reusable sharps container program; cardboard compactor and a co-mingle recycle container. The hospital
recycles printer toner cartridges and approximately 3,500 pounds of fryer grease per year. Additional recycling programs are used for fluorescent, metal halide and sodium vapor lamp light bulbs, and for lead acid and dry cell batteries.
- Implementing a program to reduce or eliminate the use of hazardous chemicals.
- Donating expired medical supplies and unused medical equipment to Matthew 25 Ministry, and donating furniture that is marked for trash to New Christian Life Outreach Ministry.
- Mercury-free since 2006.
Since July 2007, Jewish Hospital’s efforts have resulted in diverting 6,871 pounds of trash from the landfill.
Pretty neat, huh?
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