In celebration of Earth Day on April 22, communities and institutions worldwide are encouraged to consider their environmental footprint and to make a commitment to preserve and protect our planet. Though remembering to “reduce, reuse, and recycle,” advocating for cleaner air and water, and engaging in eco-friendly activities like planting trees and composting are all important, sustainability goes much further.
This awareness of is especially important in health care – the health of our environment directly affects the health of our patients! Check out how staff around PAH are working to create a greener hospital all year round:
- Jeffrey O'Neill, senior director of Facilities Services and chair of the Penn Green Committee: “Efficiency is the name of the game, and ‘greening’ the hospital is at the top of everybody’s mind. We’re trying to do everything we can to implement more eco-friendly practices, including using LED lighting wherever possible to save on energy, and installing low-flush toilets whenever we have new construction projects. And we’re also very invested in keeping up our green spaces and gardens, which is especially important in an urban area.”
- Carolyn Tobin, director of Food & Nutrition Services and Environmental Services: “Our cafeteria uses biodegradable food containers, recycled napkins, and composting trash cans in order to help reduce waste and our carbon footprint. We try to use recycled and repurposed items wherever possible.”
- Daniel Bangert, head groundskeeper: “At this time of year, you may not want to go out into the fresh air as often, but some of our trees and plants look their best in the winter and early spring, like the dogwoods or our seasonal pots and decorated deciduous trees. We’re working hard to clear and prune the perennial beds so everyone can enjoy our grounds when the snow clears.”