Headsup - Earth Day is next week - 4/22

Yes it is! There are lots of clean-up days scheduled around my neck of the woods. Along with re-enactments of the beginning of the Revolutionary War. I think I will don some gloves and go pick up all the trash that gathered alongside my property and the road.

Trying to come up with green ideas for the hospital. We have a new go green campaign, and so far, I've only thought of turning off the lights in rooms that aren't in use. Color me - not creative!

hmm - do you have recycling bins in the cafeteria or break room?

Yes - paper, plastic & glass

well, in that case - I got nuthin' either

Has the Hospital been evaluated for energy efficiency/status of heat supply and management, AC and ventilation? There are corperate models to evaluate.

compost we just added a bin for green & compostables. I also noticed this morning that we went to unbleached recycled paper towels. Last couple of years we planted trees and picked up trash. The kids want to plant something else this year... but I may get another tree for the yard anyway.

it's a bit tricky since hospitals are supposed to keep germs from spreading so things like point-of-use worm compost buckets and real handtowels instead of paper won't work in that context. How about: a bike-to-work campaign for the hospital workers make sure there is secure bike parking for employees sheltered from the weather (costs less than providing car spaces too so should be an easy sell to management), with possibly a webcam with a feed into the security surveillance desk. Use bike messengers where possible on as-needed basis (e.g. x times a day) instead of couriers with big trucks coming twice a day. Energy efficient lights in addition to lights out where not needed. Automatic light sensor switches (motion or heat detectors) so people don't have to even touch the switches. Any way to recycle more of the waste generated in the hospital without causing biohazards for anyone? Enforce "no-idling zones" on perimeter roads next to the buildings. get more (non-allergenic) planters, trees and living plants wherever possible in courtyards, foyers and hallways. Ensure there are multiple vegetarian dishes in the menu that even omnivorous people will prefer over meaty ones just cause they look, sound and /are/ tastier. Could change a few minds. Go green, go healthy! I hope this may trigger some ideas. Good luck & happy Earth day to you!

great ideas!

Great ideas Chips... rain barrels, storm water management, gather info for proposing green roof...

How about getting rid of paper/plastic cups for folks who are full-time and in the admin part?

I'm going to do my own day long version of Lights Out

no electricity I'm going to go without electricity for the day. I hope to see if I could actually do it for a week, or even a month, for a challenge I'm considering joining in May.