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You've probably noticed that many hospitals, especially newer ones, are moving away from the sterile, white walled, functional environments to warmer, inviting spaces that incorporate more color, natural light, comfortable furniture and elements of nature. The idea is to promote healing and general health by better addressing the patient's physical, emotional and mental needs.
What's even more exciting is that over the last several years, in tandem with the much-needed upgrade in aesthetics, there is a green movement afoot in the health care industry. Granted, it's small right now but a growing number of hospitals are doing things such as eliminating mercury from their buildings, buying locally grown produce and becoming more efficient at recycling.
For example, Kaiser Permanente in California is doing all of the above and setting the bar high for others by going green in a big way. The health system is planning a hospital building spree close to $24 billion over the next several years. As part of its plans, Kaiser has announced that 30 million square feet of new construction will come from "ecologically sustainable materials." That's a lot of construction!
Why should you care? Well, like many other industries, hospitals have played host to environmental toxins like mercury, as well as cleaning products and building materials that release into the air volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which essentially are gases that contain chemicals. According to the EPA, VOCs can cause numerous health problems, including kidney and central nervous system damage. Many hospitals still use polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics, another area for concern because they are believed to cause serious health problems to humans.
Isn't it common sense that hospitals should try to remove such toxins from their buildings. After all, many patients are already in a compromised immune state.
Check with your local hospital and see if they are doing the following:
Recycling: We all should recycle, but hospitals even more so that others! Hospitals with an environmental bent are recycling alcohol, batteries, light bulbs, old linens, computers, paper, cardboard, packing peanuts and more. They are also saving kitchen oil for biodiesel processing.
Reusing Materials: Hospitals should make a concerted effort to reuse packing materials, wheelchairs and crutches, envelopes for internal communication, and medical equipment. I used crutches when I tore my ACL – the hospital never asked for them back, or told me about a recycling opportunity. I'd gladly give them in, rather than keeping them in my closet, taking up space.
Reducing Waste: It isn't enough to recycle and reuse. Afterall, it is 2008, and the basics aren't good enough! Hospitals must also rethink the types of products they purchase. Green hospitals are using energy efficient light bulbs and reusable silverware. Some are even composting and using cloth diapers.
Cleaner Air: Going green also means better air quality. To that end, some hospitals are installing systems that provide better ventilation. They are also using cleaning materials with fewer hazardous materials and paints with fewer VOCs. And to reduce pollution outdoors, some offer electric car charging stations.
Wondering what steps your hospital is taking to become green? Visit the organization's Web site. Most green hospitals love to brag!
See more:
:: A Green Pediatric Hospital Grows in Pittsburgh
:: British Hospital Going Wind-Powered
:: Stay at Green Buildings When You're on the Go
:: Reduce Your Company's Carbon Footprint
:: The Green Living Manifesto - Green Building Beyond Buildings
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