Elmhurst Hospital works to go green

Elmhurst Hospital Center (EHC) is doing its part to “go green” with a series of initiatives it launched recently.
The hospital is striving to save energy by utilizing efficient lighting; going paperless; reducing the use of plastic water bottles; planting more trees and planning for a greener future.
Recently, EHC planted five trees in their state-of-the-art cancer center, the Hope Pavilion; the hospital plans to plant more trees this summer.
It has also increased its use of electronic messaging and paper recycling. EHC recycles by compacting paper it uses within the facility and returning it to their vendor.
Meanwhile, the hospital is also emphasizing the importance of reducing their carbon footprint, primarily the amount of carbon dioxide released into the environment, known to contribute to global warming.
“Using environmentally-friendly products helps us maintain safe air-quality in our main hospital and clinics, which benefits both patients and staff, [and] will hopefully contribute to reduce asthma rates,” said Atiya Butler, Assistant Director of External Affairs for Elmhurst Hospital.
In addition, patients, staff and vendors are educated on methods of protecting the earth and the environment. EHC conducted a meeting on June 18, with the staffs of three different departments, promoting an eco-friendly quiz game. The meeting also encouraged the staff to participate in the eco-friendly lifestyle outside of the workplace.
“These methods are effective because [the way we reach out is through] a five-question game – that facilitates better learning,” said Bob Russell, Director of Environment Services at Elmhurst Hospital. The winner of the game received an eco-friendly bag, which had information to help them increase their use of eco-friendly products, according to Russell.
Earlier this month, Elmhurst Hospital also participated in World Environment Day. Several staff members provided the public with fun-fact tips, quizzes, eco-friendly prizes and go-green support. They even had a raffle and gave away a new bicycle.
In addition, vendors who attended the event were able to promote their new green products.
“World Environment Day is our initiative; it is our intention to bring eco-friendly products to the staff and to visitors here,” said Barbara Auleta, Senior Director for Special Events at Elmhurst Hospital. She also mentioned that she hoped some of the items would be taken home and used by the staff and their families.