THERE ARE A LOT of ways to define "green." Hospitals can make big or small changes that will put them on the path to being green. Here are just a few things that hospitals can do today:

• Clean with products that do not release hazardous chemicals.
• Improve indoor air quality by increasing ventilation and incorporating low-VOC (volatile organic chemical) paints, adhesives and materials.
• Create waste reduction programs to segregate medical waste and to reduce, reuse and recycle general waste. The plan may include the use of recycled building materials, recycled paper, water-efficient laundering and energy-efficient equipment. Purchase reusable rather than disposable products.
• Purchase fresh, local and organic foods.
• Educate staff in waste reduction, toxins reduction and recycling.
• Reduce toxins by getting rid of products that contain mercury, dioxin and polyvinyl chloride or PVC (which can leach toxic chemicals into fluids in IV drip bags and tubing). Commit to phasing out products with these toxins and replacing them with safer alternatives.

SOURCE: HEALTHCARE WITHOUT HARM