Look Who’s Going Green

April 17, 2008

A couple of weeks ago, we asked you to tell us how you are caring for your environment. As we celebrate Earth Day on April 22, here are some ideas from your fellow members.

On the Job
Several of you had shared what you were doing on the job to reduce your environmental impact. May we suggest an Earth Day Resolution: Read and share these ideas and think about how they might work for you.

I work in a wonderful wound care clinic, operating our hyperbaric chamber. We recycle all plastic saline bottles, cardboard glove, gauze, dressing and shipping boxes. Our medical director, Dr. John Wassel, came up with the idea and carries all of it to the recycling center weekly.
Cheryl Kluttz, Concord, NC
AARC Member since 1994

We are a home medical equipment specialty company. We have started an electronic medical records program. Our goal is to have all new patients coming into our system developed with an electronic record. This is a challenging goal and it will take about 12 months to be totally systematic with the process. Capturing all new entries as they occur on a daily basis as well as converting 4,700 existing records is our goal. As a result we will be “green” and efficient with our process.
William H. Wragge, Mexia, TX
AARC Member since 1981

In addition to our hospital’s other recycling program, we started recycling our pulse oximeter sensors last year.
Janet Fantazia, Modesto, CA
AARC Member since 1994

Pediatric Home Service is dedicated to doing what it can to take care of the child today and tomorrow. In an effort to fulfill our responsibility of environmental stewardship, PHS clinicians drive to and from children in their homes by utilizing a fleet of hybrid cars to reduce environmental impact.
Bruce Estrem, Roseville, MN
AARC Member since 1990

We are no longer printing conference presentations on paper but giving them to attendees on flash drives.
Jimmy Colquitt, Macon, GA
AARC Member since 1996

Cut back on use of disposables (plastic) and thus the use of oil. Also consider using fewer O2 tanks made of steel. That will cut down on weight and therefore will use less fuel in the transportation of those tanks.
Charles Major, East Moline, IL
AARC Member since 1974

At Home
Many individuals had ideas for incorporating eco-friendly concepts into their daily lives. Thinking about transportation options was the number one goal of many, but the ideas certainly didn’t stop there.

I am going green by going gold. After Katrina I relocated from New Orleans to rural North Carolina, where I have set up three honeybee hives (as a starter) and am converting all formerly “mowable” lawn to honeybee- and Monarch-friendly plants to improve area pollination for produce farmers and to prevent mowing pollution and gas usage. I am also working on becoming a certified Monarch Butterfly Waystation for their migration route. Most people do not realize that very few cities have restrictions against raising honeybees within city limits. And a jar of honey goes a long way towards appeasing worried neighbors. 
B. Demers, Siler City, NC
AARC Member since 2003

Both my wife and I drive hybrid cars (Hondas). She got hers six years ago and I've had mine about four years.
David J. Pierson, MD, Seattle, WA
AARC Member since 1976

I recently installed a 1.5 gpm shower head and cleaned all the screens on all the other faucets. In April, we will be having a 44 tube solar water system installed. This will also include an Intellicon system on my boiler which will delay the boiler from firing up until all the heat that is already in the system, is used. This whole system will save an estimated 4,400 lbs per year of carbons that would have been released in the air. Plus will save me at least 50% if not more in oil cost.
Steven Enking, Hollis Center, ME
AARC Member since 1987

I am educating my children by exploring the surrounding nature preserves, trails and beaches, as well as our own backyard. By exploring nature together, it sparks questions on the environment, and things we can do everyday to ensure a safe, healthy planet and preserve wildlife. Start ’em young!
Robert Rodman, Seaford, NY
AARC Member since 1987

I purchased a Prius five years ago. I plan to convert my house to solar including hot water. I will be converting my front yard to a garden. I walk and ride my bike more often. I’m hanging my washed clothes to dry them instead of using a clothes dryer and converting my lights to full spectrum LEDs. It’s all in “The Home Energy Diet” by Paul Scheckel.
Steve Leombruno, Snohomish, WA
AARC Member since 2002

I switched to flourescent lighting at my home and turn the furnace down to 57 degrees when away. I combine errands so I use less gas and drive a small fuel efficient car. I recycle paper, plastic, and metal. I turn off lights at work when not needed.
Bruce C. Burns, Greeley, CO
AARC Member since 1995

1. buy pump sprays rather than presurized cannisters whenever possible.
2. bought a low emission, gas/electric hybrid auto.
3. park the SUV and ride a motorcycle to work.
Bob Cook, Columbia, SC
AARC Member since 1971