Cloverleafs, Pots of Gold, Leprechauns…pretty soon everyone will be wearing something green for fear of the pinch. Yes, I’m talking about St. Patrick’s Day…the day when everything turns green – rivers, beer, icing, etc. So much green is packed into one of the biggest party days of the year that it made me think…what if that same thrill & excitement about being green could last all year?
OK, most of you are thinking how quickly you would tire of the color green & how the actual thrill & excitement doesn’t come from wearing the color green, but from the actual fun you have when participating in an environment that brings us all together for a common cause. So I looked deep inside & found a way to be green all year…Environmentally Green!
There are many ways a person can be Environmentally Green, but as a leader in my profession, I wanted to go a bit further & ensure my dental practice was also Environmentally Green – that was the tough part. Below are just some of the ways we can help to put your mind at ease when considering how our dental office effects your environment.
1) Digital radiography – 90% less radiation for patients & decreases harmful chemical waste
2) CAD/CAM Cerec technology – reduces transportation emissions from laboratory transportation
3) Steam autoclave – to reduce chemical aerosols during sterilization
4) Cassettes for instrument processing – reduces use of many sterilization bags
5) Garments are laundered on site – to reduce fuel consumption
6) Appointment reminders are sent through email & text – to reduce excess paper
7) Unused bulk elemental mercury is recycled
8) We use only latex-free materials – to reduce patient sensitivities
9) Appliances are Energy Star rated
10) We reuse our dishes
11) We carpool
12) Oil-free compressor – to improve air quality for our patients
13) High-efficiency HVAC System – to produce less pollution
14) Programmable thermostats
15) Energy efficient water heater that is insulated – to save energy
16) Exit signs use LED lighting
17) Computers standby or hibernate after inactivity &monitors enter sleep mode after inactivity
18) Toner cartridges are recycled
19) We purchase recycled ink-jet cartridges
20) Electronic communication – to reduce paper consumption
Are there more things that we do that are not listed? Yes.
Are there additional things that we could be doing to be more Environmentally Green? Yes.
Being environmentally conscious in a healthcare environment can sometimes make you feel like Kermit, but for the most part, it is pretty easy – especially when you choose to commit to your patients, your community and your future, as we at DeLand Smiles have done.
Not bad for a St. Paddy’s Day inspiration!
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