Tools and resources

MetroWest Medical Center Natick and Framingham: Rigid sterilization containers for surgical instrumentation

• Greening the Operating Room Case Study
• Rigid Sterilization Containers
• Case Study

Metrowest Medical Center became interested in reusable sterilization containers when the manager of sterile processing department decreased use of disposable blue wrap as a cost-saving measure. Projections included a 5-year savings of $84,000 and a 10-year savings of $233,000.

Learn More

Metro Health Hospital's employee engagement

• Employees Case Study
• Employee engagement
• Case Study
• Metro Health
• Toolkit

(Employee engagement toolkit) At Metro Health, the commitment to sustainability goes beyond the innovative design features of the hospital. It’s evident in day-to-day business practices and ongoing strategies to conserve natural resources and promote a healthy environment. Over the past 10 years Metro has implemented numerous successful programs. Many of these programs in energy, waste and…

Learn More

Metro Health Hospital: Medical device reprocessing

• Metro Health
• Case Study
• Less Waste Case Study
• Medical Device Reprocessing
• Toolkit

(Less waste toolkit) This case study highlights how Practice Greenhealth member Metro Health hospital saved hundreds of thousands of dollars and tons of waste from going to the landfill through purchasing reprocessed devices.

Learn More

Mercury checklist

• Mercury
• Checklist
• Policy

Have you established a Facility Policy Statement (e.g. Pledge, Administrative Commitment Letter, etc.) for the virtual elimination of mercury?

Learn More

University of Minnesota study on reducing solid waste in surgical centers

• Greening the Operating Room
• Guide
• Exemplary Document
• Mayo Clinic
• Medical Plastic Recycling

With assistance from the EPA, the University of Minnesota conducted a study on reducing solid waste, including blue wrap, in surgical centers.

Learn More

Maryland Pesticide Network Sample RFP

• Chemicals
• Integrated pest management
• Exemplary Document
• Tool

While it is essential that hospitals maintain a clean environment free of pests, it is also important that patients, staff, and visitors be protected from exposure to pesticides. Pesticides are known to contribute to cancer, neurological disorders, problems with reproduction, birth defects, and liver and kidney damage. They also can cause irritation to the eyes and skin, can trigger respiratory…

Learn More

Managing pharmaceutical waste: A 10-step blueprint

• Waste
• Pharmaceutical Waste
• Guide
• Less Waste

The Healthcare Environmental Resource Center (HERC) and Practice Greenhealth recommend this 10-step approach to help you develop and implement a comprehensive pharmaceutical hazardous waste management program – one that combines regulatory compliance and best management practices with waste minimization – to safeguard human health and the environment, while minimizing risk in a cost-effective…

Learn More

Suggested Environmental Considerations for Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) Equipment and Supplies

• Supply Chain
• Guide
• Suppliers and Deliveries
• Purchasing

Green maintenance and operations products can improve indoor air quality, reduce the use of water and other natural resources and increase energy efficiency. Since there are thousands of products used in maintenance, repair and operations, it is important for purchasers to understand which types of environmental claims are credible. This guide contains some suggested environmental questions for…

Learn More

Environmental considerations for paint, sealants, and adhesives

• Sustainable procurement
• Buildings
• Green Building

The most important considerations for interior paints is occupant health and performance. It is critical to consider that paint has low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. There is no perfect test right now for emissions from wet-applied products, so the best bet is to make sure it has both low VOC content (under 50 g/L for flat paint), and has met California Section 01350 emissions…

Learn More

Palomar Health: Sustainable, local, and organic food purchasing

• Food and Beverage Purchasing
• Food Case Study
• Food
• Case Study
• Food Service

With its position in the community, 4,400 employees, and over 2 million meals prepared per year, Palomar Health has a significant opportunity to make a positive impact on human health and the environment by serving more sustainable, local, and organic produce. This case study highlights this California health system's efforts to leverage the supply chain, collaborate with other hospitals, educate…

Learn More