5 Ways The Medical Field Is Going Green

It seems that today there’s no sector that is not going “green” in some aspect or another. Whether it is business, education, housing or even the medical field, the focus is on refocusing all efforts in a green or environmental-friendly initiative of some sort. Although one would tend to think that the medical field is already “sanitary” and green, let’s examine five ways that the medical field is rearranging their focus and accelerating efforts to become even more environmental-oriented. Here are some green hospital measures that are currently underway.

Fresh Produce

In an effort to cut down on waste and expenses, one hospital-initiative entails contracting with group purveyors to use more locally grown, fresh produce. Not only would this cut down on the gasoline used for transporting food supplies, it would also reduce refrigeration costs to keep the food fresh after traveling long distances.

Fertilizer

Likewise, some hospitals are already working with local fertilizer companies and compost centers to quickly have food waste removed and converted into fertilizer material.

Landscaping

In Canada, hospital staffs are already planting drought-resistant landscapes, implementing rainwater collection systems, making passive solar heating more cost-effective, painting roofs of a more environmental-friendly color, such as green and even grinding food waste into a pulp to convert into fertilizers.

What previously began in the field of Radiology with X-rays and other film-based technologies, has today rapidly progressed to the use of infrared digital imaging following environmental-friendly trends in medical science. That being said, many of today’s excellent online schools are offering aspirants bachelors in radiologic technology with a focus on environmental methodology.

Lighting

Today, there’s mounting scientific evidence that daylight acts as a healing agent. As such, some hospitals are today being designed as to allow patient rooms to be separated while allowing nursing sections and hallways to experience the benefit of daylight. When hospital visitors arrive, they find themselves moving along an exterior wall, or a window wall, that allows natural light in through the hospital corridors.

Other modern hospital designs actually generate, regulate and measure photo cells. If there’s enough light in the area, then the lights stay on. If not, then the light generator goes to work and produces the needed light as measured.

Certifications

Of the nearly 1,300 hospitals currently pursuing environmental certifications of some kind, there are certain questions that must be asked first before obtaining said certifications. They include:

Is the hospital practicing water conservation and sustainability?

Does the hospital have an ongoing plan to reduce energy consumption and atmospheric pollution?

What does the hospital do to improve air quality?

As you can see, there is a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel in the medical, or healthcare field, as far as going green is concerned. How vigorously will it be implemented? Only our future health will be able to tell.