Central Texas Medical Center (CTMC) has added to its green efforts with the recent creation of its Green Team, a new initiative made up entirely of CTMC associates working to bring recycling and other earth-friendly practices to the campus and into the everyday lives of employees.
To kick things off, the Green Team, volunteers and physicians who practice at the facility, recently held a Green Living Fair in the main lobby of the hospital. The event provided the latest information from a number of area vendors about steps one can take to make a green impact – at work and home.
At the Fair a total of 186 employees, volunteers and physicians signed a pledge form committing to green actions such as carpooling, using mugs and washable glasses instead of disposable cups, and limiting the number of printed e-mails and handouts at meetings, to name a few. Employees who were unable to attend the Fair have voiced their desire to sign the pledge form as well.
“I am proud that so many of our employees are committed to preserving nature and our beautiful community,” said Gary Jepson, CTMC President and CEO. “The environment has a big impact on health and by being good stewards of our environment we are helping in a small way to enhance the health of those in our community.”
CTMC is also participating in the Cans for a Cure program along with Texas State University Students. The program recycles aluminum cans and at the same time raises money for the fight against breast cancer. All funds raised by Cans for a Cure go to the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer to advance access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer.
The hospital’s other earth-friendly efforts include printing its quarterly health publication, Hill Country Health, on 100 percent recycled paper, additional parking for bicycles and motorcycles, and fewer but longer shifts to reduce commutes.
The hospital’s $35 million expansion, slated to open in November of 2009, features green initiatives such as construction activity pollution prevention and several environment friendly technologies such as energy efficient lighting and materials.
“Our goal is to make the new addition to the hospital as environmentally friendly as possible,” said Fred Jackson, CTMC Green Team Leader and Administrative Director of Support Services. “As CTMC expands to meet the needs of our growing community, it’s important that we remain conscious of our impact on the environment.”
CTMC’s Green Team will host a lunch and learn on “Water Conservation in our Daily Lives” presented by Jan Klein, Conservation Coordinator for the City of San Marcos. The event will be held in the hospital’s main classroom on Wednesday, July 22 from noon to 1 p.m.
If you have ideas for, or questions about, CTMC’s green initiative, please call the Green Team leader, Fred Jackson, at 512-753-3607.