Green Health Care Moves Beyond Hospitals

Health care institutions across the nation are joining an important movement called “Green Health Care” – a trend defined as a health care system that strives to conserve water, reduce waste and pollution--while purchasing ecologically sound products that are safe for people and the planet. Recently, at the nation’s largest conference highlighting “clean medicine” (CleanMed, Seattle, April 18, 2006), 190 U.S. health care institutions were recognized for their commitment to environmental sustainability.

This impressive number of awards reflects a changing landscape in health care and an industry’s attempt to reduce its ecological footprint. Some of the important institutional accomplishments include increasing recycling programs, conserving and recycling water, reducing medical waste, and purchasing DEHP-free IV bags. These achievements reflect the demand and need for a health care system that works in harmony with the environment, creating a healthier place for all.

The notable role of hospitals and other health care institutions in the “green” movement is a vital step toward an ecologically sustainable health care system. What has been overlooked is the important role of primary health care practitioners operating in small- to medium-sized clinics. We believe health professionals—by focusing more on prevention, precaution, education, and wellness—can significantly contribute to improving the health of their patients, community, and the environment.

The focus of Teleosis’ Green Health Care Program is to foster a network of health care professionals who reflect the core value of sustainability in all aspects of their practice. Teleosis works with diverse health care practitioners to “green” the built environment, as well as trains them to serve as environmental health advocates who practice sustainable medicine. The program goal is to cultivate a healthy relationship between the health care industry, its professionals, the people it serves, and the environment in which it works.

A Green Health Care Professional provides more sustainable medical services. As providers integrate ESM into their practice, they effectively change health care as we know it. Green Health Care Professionals recognize how their physical workplace impacts human health, how their role as environmental advocates directly relates to their patients’ and community’s health, and their ongoing responsibility to practice sustainable medicine. Currently, Teleosis has 23 committed participants that are moving toward sustainable health care movement for that protects the health of people and their environment. Applications are being accepted for the 2006 and 2007 Green Health Care Program.