CACS Intern Helps Develop Green Pharmacy Program

“If the world is encased in a dense black cloud of industrialism and consumerism, I definitely think Berkeley is a green spotlight breaking through the smog.” James Dong, the Green Pharmacy Program intern at Teleosis, believes “environmental stewardship is often separated into two interdependent yet distinct fields: conservation and sustainability.” A freshman at University of California-Berkeley, James was first exposed to the many layers of green living when he moved to the Bay Area last year.

James joined Teleosis in October 2006 as a Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Sustainability (CACS) intern who demonstrated an interest in promoting environmental management and sustainable development at UC Berkeley. Each year, CACS sponsors various internship programs in the University and in the City. These programs promote sustainability through continual research, and implementation of new and innovative ideas and projects. CACS provides Green Campus Grants for various programs and also hosts an annual Sustainability Summit to recognize and award exceptional individuals or projects. At the 2007 Sustainability Summit, James presented the Green Pharmacy Pollution Prevention Program, his internship project at Teleosis.

Click here to view his Green Pharmacy poster summarizing the program (PDF)

For his internship, James chose to apply to Teleosis because of the Institute’s novel mission and innovative programs around health care and the environment. “I had never even considered that the health care industry could be green before learning about Teleosis. My work here has definitely given me an opportunity to broaden my perspective, and engage in the expansive sustainability movement.”

During the last 6 months, James has helped develop the Green Pharmacy Program, a cross-sector approach to pharmaceutical pollution prevention. James’ dedication to sustainable medicine increased Teleosis’ presence in the local community through outreach and program development. James helped develop the Institute’s pharmaceutical take-back program pharmaceutical take-back program, a collaboration with local pharmacies, organizations, and municipalities to take back unwanted medications and dispose of them in an environmentally safe and healthy way. “The greatest benefit is that this program gets the consumer involved. No one is excluded from participation, and everyone has the ability to take part in someway. That is true sustainability”, James describes.

His dedication to the environment doesn’t stop there. James serves as the Residential Sustainability Education Coordinator at UC Berkeley, where he helps educate dorm residents on incorporating sustainable practices into their daily lives. Thanks to James’ participation, Cal Dining implemented post-consumer composting into their central dining facility, Crossroads. This summer, he is hoping to consult with local businesses in greening their practices.

James’ passion for environmental protection began in his hometown of Houston, TX where he worked at the Student Environmental Art Council (SEAC), an organization dedicated to promoting environmental stewardship through art and community service. While at SEAC, James had the opportunity “to canoe deep into the cypress swamps of inner Texas, kayak across marshland habitat around the Galveston Bay, and camp on a remote bed of granite in the heart of Texas.” These experiences helped James deepen his relationship with the environment, see the beauty in nature, and dedicate his time towards conservation.

James will continue working with Teleosis through the 2007 summer, and will focus on strengthening partnerships within the Green Pharmacy Program. Thanks to James’ community outreach initiatives we are expanding take-back sites around the Bay Area and securing program funding. James’ invaluable support continues to help us move toward a more sustainable health care.

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