Hopefully you have heard about the med center’s impressive new goals: Net Zero Emission, Net Zero Water, and Net Zero Waste, all by 2030.
Net Zero Waste sounds impressive, but what does it really mean? Ultimately we plan to divert 90 percent of all waste leaving campus away from the landfill. I know what you are thinking: 90 percent is not “Zero Waste,” and you are technically right. Net Zero Waste is defined as 90 percent being diverted with 10 percent remaining, as some waste will always be created.
This is an ambitious goal. Disposable single-use devices have become the norm in medical care as a means to promote patient safety. We will not put employees or patients at risk in order to meet this goal. However, the industry is realizing how much waste is inherent in this practice in terms of cost as well as landfill space, and we can build on the changes that are starting to happen. Several of you have noted items or processes that could change. Thank you and keep them coming.
We can avoid waste by changing some of our personal habits as well. Take the easy step to recycle! Put that pop bottle, soup can, or frozen lunch tray in the green recycling bin. Dump any liquid and scrape out the bulk of the food-no need to rinse clean. Flatten all grades of cardboard and place against the wall. Check out this video to see what to recycle on campus.
Remember that reducing and reusing come before recycling. Start with something easy: instead of getting coffee each morning in a disposable cup, bring your reusable cup. You’ll drink fewer chemicals and keep your coffee warm longer. Don’t underestimate the impact of a simple action repeated over time.
We also know that many of you find fun ways to reuse items at home; consider entering them in Earth Week’s RePurpose It Contest. It’s free to enter, and you can win a prize as you inspire others with your great ideas. You do not have to be a master craftsman or seamstress to win a prize; some of the best ideas are simple things that most people can do. Check out LiveGreen’s Pinterest page if you need inspiration.
A suggestion to replace all of the Styrofoam containers in the cafeterias, c-stores, etc. and incorporate recycling/compost stations in the cafeterias. I shudder to think about all the Styrofoam waste created on a daily basis here. Or create some incentive for those of us that eat at the cafeteria regularly to bring in our own reusable containers.
When will Nebraska Medicine start having online things for travel and reimbursement? If we're trying to go paperless…
Lisa,
I am not sure, but I will check into that process!
Thank you,
Melanie
Gretchen,
I'm happy to report that styrofoam elimination is happening! The C-Store in MSC has already made changes and styrofoam cups and soups bowls have already been eliminated from all cafeterias. LiveGreen is working with Sodexo to find a couple alternatives for clamshells—one that considers both 1-time visitors as well as employees/students who eat there regularly. In the meantime, diners can ask for a plate instead of a clamshell. It's still foam, but it's significantly less foam than the clamshell.
Eventually we will get to composting; we need a compost facility that can accept food waste, handle our volume and be in the area.
Thank you,
Melanie