Cooper Goes Green in 2010
Cooper’s “Green Team” has announced the implementation of its first initiative to help the hospital become more environmentally-friendly. Beginning January 2010 (specific date to be announced), the hospital’s Camden campus will launch a system-wide, single-stream recycling program for non-hazardous materials.
”Approximately 90 percent of Cooper’s non-hazardous waste is estimated to be recyclable,” explains John Schwarz, Vice President of Facilities and Support Services and Chairman of the Green Team. “The single stream recycling program, which will include the participation of nearly every Cooper employee, is just the first of several new initiatives that will help us become a better corporate citizen. It will also save the organization money-about $3,800 per month in waste disposal costs if a 50 percent recycling goal is met and $5,900 per month if an 80 percent recycling goal is met.”
Trash receptacles already located at most employee work stations will become recycling cans. They will be lined with a clear bag and tagged with a recycling sticker. Employees will be asked to place all recyclable materials, such as paper, cardboard, aluminum, glass and plastic containers, into these cans. They will be collected as usual, but sent for recycling. There is no need for sorting-this will be done at the recycling center! Receptacles for recyclable materials will also be placed in visitor areas within the hospital.
Receptacles for non-recyclable waste, such as food, light bulbs, plastic bags and pizza boxes, will be strategically placed throughout the hospital in areas where non-recyclable materials are discarded, such as pantries, break rooms, locker rooms, etc. These receptacles will have black bag liners.
Stay tuned for further initiatives in 2010 from the Cooper Green Team! If you have any suggestions, please e-mail the Green Team (greenteam@cooperhealth.edu). The Green Team will be looking to expand the recycling program to other Cooper facilities in 2010.