At WCH we care for the wellbeing of our patients, and the environment we all live in! Here are just a few sustainability initiatives that WCH has implemented to make an impact on the environment and beyond:
- Did you know that paper towels made up 12.2% of total landfill waste at WCH. Well now, our waste bins have been replaced with paper compost bins in all washrooms, as paper towels can be collected with organics.
- Although batteries are part of our modern-day life, proper disposal is becoming a growing concern. To promote responsible battery disposal, we have implemented battery recycling bins near the service elevators on all floors of our building.
- In partnership with the Ganawishkadawe Centre for Wise Practices in Indigenous Health, we have installed a medicine wheel and drying shed on the WCH green roof. This is used to grow and dry medicinal plants which are utilized by our indigenous patients and community members.
- Driving to work or an appointment? WCH now installed 20 Electrical Vehicle (EV) charging stations throughout our parking garage.
- We’ve reduced our energy usage by implementing lighting setbacks. In addition to after-hours weekday setbacks, weekend lighting setbacks are now in place for all floors in the hospital except for 1&2. Emergency lighting remains on throughout the facility.
Earth Week Activities
We hope that you will join us in our Earth Week activities and help boost awareness and education around sustainability.
On Wednesday, April 23rd from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. our Environmental, Social and Governance Committee will be setting up a booth in the Atrium with some fun games for all to enjoy! Come by for a chance to win a prize and see if you know how to dispose of common waste from our hospitality vendors at WCH.
Didn’t have a chance to swing by and visit the booth?
We’ll also been running an Earth Week Eco-Challenge Quiz for #TeamWCH to test their knowledge on ways to reduce waste, conserve energy and promote sustainability. Complete the challenge by Friday, May 2nd for a chance to win a prize! Winners will be notified via email the following week.
Prizes are to include:
- Woods Cooler
- Igloo small cooler
- Zero Gravity Chair
- Large foot pedal bins
- Reusable water bottles and coffee cups
Hot Tips
Remember, you can always support a sustainable lifestyle with these eco-friendly habits:
- Walk, bike, or use public transportation to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Switch off lights, personal computers and monitors when not in use to save energy.
- Use reusable water bottles, containers and bags to minimize single-use plastic waste.
- Dispose of waste into the correct stream by sorting items into recycling, organics, and garbage.
- Reduce food waste by planning meals, using ingredients before they spoil and choosing locally sourced, organic, and seasonal foods whenever possible. Thank you for helping us create a greener environment!