Simple, Sustainable Steps for Solid Waste Reduction
Health care is a big contributor to the nation’s solid waste stream. Fortunately, doctors are getting wise and many have implemented waste reduction programs. As one Berkeley, CA clinic has proven, a few simple and inexpensive changes can eliminate a LOT of waste.
[ ...Login to Read More]Think Globally, Go Out & Play Locally!
We all know, in theory, what makes for a healthy environment and why we should care about environmental issues. But it all becomes much more personal and tangible if you get yourself outside and participate in outdoor recreational activities. Your own health will improve, you'll better understand the specific eco-issues in your community, and you'll be better able to educate your patients by setting a good example.
[ ...Login to Read More]Taming the Healthcare Energy Hog
As an industry, health care uses 515 trillion BTUs of energy annually. That's 9% of the country's total energy consumption, and 85% of the energy consumed is petroleum-based. That's not exactly healthy. But a growing number of concerned physicians are making real efforts to simplify, conserve and reduce.
[ ...Login to Read More]Environmental Health for Children
Pound for pound children absorb more environmental toxins than adults, and they are also more vulnerable to adverse health effects of these exposures. Parents are desperate for help with environmental health problems, and green-minded physicians can play a vital role in ensuring healthier futures for the next generation.
[ ...Login to Read More]How Does Your Practice Measure Up on the "Greening" Scorecard?
Environmental sustainability is not a t-shirt or a marketing tool or something done for "extra credit." Eco-consciousness needs to be guide all aspects of our personal and professional lives. In a busy primary care medical practice, that's a tall order. Fortunately, there's help---in the form of the Green Guide to Health Care's new Operations guidance program. A new non-profit group, Practice Green Health will combine the strengths of three leading eco-medical groups into a single organization.
[ ...Login to Read More]When Doing the Right Thing Means Choosing the Lesser of a Few Evils
Greater eco-consciousness means making better choices about the materials we use. But sometimes, there are no clear-cut "good" substitutes for toxic materials, and the choice comes down to selecting the least impactful of available options. Case in point: compact fluorescent lightbulbs which save energy but contain mercury.
[ ...Login to Read More]Medication: It's in the Water
A wealth of recent studies are pointing to a disturbing trend: pharmaceutical residues and active drug metabolites are finding their way into our drinking water. Much of it comes from runoff from agricultural waste. But drugs excreted in human urine or feces, and pills flushed down the toilet also play a big role. The solution? Conscientious prescribing and careful disposal of expired meds.
[ ...Login to Read More]Healthy Computers: Smart Purchasing to Improve Your Work Environment
Computers have definitely improved our lives, but from a health and environmental viewpoint…well, they’re not all that great. They’re packed with toxic materials, they burn lotsa kilowatts, and they’re pretty hard on the eyes and hands. Fortunately, a growing number of computer designers are developing cleaner, greener and healthier machines.
[ ...Login to Read More]So, You Want to Buy a New Computer?
Before you go out get that new G5 or the latest Blackberry, stop and think about what you plan to do with your old ones. Forty million computers-laden with lead, cadmium, chlorinated plastics, and other tech-toxins- are disposed of annually. Only 11% are properly recycled.
[ ...Login to Read More]Surf's Up! Green Health Care Grows From a Ripple to a Wave
Over the last decade, there has been a tremendous increase in eco-consciousness in the health care industry, and this has led to a corresponding increase in the number of green cleaning products, building materials, and medical supplies now available. But not everything is as green as it may seem. Fortunately, there has also been a big increase in the number of information resources available to help guide ecologically minded health care professionals.
[ ...Login to Read More]^top
Most Popular
- The Clinical Picture of Hypothyroidism
- Exercise Centers Are a Good "Fit" For Primary Care Clinics
- Sustainable Weight Loss: Understanding Famine Physiology & the Psychology of Obesity
- Dark Chocolate: A Good Treat(ment) for Hypertension
- Six Chinese Herbs Every Doctor Should Know
- Honoring the Spiritual Roots of Plant Medicine
- What to Do—And What Not to Do—If Your State Medical Board Comes A’ Calling
Quicklinks
The ideas, opinions, commentaries and viewpoints expressed on this website do not necessarily reflect those of its publisher. Ascending Media, LLC, will not assume liability for damages, injuries, losses, or claims of any kind arising from or related to the information presented on Holisticprimarycare.net, including claims related to products or services described herein.