July 19, 2010 Central Vermont Medical Center’s Nutrition and Food Services Department has been participating in the Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District’s (CVSWMD) Organics program since November 2009.
The Medical Center recently received a “Certificate of Composting Excellence” from CVSWMD. CVMC diverted 14.9 tons of food scraps to composting between November 2009 and June 2010. As a result, CVMC has reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to not burning approximately 8,940 gallons of gas.
During that same time period, CVMC donated 1,000 pounds of food to The Vermont Foodbank through their Food Rescue Program.
CVMC is striving to reduce its carbon footprint, according to President and CEO Judy Tarr. “Composting, along with a new emphasis on zero sort recycling are the result of an FY 2010 strategic initiative to Go Green.”
Blue recycle bins have been distributed throughout the organization. These can be used for all recyclable material – cardboard, paper, plastics, glass, metal including aluminum. Casella calls it “Zero Sort” recycling. All goes in the same blue container.
CVMC is always cognizant of HIPPA and patient confidentiality. Locked containers are used for confidential paper that needs to be shredded. The shredding company recycles that paper. Toilet paper and paper towels are both green products for minimal packaging.
Nutrition and Food Services (NFS) installed a new dishwashing system at the hospital and at Woodridge using biodegradable, non caustic chemicals, minimized packaging, and the system reduces use of water and electricity. CVMC reprocesses its cooking oils into biofuel.
NFS also implemented use of corn based biodegradable disposable coffee cups from Green Mountain Coffee Roasters. NFS offers real plates, silverware and glasses in patient care areas and cafeteria, reducing the disposable waste stream.
CVMC’s NFS converted from using all electric appliances to propane which is a cleaner and cheaper energy.
For more information about Central Vermont Medical Center visit www.cvmc.org
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