St. Mary's Hospital
is Going Green

St. Mary’s Hospital is proud to announce the development of several new “green” initiatives over the past year to lessen the hospital’s impact on the environment.

“We are setting an example to be good stewards of the environment,” said SMH Vice President Mark Boucot.

The hospital developed a Green Team to brainstorm environmentally friendly initiatives and enact them throughout the hospital. These ideas include:

• During National Hospital Week 2008, employees received green mugs to encourage them to cut back on using disposable cups. When employees use their mugs for takeout soda, the price is reduced.  

• The cafeteria is now using eco-friendly, biodegradable products. These sugar cane paper products, corn plastic and hot cups and potato cutlery products turn back into dirt in as little as 45 days in a commercial composting facility.

• The hospital is using green liquid cleaning products to eliminate harsh smells and possible environmental irritation for employees.
• The hospital is recycling cardboard and white paper products and separating glass and plastic products.
• The hospital underwent a comprehensive energy audit and utilities retrofit, which greatly reduced SMH’s energy consumption – this includes installing energy-saving light bulbs. 

The hospital is also proud of its Director of Environmental Services, Bernard Tolson, who was named a St. Mary’s County Health Department Public Health Hero in April for his “dedication to environmental awareness.” Mr. Tolson is actively involved in Hospitals for a Healthy Environment and is part of the Green Guide to Healthcare Steering Committee.

In the near future, the hospital plans to incorporate Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design principles into its expansion and renovation project. Following the LEED standards for environmentally sustainable construction begins with architectural design.