Tips to green up your practice for Earth Day

There are many ways to integrate eco-friendly practices into veterinary clinics. Earth Day is just around the corner, so consider implementing some of these tips from the AVMA to help make your veterinary practice more green.

• Appoint one of your staff members as a "green representative" to oversee your efforts and encourage others to use greener practices.

• Make sure your staff knows proper disposal means for all items within the practice.

• Get the team involved to encourage excitement about your recycling program.

• Become familiar with waste disposal and recycling options in your area.

• Ask your staff to print only when necessary and print double-sided to save paper.

• Use recycled office products including paper products, glass, and aluminum.

• Install waste stations that include separate compartments for trash, recyclables, and even compost material (as allowed by local law).

• Request that your suppliers minimize packaging materials whenever possible.

• Enhance the control and understanding of your inventory flow and supply. Reduce the amount of waste generated from extra packaging for small or single-item shipments, and organize to avoid products expiring before they can be used.

• Replace light bulbs with more efficient bulbs that use less energy to emit comparable lighting.

• Install timers or motion sensors in security lighting systems. Install motion sensors in lower-traffic areas.

• When it's time to replace old appliances and equipment such as refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, and computers, purchase replacements that are ENERGY STAR certified.

• Turn computers, or at least the monitors, off overnight or when not in use.

• Insulate and tint glass windows to minimize heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.

• Keep infrequently used electrical devices unplugged until needed.

• Landscape with drought-resistant, non-toxic plants.

• Install low-flow water fixtures for faucets and showerheads as well as low-flow or dual-flush toilets where practical.

• Install a water filter or use a filtered pitcher for drinking water instead of using bottled water.