Our current awe-inspiring whole photo voltaic eclipse is a reminder that our planet is a part of a better universe and that every of us ought to admire and shield it for future generations and ourselves. Yearly since 1970, Earth Day has galvanized communities to just do that. In the present day, greater than 192 nations take part worldwide to boost consciousness, advocate for gestures, large and small, and make a optimistic impression.

This 12 months’s Earth Day theme is Planet vs Plastics. In step with this, permit me to focus on that hospitals, basically, are main mills of waste, together with plastics. To cut back our manufacturing of waste (together with plastic) we have to rethink our consumption, work to cut back the acquisition of single-use merchandise at supply, select reusable merchandise, purchase in bulk at any time when potential, and so forth. As of now, single-use plastic utensils (knives, forks and spoons) are now not out there in our cafeterias and eating places. Assortment of returnable containers (together with plastic containers) is happening at our websites. A number of initiatives on the MUHC are underway in plastic discount, for instance, the Nursing directorate is exploring with our groups in dialysis the potential for recycling 4L plastic bottles. As each gesture counts, you might be inspired to make the most of reusable cups in cafeterias and at our distributors. 

We’re making necessary strides however collective teamwork is vital to attaining our objectives. The MUHC has begun recycling plastics, however we nonetheless have work to do to enhance our efficiency. In that regard, we are going to quickly start drafting our first residual supplies administration plan, which is able to present us with an summary of the present recycling state of affairs at every of our websites and an motion plan specifying the goal timetable and funds required for recycling several types of supplies (together with plastic). Groups are additionally at present engaged on the manufacturing of the primary carbon footprint report, which is able to allow us to measure, monitor and scale back our environmental footprint.

I invite you to participate within the actions deliberate for the week of April 22 to 25, a lot of that are in partnership with Montreal socio-economic organizations – one other nice current MUHC dedication.

• Info kiosk on biodiversity – we now have not too long ago signed a dedication to biodiversity.
• Local weather change recreation tailored for the MUHC
• Hikes on Mount Royal to learn to establish threatened or invasive species
• Electrical bike trials
• Kiosk on wholesome and native meals, together with tasting of vegan galettes and honey
• A number of attracts have been organized to encourage your participation

Please  assist the MUHC scale back its environmental footprint on Earth Day and daily.

Lucie Opatrny, MD MHCM FRCP(c), MSc.

President and Government Director, MUHC