Dear Colleagues,
Today marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. A day that provides an opportunity for positive action and results that will directly affect our environment, ourselves and generations to come.
I can confidently say that UHN is doing its part to help protect the environment.
We currently have over 250 staff volunteer green team members and over 20 departmental green teams working together to find solutions for the complex greening issues unique to our organization. Please join me in thanking and congratulating all members of the UHN green teams for their hard work and dedication to this worthy cause.
It is not only UHN staff that recognize our outstanding commitment to patient and planet-centered care, as UHN was just recognized for our environmental leadership with awards from the Canadian College of Health Service Executives, Smart Commute Toronto and Practice GreenHealth.
Furthermore, environmental initiatives can be seen all over UHN such as the addition of composting at all three sites, the development of specialized programs to reduce biomedical and pharmaceutical waste, and our implementation of TLC - Care to Conserve energy management program which has resulted in cost savings of $175, 000 in just three years.
There is always more work to be done to be more planet-centered so my question to you is: What are you doing for Earth Day?
Will you be walking or biking to work? If so, check out the Cycling Hall today from 9-10:30 in the Oasis Wellness Centre.
Have you signed the UHN green pledge? If not, sign it here.
I also encourage any staff who can spare 20 minutes tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. to participate in Toronto's 20-minute Makeover. You will find more details on the UHN intranet website.
In the words of Mahatma Gandhi "You must be the change you want to see in the world."
What difference will you make today?
Bob
