Pat Steigerwald, Medical Lab Technician, (ASCP)
UH Geneva Medical Center
Pat Steigerwald has taken a leadership role in the development of a waste reduction program at UH Geneva Medical Center. Focusing on ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle in the workplace, Pat has helped UH Geneva Medical Center divert waste from landfills that contribute to air and water pollution. A strong recycling initiative forms the foundation for a comprehensive sustainability program, and Pat has been instrumental in putting UH Geneva Medical Center well on its way toward becoming a health care facility that fosters sustainability and wellness.
Read Pat’s answers to four questions about sustainability and waste reduction!
Q: Why is environmental sustainability important to you?
A: Environmental sustainability is very important to me. We should cherish the earth-given commodities that will eventually be depleted. Our efforts to recycle, reduce, and reuse compostable cups, coffee/tea cups, napkins, dining silverware and food containers in our cafeteria have changed the waste to recyclable materials.
Q: What are some sustainability efforts you have pursued or advanced at work?
A: At UH Geneva Medical Center, we have recycling bins for paper, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, retro-fitted ballasts that save energy, motion sensor light switches, faucets and commodes. Our employees have become more aware of what can be recycled during their daily tasks.
Q: What is one easy thing your fellow employees can do to support sustainability at your facility and throughout the system?
A: Simply bringing your own coffee travel mug from home on a daily basis can significantly reduce waste from disposable cafeteria cups.
Q: What is one important behavior that you practice at home to promote environmental and personal health?
A: One important behavior that I practice at home to promote environmental and personal health is to shop for whole foods that do not require a bag or a box. The less packaging, the better. And if you do buy packaging, try to recycle or reuse it.
It truly is exciting to discover all of the wonderful ways that you can save. PracticeGreenHealth.org has ideas such as electricity rate bidding, green architecture, and solar programs, to name a few.
I would like to thank all of our fellow employees, the true heroes who gracefully worked with all of the new changes of our Green Initiative Program. I am proud of all of you.