Mt. Ascutney Hospital is making room for more recycling, and pedal power, as part of an environmental campaign it began in 2007.

The hospital has established a collection area for recycling various paper products, and for bottles and cans. Also new is a special "green" parking area for motorcycles and bikes.

A Sustainability Committee, led by Dr. Diane Riley, has been promoting a wide range of environmental projects at the hospital. They range from increasing recycling and using nontoxic cleaning products to reducing medical waste and encouraging the use of construction materials with fewer environmental impacts.

The Hospital Administration, including the Board of Trustees and CEO Richard Slusky, gave environmental initiatives a major endorsement. A policy adopted in 2007 commits the hospital "to improving environmental management throughout the organization in order to promote a healthy workplace and a healthier community.''

Recycling can save money as well as make a statement. The hospital calculates that the already-in-place cardboard recycling program could save up to $6,000 annually. It's one of many initiatives that the hospital feels strongly is the right thing to do.

To connect to the Mt. Ascutney Hospital sustainability web site, click here