Think Green
As a leading nonprofit health care system, Banner Health believes in being a good steward of our community resources, including the environment.
Our systemwide Think GREEN Program has members from throughout our 23-hospital organization who help create programs that reduce our impact on the environment.
We strongly believe that being enviromentally conscious is the right thing to do -- fiscally and ethically.
Paper and Cardboard Recycling
In 2012, Banner's focus on recycling paid off; our efforts saved:
- more than 37,450 trees
- over 15 million gallons of water
Energy Savings
Our energy saving efforts in 2012 reduced over 13,000 tons of hazardous pollutants and greenhouse gases from the air. That is the equivalent of removing almost 2,200 cars from the road.
Instrument Reprocessing
Our reprocessing program diverted more than 115,000 pounds of waste in 2012. It also reduced the environmental impact of manufacturing and transporting new devices.
Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal
In 2012, the Banner pharmaceutical waste program diverted more than 166,400 pounds of pharmaceutical waste from the environment.
Reusable Sharps Containers
In 2012, Banner Health estimates it has eliminated 190 tons of potential plastic and packaging waste by utilizing reusable containers in its facilities. These containers safely hold used medical "sharps'' -- needles, scalpels and other devices prior to disposal. This translates into an estimated cost savings of over $220,000.
Most importantly, the reusable sharps container program has reduced the amount of handling of the containers for our staff -- which reduces the chance for injury.
Other Recycling
Batteries, bulbs, used oil, and some chemicals are also recycled through our waste vendors.
