Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

PARKVIEW ADVENTIST MEDICAL CENTER - Brunswick, Maine 
Going Green

What is it?   
Parkview was the first hospital in Maine to sign the Healthy Food in Health Care Pledge, and has embarked on a program that will improve both public and environmental health. The medical center is not only “Going Green” itself it is also teaching the community how to do so by providing a series of presentations on the many aspects of “Going Green at Home” such as nutrition, cleaning products, natural health care remedies, and recycling. Leading by example, the hospital provides vegetarian and vegan meals and food is purchased from local organic farmers. They are growing their own herbs and some vegetables.  All the supplies and chemicals used to clean and sanitize the kitchen are “green.” Disposable products (like cups) are made from corn rather than plastic, and paper products are recycled. Community classes have been held on how to grow your own organic food; and plant based cooking classes teach participants how to preserve the seasonal food they buy or grow.  Tips on green cleaning products, information on natural health care remedies, and warnings about beauty products have also been the subject of community presentations.  

Who is it for?  
Any member of the community is invited to attend Going Green sessions that are advertised in community papers and broadly promoted via posters at the hospital and flyers in physician’s offices.  

Why do they do it?   
The medical center aims to provide and maintains a healthy, environmentally respectful atmosphere.  They also want to assist community members in becoming more cognizant of what they can do to improve both their health and that of the environment.

Impact:  
Twenty-five programs have been conducted since January 2008. Attendance varies depending on the topic, but has ranged from 25 to 200 participants  

Contact: Sheryl McWilliams
Vice President
Telephone:  207-373-2162
E-mail:  smcwilliams@parkviewamc.org