Vanderbilt received a Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award for The Commons as one of 14 award winners recognized statewide for their positive impact on the state’s natural resources.
Black + Gold = Green
When it comes to sustainability, Vanderbilt is rewriting the equation. Read the full story in the Vanderbilt View.
Electronics Recycling Event a Huge Success
The Vanderbilt-sponsored Electronics Recycling Event filled 25 tractor trailers with electronics for recycling, with more than 1,000 people dropping off items during the community recycling event.
Vanderbilt Takes First Steps at "Greening" Commencement
Vanderbilt evaluated Commencement and related activities to see where "greener" practices could be adopted.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center Recycling Programs
Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) is one of the largest medical centers in the Southeastern United States. In 2006, VUMC had over one million outpatient visits! Considering the number of outpatient visits, overnight hospital stays, and the number of staff members, medical students, and visitors that pass through the doors of VUMC every day, a huge volume of recyclable material is generated at the Vanderbilt medical clinics, offices, and hospitals.
VUMC staff and students, in partnership, have confronted the mounds of recyclables head-on, launching a highly successful recycling program in 2006. The VUMC Campaign for Awareness, Recycling, and Environmental Sustainability (CARES) medical student group started a pilot recycling program in Light Hall last August. Recycling bins were placed throughout Light Hall for the collection of paper, plastic beverage containers, and aluminum cans. With VUMC CARES spearheading the educational campaign and Daris Merriweather from VUMC School of Medicine Environmental Services managing the waste, this new program has already recycled almost 44,000 pounds of material just in four months from Light Hall.
The VUMC School of Medicine administration is partnering with VUMC CARES to further expand the recycling effort throughout research buildings in 2007. The overall objective of VUMC CARES is to expand the recycling program throughout all medical buildings by 2010.
VUMC has had for many years a successful cardboard recycling program; in 2006, over 408 tons of cardboard were recycled, generating over $14,500 in revenue. Another $13,000 was saved by not paying $32 per ton to dispose of this cardboard. Furthermore, the VUMC cafeteria has greatly reduced the volume of solid waste it generates by minimizing its use of Styrofoam containers and plastic utensils, switching to reusable flatware and china, a program initiated by VUMC CARES.
As the need for quality medical care in Middle Tennessee is expected to increase, the expansion of recycling programs and the reduction of solid waste generation are helping to make Vanderbilt University Medical Center a sustainable workplace, educational institution, and a provider of superior medical services.
Contact Freddie Easley or Daris Merriweather at 322-6107, VUMC SOM Environmental Services, for further information on VUMC Recycling.
