Melissa Dreckman

I will sign up for my utility company's clean/renewable energy option.

I will take time to review what commonly used items I use at work can be recycled.

I will spend 20 minutes learning about some of the ways my organization makes its operating rooms more sustainable and ways we can improve.

I pledge to take one action that improves the sustainability of my organization in 2025. It can be an action from this challenge or another action that improves resource stewardship.

I will support a non-profit in my community with a charitable gift to support their sustainability efforts.

Check conference rooms and turn off any lights that were left on

I will make 2 appointments to support my health and well-being (primary care provider, dental, vision, etc.)

I will support a local business that I have never used before but checking out their shop and making a purchase.

I will adjust my thermostat down 2 degrees from usual when I use the heat, and up 2 degrees when I use air conditioning.

I will save up to 4 gallons (15 L) of water each day by turning it off while brushing my teeth.

Your voice matters! Help us improve the One Healthcare Ecochallenge by taking our survey, available starting April 23rd.

I will avoid printing 5 pieces of paper by "going digital" and printing double-sided whenever possible.

I will repair an item, such as clothing or an appliance, for myself, a friend, family member, or neighbor.

I will work from home 2 day(s) to avoid my commute's carbon output.

I will replace 10 incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

Hand washing dishes can use more energy and hot water than running a full dishwasher. To save water, I will scrape instead of rinsing dishes before loading them into the dishwasher, and only run it when it is full.

Lighting makes up approximately 10% of hospitals' energy use on average. I will save energy by turning off unnecessary lights when not in use and when I am the last one to leave a space.

I will turn my computer monitor(s) off at my work station when not in use to save energy (I will follow my organization's IT instructions for keeping on, turning off, or restarting computers).

I will refuse 1 of single-use paper or plastic bags each day by bringing my own reusable bags or carrying purchased goods another way.

I will make 5 new healthcare connections at my workplace or beyond to learn from my peers, share best practices, and see if there are opportunities for collaboration.

I will spend 20 minute(s) learning about constructive communication.

I will engage in nature-based activities alone, or with my friends or family, for 30 minute(s) each day. (This can be anything from going on a walk or hike, to noticing the leaves changing color, to reading a book with nature themes.)

I will cut my car trip mileage by only taking necessary trips, or walking and biking instead.

I will pick up 5 piece(s) of litter each day.

I will spend 30 minutes learning about how indoor air quality impacts health and commit to taking one action to improve indoor air quality in my living space.

I will take one action to support local wildlife, such as adding a food or water source, creating shelter/habitat, preventing light pollution, eliminating bird strikes, or another action.

I will recycle 5 items at work and/or at home each day, making sure I review recycling program guidelines and only place accepted items that are clean, empty, and dry in the recycling bin.