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April 1 - April 30, 2024
Amy Smith's avatar

Amy Smith

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

"I am committed to protecting the planet, preserving the resources we have and , educating others, "

POINTS TOTAL

  • 0 TODAY
  • 0 THIS WEEK
  • 1,958 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    180
    meatless or vegan meals
    consumed
  • UP TO
    4.0
    locally sourced meals
    consumed
  • UP TO
    187
    pieces of plastic cutlery
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    131
    pounds of CO2
    have been saved
  • UP TO
    4.0
    lightbulbs
    replaced
  • UP TO
    2.0
    trees
    planted
  • UP TO
    120
    hours
    volunteered
  • UP TO
    4.0
    public officials or leaders
    contacted
  • UP TO
    20
    items
    donated
  • UP TO
    3.0
    local or diverse businesses
    supported
  • UP TO
    5.0
    advocacy actions
    completed
  • UP TO
    9.0
    healthcare connections
    made
  • UP TO
    111
    random acts of kindness
    completed
  • UP TO
    1,459
    minutes
    of additional sleep
  • UP TO
    499
    minutes spent
    learning
  • UP TO
    3.0
    greener purchases
    made

Amy's actions

Health & Well-being

Gratitude

I will write down three things every day that I am grateful for every day.

COMPLETED 30
DAILY ACTIONS

At Work

Reduce Animal Products

I will enjoy 3 meatless meal(s) and/or 3 vegan meal(s) each day this week.

COMPLETED 30
DAILY ACTIONS

One Healthcare

Random Act of Kindness

I will promote a positive environment and uplift others by performing 4 random act(s) of kindness.

COMPLETED 29
DAILY ACTIONS

Health & Well-being

Healthy Sleep

I will commit to getting 30 more minute(s) of sleep each night to achieve at least 7 hours per night.

COMPLETED 29
DAILY ACTIONS

At Home

Learn the Truth about Expiration Dates

I will spend at least 60 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

At Work

Use Reusables at Work

I will keep 10 forks, spoons, and/or knives from entering the landfill by using reusable utensils when eating at work.

COMPLETED 30
DAILY ACTIONS

In Our Communities

Donate Items

I will help others in need and prevent useful items from going to landfill by donating 10 items.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

One Healthcare

Judicious use of disinfectants

I will only use disinfectants where recommended and required by my organization's Infection Prevention and Control department.

COMPLETED 30
DAILY ACTIONS

At Home

Adjust the Thermostat

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

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

In Our Communities

Volunteer in My Community

I will volunteer 120 hour(s) in my community during the challenge.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

One Healthcare

Sustainable Healthcare

I will attend or watch a recording of a webinar 30 minutes long covering one or more healthcare sustainability issues.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

One Healthcare

Climate Change Impacts on Health

I will spend 30 minutes learning about the ways climate change impacts health.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

One Healthcare

Environmental Footprint of Healthcare

I will spend 60 minutes learning about the environmental footprint of the healthcare industry, how it impacts health, and ways I can help reduce it.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

In Our Communities

Advocate for Green Spaces

I will call or write 3 public officials to advocate for more green spaces around my town, particularly in neighborhoods that currently lack equitable access to green spaces.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

In Our Communities

Support Pollution Reduction

I will spend at least 30 minutes learning about water and air quality issues in my area, how they are impacting human and environmental health, and how I can help.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

At Home

Choose Clean/Renewable Energy

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

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health & Well-being

Learn About Constructive Communication

I will spend 33 minute(s) learning about constructive communication.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

At Work

Stay Connected

I will schedule coffee breaks, lunches, and/or check-in meetings with 4 coworkers to promote connectivity in my workplace.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

At Work

Greener Purchasing

I will select a greener option when purchasing supplies, such as products that have environmental certifications, less packaging, or other environmental attributes, or come from local vendors.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

At Work

Prevent Recycling Contamination

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 60 minutes learning about which items are recyclable both at my workplace and at home since they may be different, and recycle only those items.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

One Healthcare

Network for Change

I will make 4 new healthcare connections through direct outreach or by joining a green team or industry group to learn from my peers, share best practices, and see if there are opportunities for collaboration.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

In Our Communities

Plant Trees

I will plant 1 tree(s) in my community, public parks, or backyard. Check out resources for which tree species are best to plant in your area.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

At Home

Switch to Cold Water

I will switch to washing my clothes in cold water, saving up to 1,600 lbs of CO2 over the course of the next year.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

In Our Communities

Support Diverse and Locally-Owned Businesses

I will promote equity and support my community by purchasing items at 4 diverse- and/or locally-owned businesses.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

In Our Communities

Buy From a Farmers Market

I will purchase produce and/or meat from a local farmers market or food co-op to make 10 locally-sourced meals.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

One Healthcare

Medical Device Reprocessing

I will spend 31 minutes learning about the items my organization collects for medical device reprocessing and share this information with colleagues.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

At Home

Choose LED Bulbs

I will replace 4 incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

At Home

Repair an Item

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

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

In Our Communities

Beach Clean Up Day

participate in a local beach clean up in my community to help keep garbage out of our waters

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Participant Feed

Reflection, encouragement, and relationship building are all important aspects of getting a new habit to stick.
Share thoughts, encourage others, and reinforce positive new habits on the Feed.

To get started, share “your why.” Why did you join the challenge and choose the actions you did?


  • Amy Smith's avatar
    Amy Smith 4/30/2024 3:45 AM

    Congratulations on reaching the final day of the Healthcare EcoChallenge! 🎉 It's been an incredible journey of learning, action, and collaboration towards building a more sustainable healthcare future. Today, as we celebrate our achievements and the positive impact we've made, let's also take a moment to reflect on the collective effort and dedication that has brought us here. From reducing waste and promoting energy efficiency to advocating for greener practices, each action has been a step towards creating a healthier planet and community. As we conclude this EcoChallenge, let's carry the momentum forward and continue to integrate sustainability into our daily lives and work. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making this EcoChallenge a success. Together, we've shown that small actions can lead to big change. Here's to a brighter, greener future for healthcare and beyond! 🌱💚


    • Kristi Clardy's avatar
      Kristi Clardy 4/30/2024 4:57 AM
      Such a great eye opening Challenge to be able to prove to myself that together we truly can make positive changes in this world!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    One Healthcare Climate Change Impacts on Health
    How does climate change create and exacerbate health inequities?

    Amy Smith's avatar
    Amy Smith 4/30/2024 3:41 AM
    limate change leads to more frequent and severe extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, and heatwaves. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses or low socioeconomic status, are disproportionately affected by these events due to limited access to resources, healthcare, and shelter

    Climate change contributes to increased air pollution, which can worsen respiratory and cardiovascular conditions such as asthma and heart disease. Communities located near industrial facilities or major transportation routes often bear the brunt of air pollution, and these communities are frequently low-income or minority populations

    Climate change impacts agricultural productivity, leading to crop failures, food shortages, and increased food prices. This disproportionately affects low-income populations and communities reliant on subsistence agriculture, leading to malnutrition and food insecurity.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    One Healthcare Sustainable Healthcare
    Briefly describe the issue(s) you learned about. How did this information impact you?

    Amy Smith's avatar
    Amy Smith 4/30/2024 3:40 AM
    1. Resource Intensive Practices: Healthcare operations, from energy-intensive medical equipment to large facilities requiring significant resources for heating, cooling, and water usage, contribute to environmental degradation.
    2. Waste Generation: Healthcare facilities produce vast amounts of waste, including hazardous materials like medical sharps and chemicals, as well as non-hazardous materials like paper and plastic. Proper disposal and management of this waste are crucial for environmental and public health.
    3. Supply Chain Complexity: The healthcare supply chain is complex, with numerous stakeholders involved in the production, distribution, and disposal of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals. Ensuring sustainability across this chain requires coordination and collaboration.
    4. Chemical Exposure: Healthcare workers and patients may be exposed to harmful chemicals used in medical treatments, cleaning products, and medical devices. Minimizing chemical exposure while maintaining effective healthcare practices is a delicate balance.
    5. Climate Change Impacts: Climate change poses significant risks to public health, including increased prevalence of infectious diseases, extreme weather events, and disruptions to healthcare infrastructure. Healthcare systems must adapt to these changing conditions while also mitigating their own contributions to climate change.
    6. Health Inequities: Sustainable healthcare initiatives must address health inequities and disparities, ensuring that all communities have access to quality healthcare services and resources.
    7. Financial Constraints: Implementing sustainable healthcare practices often requires upfront investments in infrastructure, technology, and training. Healthcare organizations, especially those with limited resources, may face financial constraints in pursuing sustainability initiatives.
    8. Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with environmental regulations and standards adds complexity to healthcare operations and may require additional resources for monitoring, reporting, and enforcement.
    It impacts me as I work in environmental services so I see these challenges on a daily bases and understand the importance of trying to find more sustainable way and the impact it can have

  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    One Healthcare Medical Device Reprocessing
    Reprocessing single use devices reduces the amount of regulated medical waste. What are other ways healthcare facilities can reduce regulated medical waste?

    Amy Smith's avatar
    Amy Smith 4/30/2024 3:37 AM
    Other way healthcare facilities can reduce regulated medical waste:


    1. Source Reduction: Encourage the use of reusable or multi-use devices and materials whenever possible. This reduces the amount of waste generated in the first place.
    2. Implement Waste Segregation: Properly segregating waste streams can help ensure that only materials that truly require regulated medical waste disposal end up in that category. Clear labeling and training for staff are essential.
    3. Optimize Packaging: Minimize excessive packaging for medical supplies and devices. This reduces the amount of waste generated and can also lower costs associated with disposal.
    4. Utilize Waste Tracking and Auditing: Implement systems to track and audit waste generation and disposal. This can help identify areas where waste reduction efforts can be improved and ensure compliance with regulations.
    5. Education and Training: Provide ongoing education and training for staff on waste management best practices, including proper segregation, handling, and disposal procedures.
    6. Explore Alternative Treatment Methods: Investigate alternative treatment methods for certain types of medical waste, such as autoclaving or chemical disinfection, which may reduce the need for regulated medical waste disposal.
    7. Collaborate with Suppliers: Work with suppliers to explore options for reducing packaging waste, optimizing product design for reuse or recycling, and implementing take-back programs for certain materials.
    8. Implement Green Purchasing Policies: Adopt purchasing policies that prioritize environmentally-friendly products and materials, including those with minimal packaging and those that can be reused or recycled.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    One Healthcare Environmental Footprint of Healthcare
    What surprised you most about the healthcare industry's impact on climate and health? What is one action you can take to make a positive impact?

    Amy Smith's avatar
    Amy Smith 4/30/2024 3:36 AM
    One surprising aspect of the healthcare industry's impact on climate and health is the significant carbon footprint it generates. From the energy-intensive operation of hospitals to the production and transportation of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals, the healthcare sector contributes a substantial amount of greenhouse gas emissions. one action you can take is educate your facility raise awareness among health care professionals about the environmental impacts.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    In Our Communities Buy From a Farmers Market
    Did procuring local ingredients impact the way you think about food or the meals you decided to prepare? If so, how?

    Amy Smith's avatar
    Amy Smith 4/30/2024 3:20 AM
    yes by seasonally and freshness local food are often fresher so i get encouraged to cook with local ingredients and it seems to taste better also shopping local bring about a sense of community you get to foster connections within your community. then you also have the aspect of finding items that you may not find in grocery store allowing you to try new ingredients.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    At Home Learn the Truth about Expiration Dates
    What did you learn about expiration dates? How do you reduce food waste at home? What are some additional ways you can reduce food waste?

    Amy Smith's avatar
    Amy Smith 4/30/2024 3:16 AM
    Expiration dates can be a bit tricky because they're not always a clear indication of food safety. "Sell by," "use by," and "best by" dates are often misunderstood. "Sell by" is for retailers, indicating when to pull an item from shelves, while "best by" suggests peak quality, not safety. "Use by" is the manufacturer's suggestion for peak quality but doesn't always indicate spoilage after that date. at home i plan meals ahead only buy what i need vs what i really may want i check cabinets to se if i already have items available

  • Amy Smith's avatar
    Amy Smith 4/29/2024 3:57 AM
    we have 1 more day tomorrow is last day of the 30 day healthcare eco
    challenge. Lets all finish strong and be proud of all you accomplished in 30days.. look at the over all impacts look at your own personal page the difference you have made. way to go all who participated..
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    In Our Communities Support Diverse and Locally-Owned Businesses
    What did you enjoy most about shopping at a diverse and/or locally-owned business? What are some of your favorite diverse and/or locally-owned businesses to shop at in your area?

    Amy Smith's avatar
    Amy Smith 4/29/2024 3:51 AM
    I like the unique products, personalized service , I like that smaller business have normally less of a environmental footprint. there are bakery that pop up people doing it from home or small shops i love that one of my favorites is around the clock she makes some the best treats and delivers to you if local.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    In Our Communities Support Pollution Reduction
    What environmental factors affect human health in your region, and how do they affect it?

    Amy Smith's avatar
    Amy Smith 4/29/2024 3:44 AM
    1. Air Quality: Poor air quality due to pollution from vehicles, industries, and other sources can lead to respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and exacerbate existing conditions like asthma.
    2. Waste Management: Improper waste disposal can contaminate soil and water sources, leading to the spread of diseases and exposure to harmful chemicals. Open dumping and burning of waste release toxic pollutants into the air, posing respiratory risks.
    3. Water Quality: Contaminated water sources can cause waterborne diseases Chemical pollutants in water can also lead to long-term health issues like cancer and developmental disorders.
    theses are just 3 there are many more that can be stated .