Patricia Wheelis (SSC)

I will refuse 2 of single-use paper or plastic bags each day by bringing my own reusable bags or carrying purchased goods another way.

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 spend 15 minute(s) per day practicing Mindfulness and/or Meditation.

I will learn one new fact about my community each day (history, geography, local wildlife, resources, programs, current issues, goals, etc.)

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 15 minutes learning about which items are recyclable both at my workplace and at home since they may be different, and recycle only those items.

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 improve hydration by drinking an additional 8oz of water each day. I will do this by drinking additional servings of water or by drinking water in place of other less healthy beverage options.

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 spend 30 minutes learning about greenwashing and how to avoid it.

I will spend 30 minute(s) learning about constructive communication.

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.

I will spend 15 minutes learning about some of the ways my organization makes its laboratories more sustainable and ways we can improve.

I will spend 15 minutes learning about some of the ways my organization makes its operating rooms more sustainable and ways we can improve.

I commit to dedicating 15 minutes to exploring my organization's quality improvement resources and examining how quality improvement methodologies can support sustainability projects.

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.

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

I will spend at least 30 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.

I will help others in need and prevent useful items from going to landfill by donating 5 items.

I will spend 30 minutes learning about the environmental footprint of the healthcare industry, how it impacts health, and ways I can help reduce it.

Exercise is a great stress blaster! I will exercise for 40 minute(s) each day.

I will promote a positive environment and uplift others by performing 1 random act(s) of kindness.

I will spend 30 minutes learning about what medical device reprocessing is and how it works, including whether my organization has a program, and if so, which items it collects.

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

No one person can do everything, but we can all do something. Making one person's worth of difference matters! Share an impact you made related to an Ecochallenge action that you are proud of in the feed.

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

I will Practice the "5 Rs" — refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle — to reduce my waste more than I can with just recycling alone.

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

I will adopt a "Needs Vs. Wants" approach and only buy things I need.