Healthcare system efforts awarded

Cambridge, MA— Cambridge Health Alliance, a regional healthcare system with hospitals in Cambridge, Somerville, and Everett, Massachusetts, was honored by Hospitals for a Healthy Environment with the “Partners for Change Award” and the “Making Medicine Mercury Free Award.” Both awards recognize Cambridge Health Alliance for being an industry leader in recycling, waste reduction, and the elimination of mercury.

In 2002, Cambridge Health Alliance evaluated its waste programs and launched several new environmental initiatives. Since then, the system has “eliminated the use of mercury thermometers and implemented recycling at all our sites,” noted chief operating officer Bruce Solomon.

It has also reduced the amount of cardboard and mixed paper used each year by about 72,000 pounds and the amount of regulated medical waste by about 16,000 pounds.

It is estimated that Cambridge Health Alliance’s new environmental management system results in a savings of more than 600 trees, 3 million gallons of water, and 1,500 cubic feet of landfill each year.