These days, many consumers want to be green, and they expect the companies they do business with to lead the way. Not only is it good for our planet, but it also has a positive impact on business. Here are some ways dental offices can be more environmentally conscious.
You may have already factored in larger-impact items, such as minimizing your electric use or reducing the amount of paper you use, but here are three ways to go green your office may not have considered:
1. Dental Goodie Bag
Patients love goodie bags. But this simple gesture could have a negative environmental impact, as only 1% of plastic bags get recycled, and the rest can take an estimated 500 years to decompose in a landfill.
Make your goodie bags even greener by rethinking the bag or go bagless altogether! Try tying your dental goodies in bundles with string, or keep everything in a basket and have patients pick and choose what they need.
2. Scrubs
10.5 million tons of fabric ends up in a landfill every year. If your and your employees’ scrubs are well-loved, consider reusing the fabric as rags or donating it. Many animal shelters in the area will use extra fabric material as bedding.
3. X-rays
X-rays are an essential part of any dental office, and for offices that still use film, the environmental impact can be significant. The lead from the film’s lead foil can contaminate groundwater if disposed incorrectly.
Luckily, lead foil is recyclable, and some companies will even pick it up for you to recycle it.
How has your practice gone green? Let us know in the comments!