Events highlight efforts to integrate sustainability into Providence Health Care operations
The Environmental Stewardship Team, affectionately known as the ESTeam, at Providence Health Care (Providence) had a busy and fun year, hosting two sustainability fairs at St. Paul’s Hospital and Mount Saint Joseph Hospital.
As health-care organizations are recognizing the vital links between human and planetary health, Providence established the ESTeam to support and foster sustainability in the workplace.
We wanted to offer a fun and engaging way for staff and medical staff to learn about Providence’s sustainability efforts. That is how the Sustainability Fair idea came about,” explained Theresa McElroy, ESTeam co-lead and Corporate Director Strategic Planning & Management.
The first Providence Sustainability Fair, was held in April 2024 in the St. Paul’s Hospital cafeteria, followed by a second fair at Mount Saint Joseph Hospital in July. Together, over 350 participants attended the events.
At St. Paul’s, the fair commenced with a poignant land acknowledgement by Elder Xwechtaal Dennis Joseph of the Squamish Nation, setting a meaningful tone about the power of collaboration and a warm opening ceremony led by Fiona Dalton, Providence President & CEO. The fair included 10 booths representing a diversity of projects, programs and initiatives across Providence that are reducing the organization’s environmental impact, such as the Transit Incentive program, the Glove Smart project and opportunities for staff to get involved. Fair participants were delighted to sample plant-rich food prepared by Food Services, play a waste game, win environmentally friendly prizes all while learning more about sustainability projects and initiatives across the organization.
Building on the momentum from the inaugural event, the ESTeam then hosted the Sustainability Fair at Mount Saint Joseph Hospital. This smaller fair provided a personable platform for conversations specific to sustainability needs and ideas from Mount Saint Joseph staff and medical staff.
Participants noted new learnings and relished in the vibrant nature of the event:
This feels like the start of a new tradition. A fun way to finish the week!”
The events were a success, not only in terms of attendance and engagement, but also in setting a precedent for future environmental efforts. As we look to the future, the ESTeam’s continued efforts will undoubtedly play a crucial role in driving Providence’s innovation and progress in sustainable health-care practices.
** Photo credits: Brian Smith, Professional Photographer and Imaging Specialist, Providence Health Care Media Services
