Have you heard about the family in NYC who went totally green for a year? How about the innovative dental practice called Transcendentist, located in Berkley, CA? If you don’t think going green is a good idea, think again. One web article states that Transcendentist expected 10 to 15 new patients per month, but their eco-friendly reputation has helped them double that estimate in real numbers. Not everyone has the discipline and desire to go all-out, hippie, save-the-world green. However, every little bit counts, right? Maybe you recycle at home, water your yard after dusk, or drive a hybrid – like the Heraeus sales team. Let’s look at how you can make your dental office a little greener and the world a little better…
- Stop placing amalgams and use mercury filters for removed amalgam. See the best management practices (BPM) for amalgam waste.
- Use a digital X-ray and Panorex. They require no harmful chemicals for development and are safer for your patients than traditional radiographs.
- Recycle as much as possible! Can you reduce your disposable items usage without compromising patient safety? Can you buy recycled paper for your front office?
- Use eco-friendly cleaning products and steam-based sterilization.
- When you build your office, ask for energy-saving windows, doors, and insulation to reduce your electric usage for heat and a/c; use eco-friendly building materials like non-toxic paint, recycled wall paper, and chemical-free wool carpet; buy recycled furniture and have it refurbished; install rain gutters that lead to water disbursement systems to feed your landscaping.
- Plant trees and gardens if you own or rent the outdoor area surrounding your office.
- Consider promoting earth-friendly dental products that you find legitimate.
While going green is costly at first, your energy savings will offer some return on investment. If you choose to go all out, mention your tree-hugging ways in marketing, and you may end up with a host of new patients who appreciate your efforts and want to support them. You can also benefit from the peace-of-mind that comes with doing what’s right, and that’s priceless.