Sustainability Simplified 

Although the decision to invest time and resources into sustainable efforts can be daunting, it becomes more manageable when taken one step at a time. Here, EB offers tips on how to get started in different sustainability areas.

>> A great place to start is behind the scenes.

1. Invest in heating and cooling systems with programmable thermostats and energy-efficient lighting with motion sensors to reduce energy consumption in the office.

2. Address your eyecare practice’s water consumption by installing water-saving fixtures in bathrooms and kitchens. Look for the WaterSense label, a certification identifying products that meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s criteria for efficiency and performance. 

3. Ensure you provide ample bins for paper, plastic, and other recyclables, and digitize communications where possible.

>> Focusing on sustainability extends to your patients. 

4. Implementing electronic health records (EHR) for your patients has more than just an environmental benefit. According to the American Optometric Association, EHR technology enhances the quality and coordination of care with the potential to reduce health disparities in underserved communities. 

5. Offer telehealth options for patients when applicable. Not only does this provide more convenience for patients but it also reduces the unavoidable carbon footprint of in-office visits and can potentially clear time for your staff to help additional patients.

>> Seek out and highlight environmentally friendly products.

6. Reach out to your sales representatives to inquire about the latest environmentally friendly launches, identify brands that have earned certifications in sustainability, and stay up to date on eco-conscious milestones companies are working toward reaching in their own practices, policies, and processes.

7. Become knowledgeable on the array of eco-conscious materials being used in the industry so you can identify the right options for each patient’s needs.

8. Dedicate a rotating space in the optical to showcase eyewear-industry successes in the evolving realm of sustainably crafted frames and lenses. Incorporate recycling programs for eyecare-related waste whenever possible to make it easy for patients to participate. 

>> Become involved and engaged in your community.

9. Create brochures and posters for display in the office, in addition to utilizing your practice’s social media presence, to share information on how the industry is working to become more sustainable and educate patients on how they can get involved.

10. Sponsor local initiatives that promote environmentally friendly practices like recycling drives, community cleanups, or gardening projects, and offer incentives for your staff to get involved. Not only will you be doing good for your community, but you will also be attaching your practice’s name to worthwhile efforts.