What can veterinarians do to make their practices more green?

Greening your practice not only provides the satisfaction of helping preserve the environment for future generations; it can also help your bottom line.

Although some green measures may carry higher up-front costs, they can often be made more affordable by government funding opportunities, rebates, and tax incentives -- some of the motivators encouraging eco-friendly updates and renovation of buildings and practices. They also can lower your utility costs, saving your practice money in the long run. In addition, the public often recognizes such efforts as noble gestures, and this perception may help increase the client base for practices taking the proactive steps.

We've put together the following collection of resources and pointers to consider when getting started with or enhancing your green practices.

Options for integrating eco-friendly features into veterinary practices

• Reduce waste production and improve waste management
• Increase energy efficiency
• Improve water efficiency
• Reduce chemical product use and minimize toxins

Opportunities for including eco-friendly practices in facility designs

• Use eco-friendly building materials
• Choose your building's location and design wisely
• Reduce waste production and improve waste management
• Increase energy efficiency
• Improve water efficiency
• Be a leader