Aspirus Sustainability Program
As a leader in the communities we serve, Aspirus is committed to being economically, socially and environmentally responsible. The Aspirus Sustainability Program was established in 2018 as a coordinated, strategic effort to identify and implement sustainability initiatives intended to improve the lives of our patients and the health of our communities. This program is in direct alignment with our mission: We heal people, promote health and strengthen communities.
Program Long-Term Goals
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2030
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Reduce organizational emissions by 50%
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2050
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Achieve net-zero emissions
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* Goals are based on the White House / U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Health Care Sector Pledge. Aspirus Health joined the pledge at its outset in 2022.
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Our Contributions
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Click the infographic below to view larger.
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Celebrating Sustainability at Aspirus
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Fiscal Year 2021 (July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021)
Additional Videos
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Climate Champion
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Climate Champion (July 2022)
Stephanie Dulak, RN, Emergency Department Manager
Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Stephanie earned the Climate Champion (clinical) award for identifying and leading a project to reduce the amount of waste the emergency department generates by replacing single-use, disposable EKG leads with reusable ones. EKG leads are attached to patients' chests for use in monitoring the electrical activity of the heart. Rather than throwing out these leads after each patient, the reusable EKG leads are thoroughly cleaned and then reused.
This project allows the emergency department to:
- Cut down on its landfill waste by about 14,400 pounds a year.
- Save $46,000 in supply costs a year.
- Receive less of the unnecessary packaging supplies come in.
- Avoid carbon emissions associated with transporting supplies for delivery or disposal.
Click here to read more about Stephanie and her commitment to sustainability.
About Our Climate Champion Award
Presented by the committee that oversees Aspirus Health's system-wide sustainability efforts, the Climate Champion award recognizes employees who identify and implement sustainable practices, and demonstrate leadership and innovation within their department through:
- Reducing waste (material, energy, water, carbon equivalents and more).
- Improving the patient experience and employee safety.
- Supporting operational performance.
Awards are presented in two categories: Clinical and Non-clinical.
In honor of their remarkable efforts, recipients each receive five trees planted in their name in the Superior National Forest.
Past recipients:
- March 2022 - Melody Dearth, Director of Facilities and Support Services, Aspirus Riverview Hospital & Clinics - Non-clinical award
- February 2022 - Jaclyn Zastrow, Senior Executive Assistant, Aspirus Corporate Administration - Non-clinical award
- November 2021 - Billie Schilling, RN, Aspirus Medford Hospital Operating Room - Clinical award
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What Can I Do?
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Below are ways you can help support sustainability in your day-to-day life.
At Work
- Hibernate computers at night.
- Turn off conference room lights, TVs and computers.
- Recycle - cans, copy paper and plastic bottles.
- Choose non-plastic food utensils and containers.
- Use reusable cups instead of Styrofoam.
- Print documents double sided and in black & white.
- Use electronic media when possible rather than printing.
- Walk, don't drive from one building to another.
- Carpool to work or offsite meetings.
- Bike or walk to work if possible.
- Take the stairs rather than elevators.
At Home
- Minimize food waste by meal planning and using leftovers creatively.
- Shop at local farmers markets for fresh produce.
- Donate and purchase gently used clothing.
- Plant native species in your home garden to support local wildlife.
- Switch to reusable cotton pads, coffee filters, paper towels, straws, grocery bags, etc.
- Unplug electronics when not in use to save energy.
- Support local businesses versus online shopping.
- Air dry clothes instead of using a dryer.
- Switch from dryer sheets to dryer balls to save money and reduce waste.
- Repair items instead of replacing.