LCM Receives Recognition for Befriending the Environment
Little Company News
05/19/2008
LCM Awards Bridget Higgins as 'Greenest' Employee
For the last several decades, Little Company of Mary Hospital and Health Care Centers has made conscious decisions to create a healthier healing environment for physicians, staff and patients. These efforts have been recognized and awarded through a regional contest sponsored by Clean Air Counts. Clean Air Counts is a northeastern Illinois regional initiative to reduce ozone-causing emissions.
Little Company of Mary uses low-volatile organic compound (VOC) paints, 'Energy Star' compliant office equipment, and energy efficient lighting. In addition, the Hospital promotes recycling in the cafeteria and attempts to print all of its marketing materials on recycled paper using soy-based ink.
'I am very proud of our efforts,' says Mary Freyer, Chief Operating Officer at Little Company of Mary. 'We continue to look for ways to become ‘greener.' Our employees have been a tremendous source for ideas. Currently, we are starting a Garden Club and we are encouraging our employees to carpool to work.'
For their efforts, Little Company of Mary will be featured on two area billboards - one on Interstate 57 (near 124th Street) and another on Kedzie Avenue (near the I-294 Tollway). The Billboards states that "Clean Air Counts on Little Company of Mary."
The Hospital held a contest where they asked physicians, employees and volunteers to describe how they help the environment. Bridget Higgins, RN, a nurse who works in Surgical Recovery, received the honor as Little Company of Mary's 'Greenest' Employee. Bridget explained how she bikes to work, brings her lunch in a reusable bag, uses her own utensils and reuses the same water bottle and/or coffee mug everyday. Bridget's green efforts will be awarded by featuring her photo on Little Company of Mary's billboards.
Little Company of Mary is transforming its campus with a building project that is scheduled to occur in three phases concluding in 2013. The project includes many new locations for services currently in its oldest building, including all private rooms and private baths, as well as a Women's Center for Life and Health. This investment in Evergreen Park will continue Little Company of Mary's commitment to the environment through sustainable building design and energy efficient operations that enhance the physician and patient experience.
