"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then is not an act, but a habit." ~ Aristotle~
I truly believe excellence is not an act, but a habit. So how can we make sustainable choices habit forming? Let's start with the obvious and perhaps easiest action toward bringing sustainability into your life. Recycling! Now, before you dismiss this topic give me just a minute of your time to share a few simple suggestions.
1. Call your city's recycling department. By making one simple phone call you can determine if your city has a recycling program and if your business qualifies for this service. I was very fortunate to discover that our municipality offers curb side recycling. One simple phone call opened the door to this sustainable action. Recycling bins were delivered. Indoor containers were placed to collect box board, plastics and other recyclable items. We organized ourselves. We were off and running!
2. No city recycling? Contact a non-profit Recycling Center. If your municipality does not offer a recycling program don't give up hope. You may have success with a non- profit recycling center. Don't hesitate to call and connect with their services. Some centers even offer, for a minimal fee, pick up services if you need them.
The habit of recycling can lead to excellence. We live in a time that sustainable actions are desperately needed as well as respected. Be the dental office in your city to lead this effort!
See you next week with more sustainable ideas.
Sending a smile,
Judy
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Connecting with your community
I believe some of the most amazing and generous people on this planet are part of our dental profession. I have witnessed many random acts of kindness and compassion from co-workers while serving dental patients over the past 30 years. I want to challenge you today though to evaluate your sustainable connection to the community you are a part of. Remember....... People. Planet. Profit. Let's focus on the planet piece of the sustainable equation.
So how do you "give back to the community/planet" you are a part of? Many already volunteer with a religious, community or non profit organization. Great! Thank you! How many are volunteering some of their dental time and talents back to the community though? You could contact a local pre-school and present a simple dental health program. I love doing this! Just fill up a back pack with dental goodies such as toothbrushes, healthy food choices and even dental gloves and mask to share with the pre school students. How about a dental jeopardy game with middle school students. Total fun! And if your passion leads you to geriatric care, why not contact an assisted living facility to volunteer with staff and guests. I believe many of these facilities hold hidden treasures in our communities.
Whatever sustainable volunteer choice you make I promise countless blessings returned to you and the practice you are apart of. Get connected to the community you serve. Stay connected. Stay sustainable.
Sending a smile,
Judy
So how do you "give back to the community/planet" you are a part of? Many already volunteer with a religious, community or non profit organization. Great! Thank you! How many are volunteering some of their dental time and talents back to the community though? You could contact a local pre-school and present a simple dental health program. I love doing this! Just fill up a back pack with dental goodies such as toothbrushes, healthy food choices and even dental gloves and mask to share with the pre school students. How about a dental jeopardy game with middle school students. Total fun! And if your passion leads you to geriatric care, why not contact an assisted living facility to volunteer with staff and guests. I believe many of these facilities hold hidden treasures in our communities.
Whatever sustainable volunteer choice you make I promise countless blessings returned to you and the practice you are apart of. Get connected to the community you serve. Stay connected. Stay sustainable.
Sending a smile,
Judy
Monday, January 23, 2012
Keep is simple. Keep it sustainable.
Yes, keep things simple. To create sustainable change in both your professional and personal life you need to keep things simple. Consider the following professional actions:
As a courtesy to your patients, many dental practices provide a take-home bag of dental products. The items often include a toothbrush, sample of toothpaste, and/or container of floss. Why not consider creating new, more sustainable habits with your patients? Simply asking if your patient would like or require a take home bag is a first step. Many consumers today believe in "reduce, reuse, recycle" and are also now adding "refuse" to that cliche. Yes, many consumers will now refuse items they don't have a need for, especially single-use plastics such as plastic bags. This action is certainly the least costly, most environmentally friendly and does not seriously compromise the patients you serve.
If your dental practice still wants to provide a courtesy bag why not evaluate more environmentally friendly and less costly substitute paper bags. Take some time to compare plastic to recycled paper bags. You'll find many options in both categories and may be happily surprised to discover a recycled paper courtesy bag that is more environmentally friendly, profit friendly and yet sill provides a service for your patients.
Paper vs. Plastic. One very simple option for you to evaluate in your dental practice this week.
See you next week!
Sending a smile,
Judy
Paper vs. plastic bags
As a courtesy to your patients, many dental practices provide a take-home bag of dental products. The items often include a toothbrush, sample of toothpaste, and/or container of floss. Why not consider creating new, more sustainable habits with your patients? Simply asking if your patient would like or require a take home bag is a first step. Many consumers today believe in "reduce, reuse, recycle" and are also now adding "refuse" to that cliche. Yes, many consumers will now refuse items they don't have a need for, especially single-use plastics such as plastic bags. This action is certainly the least costly, most environmentally friendly and does not seriously compromise the patients you serve.
If your dental practice still wants to provide a courtesy bag why not evaluate more environmentally friendly and less costly substitute paper bags. Take some time to compare plastic to recycled paper bags. You'll find many options in both categories and may be happily surprised to discover a recycled paper courtesy bag that is more environmentally friendly, profit friendly and yet sill provides a service for your patients.
Paper vs. Plastic. One very simple option for you to evaluate in your dental practice this week.
See you next week!
Sending a smile,
Judy
Monday, January 16, 2012
Personal Sustainability
Until we become sustainable ourselves, I believe we will always struggle to positively influence others in our personal and professional lives. Begin this journey today! Begin today by looking within yourself. Are you in balance mind, body and soul?
Look within. How are you feeling? Do you need more or varied physical activity to bring about a stronger physical sense of self? This could be something as simple and sustainable as an daily walk. Cold outside? Too hot? Too humid? Try walking at your neighborhood mall or community center. What about beginning a yoga practice? Think about incorporating a gentle yoga practice into your lifestyle to bring about healing, inner calmness and increased strength.
Yes, begin at the beginning. Personal sustainability must occur to propel you into a more professional sustainability.
"The journey of a 1000 miles begins with a single step" - Lao-tse
See you next week!
Sending a smile,
Judy
Look within. How are you feeling? Do you need more or varied physical activity to bring about a stronger physical sense of self? This could be something as simple and sustainable as an daily walk. Cold outside? Too hot? Too humid? Try walking at your neighborhood mall or community center. What about beginning a yoga practice? Think about incorporating a gentle yoga practice into your lifestyle to bring about healing, inner calmness and increased strength.
Yes, begin at the beginning. Personal sustainability must occur to propel you into a more professional sustainability.
"The journey of a 1000 miles begins with a single step" - Lao-tse
See you next week!
Sending a smile,
Judy
Saturday, January 7, 2012
People Planet Profit.....begin at the beginning
Sustainability. "To meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. (World Commission on Environment and Development).
Sustainable dentistry. Ever dream of it? I have and want to champion dentistry into a more sustainable future. As a registered dental hygienist for 31 years, a published author in RDH professional magazine and sustainability education from a local community college, I hope to offer practical guidance to other dental professionals. I am so excited to share with you what I've learned, and in turn, learn from you.
People Planet Profit. Sustainability is our future. Join me on this journey!
See you next week
Sending a smile,
Judy
Sustainable dentistry. Ever dream of it? I have and want to champion dentistry into a more sustainable future. As a registered dental hygienist for 31 years, a published author in RDH professional magazine and sustainability education from a local community college, I hope to offer practical guidance to other dental professionals. I am so excited to share with you what I've learned, and in turn, learn from you.
People Planet Profit. Sustainability is our future. Join me on this journey!
See you next week
Sending a smile,
Judy
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