Green Healthcare

If you’re dealing with a health diagnosis that requires a hospital stay, chances are you’re dreading it. With thoughts of drab hospital gowns, stale air and uncomfortable accommodations, hospitals are usually the last place you would expect healing to occur.

Administrators realize that patients don’t want to think about how toxic a hospital environment could be, and are taking steps to go green and make your stay more comfortable. By using sustainable building materials, non-toxic cleansers, compact fluorescent lighting and even serving organic food to their patients, hospitals are doing their best to be as inviting, eco-friendly and healthy as possible.

In fact, about 30% of new healthcare construction is honoring the eco-friendly trend, some going to far as using waterless urinals and rubber flooring to save on energy and make your stay better.

If your hospital isn’t part of this trend yet, you’re not helpless. Ask if you can bring in your own clothing and sheets, or see if family members can bring in home cooked, organic food. You never know how much these small changes can add up to better health. [msnbc.com]