Q: Why is it important for health care institutions to be viewed as "green"?

A: Health care institutions are a powerful symbol of health and recognized community leaders. Health care professionals have an ethical responsibility, embodied in the Hippocratic Oath, to "above all, do no harm". It is incompatible with the mission of institutions devoted to healing to be significant consumers of resources and sources of environmental harm through air and wastewater emissions, hazardous and solid waste generation, greenhouse gas emissions and toxic chemical usage. Thus, being green has a symbolic and practical significance for any health care institution.

Q: How does the Coalition communicate?

A: The Coalition is a virtual organization that communicates to its members, partners and volunteers through a variety of electronic means including e-mail, a Listserv, the Canadian Green Health Care Digest and through conferences, workshops and webinars. Our Constellations (working groups) collaborate virtually and meet in person as necessary. The Coalition also publishes a series of print and pdf documents (case studies, discussion papers, etc.). Members are encouraged to contact the Communications Director.

Q: Is the Coalition a registered not-for-profit organization?

A: The Coalition is a virtual organization currently working on establishing itself as a registered not-for-profit organization. We do accept monetary donations. Contact our Partnership Director for details.

Q: How is the Coalition funded?

A: The Coalition relies on financial and in-kind donations from our members and project funding from government and non-profit organizations. In August 2009, our work was honoured by a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Government of Ontario.

Q: Who can be a member?

A: Membership is open to non-profit and other organizations, health care facilities and vendors whose products and services offer a clear environmental benefit to health care. The Coalition is committed to working with members of the private sector who share our values and goals and encourage them to contact us regarding partnership opportunities.

Q: How do I/we become a member?

A: To become a member organization of the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care, you must endorse our Vision, Mission and Goal Statements. Membership is open to non-profit and other organizations, health care facilities and vendors whose products and services offer a clear environmental benefit to health care. Click here to learn more.