Inova health system, the largest system in Northern Virginia, is working to eliminate plastic straws and reduce single-use plastic items in the public areas of its hospitals, according to an article on the Health Facilities Management website.
Inova formerly used 3 million straws annually, or a mile of straws every day. The plastic straws have been replaced with a more environmentally friendly paper version that the system says is very sturdy and will last two to three drinks.
Plastic straws will still be available at the cashier stand for anyone who needs one, but Inova is encouraging people to skip the straw all together if they are able.
The initiative was borne from the health system’s Go Green at Inova program, which aims to create a sustainable organization without impacting patient care.
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