EPA Recognizes Recycling Efforts At James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center In Altoona

On July 10, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Mid-Atlantic Region highlighted local successes in recycling as part of EPA's 50th anniversary celebration.

“Throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, individuals and businesses are demonstrating an enthusiastic commitment to recycling,” said EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. “These efforts provide positive impacts on both our environment and the economy.”

The James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Altoona won EPA’s 2019 award for reducing waste by composting more than 338 tons of material related to a stormwater retention swale and Victory Garden renovation. 

The Medical Center was recognized for their continuing work in sustaining their innovative approach using “Green Teams,” to make assessments in their working areas to recycle paper, turn off lights and motivate and challenge other teams to be greener.  

The VA Medical Center Procedure Clinic’s Green Team, with their emblazoned “GANG GREEN” T-shirts, has more than 90 percent of its employees working actively on the team, establishing email groups for exchanging ideas and promoting the program to new employees.

For more information on federal recycling efforts, visit EPA’s America Recycles webpage.

[Posted: July 10, 2020]  PA Environment Digest