How hospitals are tackling the environmental crisis in health care

By Jasmin Singer,

Julie Williams

Published January 31, 2025 at 4:07 PM EST

Three people wearing headphones sit at a table in a radio talk studio: a man at left has short brown hair and a brown beard and is wearing glasses, a blue shirt, and a beige sweater; a woman at center has short blonde hair and is wearing a black shirt; a woman at right has short dark hair and is wearing glasses, a black jacket, a black shirt and black pants.

1 of 2 — Mike Waller and Jane Van Dis on "Environmental Connections"

Mike Waller and Jane Van Dis on "Environmental Connections" on Friday, January 31, 2025

Mary Hussong-Kallen / WXXI News

A smiling woman with long blonde hair wearing a white shirt and a beige blazer

2 of 2 — Heidi_Fritz_052224_5 (7).jpg

Heidi Fritz

Provided

Jasmin Singer, host of WXXI's "Environmental Connections," on the set of the show. — Jasmin Singer, host of WXXI's Environmental Connections, on the set of the show. (photo by Max Schulte)

We turn our attention to the environmental toll of health care.

Hospitals are among the most energy-intensive buildings in the U.S., generating significant waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

We examine efforts to improve sustainability practices — from energy efficiency to waste reduction. We also discuss what more needs to be done to address this growing challenge.

Our guests:

Mike Waller, director of sustainability at Rochester Regional Health
Jane Van Dis, M.D., co-founder of OBGYNs for a Sustainable Future
Heidi Fritz, health care director at Greener by Default