I recently had the opportunity to talk with a couple of employees at Confluence Health about potential collaboration we might have. It's exciting to think of the major impact such a large organization could have in our valley, educating and inspiring their employees to make eco-friendly choices at work. The healthcare industry has interesting barriers to sustainability, including the inability to recycle biohazard materials and the necessity of single-use or plastic-wrapped sterile instruments and items. I'm no expert in those issues but I look forward to doing what I can to help Confluence inspire their employees to get excited about sustainability at work.
One fun thing I learned that they've been doing in the Campbell building is their own little "farmer's market." You likely haven't heard of the Campbell building unless you're an employee; it's tucked back behind Town Toyota on Highline Drive in East Wenatchee and houses some administrative offices including human resources. Every Friday they encourage staff there to bring in fresh produce from their home gardens to share with coworkers. Not a novel idea, of course, to bring in your extra zucchini or tomatoes to give to your co-workers. It's a win-win when you've got way too much of something and you know others appreciate the free fruits and veggies. But what's nice about this program is that it's been coordinated by human resource staff who manage the "CH Wellness" program which encourages employees to live healthier lives in a variety of ways. Sometimes all it takes is someone taking the initiative to encourage their coworkers and it can result in a beautiful opportunity to connect and share.
Do you have a similar opportunity at work? Even when it's not growing season, there are opportunities to share with co-workers when it comes to things you don't need but others might. Another way to do this is through joining a "Buy Nothing" group to share with your neighbors. Stay tuned for a blog about the Buy Nothing Project, which has six different groups throughout the Wenatchee Valley to facilitate freely giving and receiving between neighbors.