S.A.5000 Disposing of the throw-away mentality Description of Project Flinders Medical Centre initiated the Healthy Environment Project in December 1991 with the aim of minimising waste and exploring other environmental initiatives. This practice has led to an explosion in the garbage problem. For each occupied bed, the average amount of waste per day generated is 4.8 kilograms, according to the South Australian Health Commission. The principal goal of the the Healthy Environment Project is to identify, recommend and implement initiatives that will reduce FMC's negative impact on the environment.
Most initiatives also save considerable sums of money.
Broadly, issues on top of the agenda are waste minimisation, energy conservation, water conservation and purchasing policy. A recycling centre catering for glass, paper and plastics has been established. Recycling stations have been installed in each of the wards and most other departments. Process Undertaken Ilkari, the Flinders Conservation Group, was the catalyst behind the program. Its 80-strong membership, was instrumental in the development of a paper recycling program'at FMC, as well as organising staff meetings and coordinating the establishment of the initial system.