By SCOTT MCKIE B.P.
ONE FEATHER STAFF
The Cherokee Indian Hospital is a nominee finalist for a 2011 Roosevelt-Ashe Society Conservation Award in the Outstanding Business category. The awards are given by the non-profit organization Wild South and will be presented at the 4th Annual Green Oscars on March 23 in Asheville.
“The Cherokee Indian Hospital Green Hospital Committee has been in existence a little over three years,” reads the Hospital’s nomination. “In that time, it has made strides toward improving our environment for our staff, patients and our community.”
Some of the activities the Hospital has undertaken include: implemented recycling program for paper, cans, bottles and batteries; sponsored a farmer’s market and an Earth Day fair; decreased “red bag” (hazardous) waste and discouraged use of Styrofoam; and encouraged gardening among staff and planted several crops on site.
Tracy Davids, Wild South’s executive director, said in a statement, “Conservation groups know that we cannot realize our vision with staff and volunteers alone. Success requires the support of each citizen who believes in the power of a South with healthy, intact ecosystems.”
Along with Cherokee Indian Hospital, the other two nominees in the Outstanding Business category include: Greenway Transit Systems, Durham and Highland Craftsmen, Inc., Spruce Pine.
For more information on Wild South, visit www.wildsouth.org.
