Virginia M. Ford
Senior Administrator, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine
Virginia, who has been a part of the Hagey Lab for five months, has implemented sustainable changes in her department by focusing on small but impactful actions. Upon noticing a large amount of paper towels being consumed daily in the breakroom to dry Tupperware and dishes, she provided her team with a dish drying rack and cloth towels. She also created laminated reusable signs to help her team reduce paper waste and printer ink. Thanks to her initiatives, she estimates paper towel use has decreased by 50% and printer paper has reduced by 10% on a weekly basis.
Virginia also practices responsible purchasing by researching and buying brands that donate a portion of their profits to non-profit organizations. Some of her responsible purchases include a staple-free stapler to reduce metal waste and sustainable, biodegradable wooden utensils instead of plastic cutlery. One of her favorite gifts to distribute is a reusable titanium spork, as hers has lasted over six years, and she encourages her team to reduce, reuse, and recycle regularly. In the spirit of healthy competition, she has implemented a competition among her colleagues to earn the most points in My Cardinal Green.
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