Dental Office Pledge Guidelines:

All efforts are worthwhile!! In order to receive our seal of approval you must complete the following:

Greentooth Core Criteria

Require all office paper to have at least 30% post-consumer recycled-content
Recycle all cardboard, mixed paper, and commingled containers.
Replace toxic cleaning products with environmentally preferable and less toxic alternatives when acceptable.
Regularly replace furnace filters to maintain heating efficiency
Use programmable thermostats to manage heating and cooling loads. Maintain appropriate temperature during operating and non-operating hours.
Use ambient day lighting where possible by raising blinds, opening curtains or using skylights
Educate staff and require that all non-essential machines be turned off when the business in closed (computers, copiers, etc.)
Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL's)
Require all toilet paper and paper towels to have at least 30% post-consumer recycled content.
Recycle printer toner and inkjet cartridges.

Waste Type	Source	Option
Amalgam Particles	Traps, screen, excess mix	1) Store in a sealed container and send to a licensed recycler.
Waste Mercury	Spills, spill cleanup	1) Manage as hazardous waste by sending to a recycler.
Empty amalgam capsules	Precapsulated amalgam use	1) Dispose in trash.
Fixer	X-ray process	1) Place in tightly sealed and labeled container. Have hauled for recycling. 2) Treat before discharge to sewer. 3) Dispose of as hazardous waste.
Developer	X-ray process	1) Discharge to sewer.
X-ray system cleaners that contain chrome.	X-ray process	1) Switch to non-chrome containing cleaner. 2) Dispose of as hazardous waste. 3) Use mechanical methods (brush and elbow grease) instead of chemicals.
Disinfectants with less than 2% glutaraldehyde Disinfectants with low concentrations of formaldehyde	Equipment cleaning	1) Discharge to sewer. 2) Use disinfectants containing less-hazardous materials such as quaternary amines.
Lead foils and shields	X-ray processing Protective Shields	1)Send to metal reclaimer. 2) Dispose of as hazardous waste. 3) Send lead shields to a dental charity.

Replace older style T-12 fluorescent tubes with T-8 or super T-8 fluorescent tubes (Rebates Possible)
Replace incandescent Exit signs with LED Exit signs. (Rebates may be available)
Install water efficient accessories such as aerators (1.5 gpm or less) at hand sinks.
Digital X-ray
Donate outdated or unsold merchandise and supplies to nonprofit groups, schools, etc.
Choose environmentally preferable contractors or service providers for new or renewing contracts.
Install electric dryers or roll paper towels in restrooms instead of C-fold paper towels.
Start a composting program.
Achieve 50% waste diversion (Convert 50% of current waste into reuse or recycle).
Demonstrate that you are working towards Zero-Waste.
Complete an energy audit (Ask your utility provider if they offer this. If not contact us and we will help).
Require any new equipment purchases or rentals to be Energy Star rated when possible.