Small Friends Veterinary Hospital's
Eco-Friendly Ways

Small Friends Veterinary Hospital tries to minimise our effect on the environment wherever possible. Here is a list of the small steps we take to try and make a difference.  

• Recycle, Reuse and Reduce Paper.
• Similar to our feline friends, paper that is used at Small Friends Veterinary Hospital usually has a few lives. First it may come through the fax machine or as post, then it will be used as note paper, then it will be shredded and become our hospital kitty litter. Paper that doesn't make it into the kitty litter goes into the recycling bin.
• Small Friends Veterinary Hospital utilises a 'magic stapler' which does not require staples. This enables paper, and our receipts, to be recycled easily.
• We encourage all our suppliers and sales representatives to send invoices and correspondence via email to reduce unnecessary paper use in the post or on faxes.
• Save Water.
• Our toilet is a dual flush toilet.
• Our hospital beds are lined with newspaper to catch any 'fluids'. Of course, clean blankets and towels are still used as bedding to keep our patients comfortable and warm, but by using newspaper for the bottom of the hospital beds rather than towels, we are able to decrease the number of washing loads we do each day.
• We utilise a front loading washing machine which has a high water saving rating, using a minimum of water.
• All our general daily washing is washed with cold water.
• We only utilise the washing machine when we have a full load.
• Lawn from the front of the practice and residence was recently replaced with crushed brick to reduce our watering needs.
• Mixer taps are used throughout the practice to help staff find the right temperature quickly.
• Save Energy.
• Energy-efficient lighting is used wherever possible, sky lights are used in the general treatment area, and lights are turned off when an area is not in use.
• Sensor lights are used outside the front of the practice in the evenings.
• Office equipment is turned off at night and when not in use.
• Whenever the weather permits, our washing is air dried on a clothes line rather than in the dryer to decrease energy consumption.
• Buying Policies.
• Small Friends Veterinary Hospital tries to buy all products locally. This not only supports Canberra businesses but it also decreases fuel usage and therefore reduces vehicle greenhouse gas emissions.
• Small Friends Veterinary Hospital buys supplies in bulk to decrease packaging and freight.
• Use biodegradable products where possible.
• Reduce Waste.
• Printer cartridges are recycled.
• Products and supplies are bought in bulk to decrease packaging.
• After use, "freezer" boxes are returned to suppliers for reuse.