Healthy Work/Healthy Home

Each year at this time, Jane Matlaw (shown at right) organizes a series of events at BIDMC to raise consciousness about steps that people can take to be better stewards of the environment. Part of the celebration is the presentation of Environmental Action Awards to people at BIDMC who have made a difference. Today, we presented a special award to Jane herself for leading this effort for 10 years. Congratulations!

We also had a special visitor, Ian Bowles, Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs (photo above). He gave a briefing on recent state initiatives in this area and graciously and thoroughly answered a number of questions from the audience. The key point to me was that we should "get out of the victim mentality" when it comes to rising energy prices and "take control" of our energy use by pursuing energy efficiency opportunities in our travel, homes, and businesses.