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February 10, 2025
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Celebrating Waste Reduction Week: How our practices are reducing waste
October 9, 2025
As part of Waste Reduction Week (October 20 to 26), we’re highlighting how our practices are taking meaningful steps to reduce waste. Waste Reduction Week is more than just seven days on the calendar — it’s also a reminder that sustainability is a commitment we live every day. From recycling batteries and bottles to repurposing used fluid bags into pet booties, our teams are showing how small steps can make a big impact — for patients, people, and the planet.
In April, several of our practices made a commitment to support a healthier planet by submitting sustainability pledges for Earth Day. Now, during Waste Reduction Week, we’re checking in on the progress they’ve made — and the creative ways they’re reducing waste in their practices. Here are a few examples.
Valley Veterinary Services: Recycling with purpose
At Valley Veterinary Services, the team is in full recycling mode! Last April, the team pledged to continue to recycle bottles and cans and contribute the funds collected to their OSCAR Fund, and they did! Team members use refillable mugs and water bottles, and together they collect bottles to raise funds for their OSCAR Fund to help clients in need.
“Our team recognizes the power of recycling and the benefits to our community and the environment. Recycling not only saves the landfills, but it also provides jobs for those working in recycling depots.” – Cindy Arnold, Practice Manager at Valley Veterinary Services
To encourage their community to join in, they’ve posted this poster above in their reception area and on their social platforms. Cindy added: “This is an easy way for our clients to contribute and help the environment themselves. It’s a win-win for everyone; our team feels great about doing their part for the environment, and our OSCAR Fund recipients benefit as well️.”
Sunrise Animal Hospital: Turning cans into care
At Sunrise Animal Hospital, the team pledged earlier this year to minimize their environmental impact by reducing waste. “We tend to have a lot of cans here at the clinic! One thing that we do is save them and bring them to our local recycling facility. In Newfoundland, recyclables earn a refund, which the team applies directly to our Opal (OSCAR) Fund here to help pets in need“, said Matthew Moulton, Practice Manager at Sunrise Animal Hospital.
This initiative is a fantastic example of how small actions can make a big difference. The team is not only helping reduce landfill waste—they’re also supporting clients who may face financial barriers to accessing necessary treatments for their animals.
Manitou Animal Hospital: Small things can make a big impact
At Manitou Animal Hospital, the team is proving that everyday actions can lead to meaningful waste reduction. From swapping paper towels for washable hand towels in staff restrooms to repurposing misprinted paper as scrap, their commitment to sustainability is woven into daily routines. They also recycle batteries and used toner cartridges, ensuring these items are taken to approved depots rather than ending up in landfills. Lisa Clifford, Practice Manager, shared: “Here at Manitou Animal Hospital, we all do a little to help make things more sustainable and to reduce waste. If we all make some changes, it can make a large impact.”
Clinique vétérinaire Beauce-Appalaches: Smart habits for a greener clinic
At Clinique vétérinaire Beauce-Appalaches, Sindy Hamel, Practice Manager, explained that every effort counts when it comes to reducing waste. The team continues to use reusable and washable towels to disinfect exam and treatment rooms, as well as in the client restroom. They also use laminated sheets with non-permanent markers for product orders and lab tests (such as fecal and urine analyses), helping to reduce paper waste.
More ways our teams are reducing waste:
- Talbot Animal Clinic is leading by example in integrating sustainability into daily operations. The team uses reusable materials like fabric scrub hats, surgical drapes, and gowns. They even repurpose used fluid bags into booties to keep bandages dry. Their paper-light approach includes emailing invoices and consent forms or completing them electronically on-site. To conserve energy, equipment is set to sleep mode when not in use, and the clinic recycles printer ink cartridges and batteries to keep them out of landfills. These thoughtful efforts show a strong commitment to both environmental care and client support.
- The team at Hôpital vétérinaire des Prairies is following through on their sustainability pledge by continuing to recycle batteries at a specialized facility and collecting cans and bottles to fund sweet treats for the team, proving that sustainability can be rewarding in more ways than one.
As we celebrate Waste Reduction Week, we’re inspired by the dedication of our teams from coast to coast who are reducing waste, inspiring communities, and building a more sustainable future — one small change at a time.