Mulberry Gardens demonstrates commitment to protecting the planet

The huge exhibit in the lobby of Mulberry Gardens of Southington on Earth Day, April 22 was something new but the employees’ commitment to the ‘green initiative’ has been in place for years, even before it was fashionable, according to Rennold Hanson, director of engineering.

Representatives from Dietary, Nursing and Housekeeping created their own department displays to inform and educate visitors, residents and employees about the dozens of steps that have been taken to reuse, recycle and protect the environment at the facility and, ultimately, in their own homes.

Mulberry Gardens, a not for profit assisted living, adult day and memory care community located at 58 Mulberry St. in Plantsville, has been steadfast in its mission to “do the right thing, for the right reason, at the right time.” The Green Committee has taken up the charge.

“Everyone on staff is not only doing their part here but in their own personal lives,” said Perry Phillips, Mulberry Gardens executive director. “It has been amazing to see what a team can do and how powerful we can be.”

Initiatives include environmentally friendly cleaning products, motion sensor lighting, energy-saving refrigerators and dishwashers in the kitchen, single stream recycling, the elimination of foam cartons, redemption of returnable cans and bottles and much more. “We’re being good stewards of the environment,” Hanson said.

He noted that “conservation doesn’t cost anything,” referring to simple steps such as turning off lights when leaving a room and setting the appropriate water level in the washing machine. However, the savings can accrue dramatically.

Many of the 100 employees have adopted similar measures in their own homes. “I’ve always tried to recycle and reuse at home,” said Debbie Peterson, CNA. For the Earth Day celebration she painted a landscape including the recycle logo, which was displayed in the lobby and then will be hung in the employee dining room.

An 8-ft.-tall model of a tree was the centerpiece of the display. At its base were the words, “Conservation at the root of being green,” illustrating the theme. Emblazoned on the tree were logos – one of H3W (How Hartford HealthCare Works) and Planetree, a philosophy of person-centered care – emphasizing how Mulberry Gardens is integrating these two philosophies in their day-to-day operations.

Mulberry Gardens and other senior living communities within the Central Connecticut Senior Health Services network have also adopted green initiatives. Several years ago The Orchards at Southington received an award for its program. 

The vision of the Mulberry Gardens Green Committee is to “raise awareness about the impact we have on our environment and our responsibility to preserve and protect the earth for future generations,” Hanson said.