green diastole
did you know...
With Missouri Organic Recycling, we will be able to drastically reduce the volume of waste we send to the landfill. Pizza delivery boxes, coffee filters, and even wood pallets are all compostable.
Click here to view a more complete list of waste that belongs in this category!
so much more than food waste is compostable!
about
For over a decade, Diastole has recycled all plastic, aluminum, paper, cardboard, and glass. Last spring, we partnered with Bridging the Gap and Missouri Organic Recycling to implement greener waste-management practices across our property. On top of weekly curbside recycling pickup and our "baby" Ripple Glass bin, we're excited to announce that Diastole will now accept compostable goods, to be picked up thrice weekly. With more than 7,000 guests enjoying Diastole every year, we know how impactful this change will be—but we need your help.
green guests
We are fortunate to host approximately 250 events annually, primarily serving the University of Missouri-Kansas City and our partners in the Health Sciences District (including Children's Mercy Hospital and Truman Medical Center). Everyone knows a working retreat is more fun over lunch, but that can often create a significant amount of waste from day to day.
So how can you help?
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Be a leader by making responsible disposal decisions!
Compost first, recycle second, and (if necessary) send the remaining waste to the landfill.
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With compost and recycling bins conveniently located in each of our TWO disposal stations—one in the kitchen, and one in the sunroom—keeping waste out of the landfill truly is a no-brainer. We even have a separate receptacle in the kitchen for glass!
Left: Disposal Station in the Sunroom
Right: Disposal Station in the Kitchen, including a glass bin.
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recycle
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landfill
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Food scraps (including meat)
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Coffee grounds/filters
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Tea bags
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Food-soiled paper
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Uncoated paper cups/plates
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Plastic tubs & bottles
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Cardboard
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Paper products (unsoiled)
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Soda cans
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Deli containers
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Plastic utensils
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Keurig coffee pods
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Condiment packets
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Styrofoam
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Candy wrappers
These are just a few of the waste products that fall under each category!
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compost
One of the best things about this program is that it adds very little actual work to the waste disposal process. Sometimes habits are hard to break, so the biggest shift we are trying to encourage is a mental one!
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Think before you throw it away!
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Bridging the Gap and Missouri Organic Recycling have provided some valuable resources we'd love to share with you (especially if you're an onsite coordinator hosting an event at Diastole). Above each waste receptacle is a poster listing acceptable items for composting, recycling, and sending to the landfill, respectively. After you've disposed of all compostable items, PLEASE RINSE ALL FOOD-SOILED RECYCLABLES (soda cans, deli containers, etc.). NO ORGANIC MATERIALS should be placed in the recycling bin. Having your group rinse their recyclables is a huge help—not only to the Diastole Staff and Resident Interns, but also in ensuring our other groups' efforts are not in vain. The planet—and all of us at Diastole—are so appreciative!
According to the U.S. Department of Energy:
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LEDs emit very little heat. In comparison, incandescent bulbs release 90% of their energy as heat and CFLs release about 80% of their energy as heat.
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Residential LEDs -- especially ENERGY STAR rated products -- use at least 75% less energy, and last 25 times longer, than incandescent lighting.
LED-ing the way
Our new composting plan isn't the only way we are committing to a greener Hospital Hill.
In March 2015, Diastole took advantage of KCP&L’s 50% rebate program to install energy saving LED lighting fixtures throughout Diastole. By June 2016, more than 300 bulbs had been replaced.
greener together
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​Systematically replacing our existing windows with efficient dual-paned glass​
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Reducing storm runoff by installing permeable pavement in our inner courtyard and concrete parking lot
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Replacing our grass lawn with native plants and rain gardens
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(At least partially) powering Diastole by installing solar panels on the sloped roofs of our main building and the Dimond Loft
We're taking our cues from local leaders in the growing business of sustainability.
Diastole joined the Green Business Network in 2018. Since then, we have scheduled consultations with various experts regarding sustainable business practices, and we are smarter recyclers and more conscientious energy-users because of it. Having successfully completed several items on our eco-friendly to-do list, we are able to explore additional ways to reduce our energy footprint and conserve our planet's resources.
what's next?
get involved
Here are a few ways you can help us keep Diastole green!
Chain your bicycle to our new bike rack, located on the south side of the parking lot.
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Ride your bike or walk to Diastole instead of driving your car
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Follow compost > recycling > landfill steps and encourage your group to do the same
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Ask about any environmentally-friendly catering options your vendor might offer
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Turn off the lights in spaces you are finished using
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