We know that every choice counts when it comes to preserving this beautiful planet we call home.

Here are some of our favorite ways of reducing the impact on our planet!

CSAH's Team Eco-Efforts:

• We are a 'paper-light' hospital. This means we are very strict about conserving paper, along with other resources. We are readily available to email records and invoices, and reduce-reuse-recycle whenever possible.
• New solar panels were installed in 2012 to reduce our carbon footprint.
• We power-down all computers at night to reserve energy.
• The entire lighting system has been changed over in the hospital to be 40% more energy efficient.
• Our hospital adopted Charlotte Street through Asheville GreenWorks. Several employee volunteers team-up with other neighborhood companies, coming together seasonally to maintain a clean community, by picking up trash and recycling.

**2014 Grand Total Contribution To Offsetting Our Global Carbon Footprint = 274 Trees Saved**

Here are 5 Ways to Reduce Your Pet's Carbon Paw-Print:

1. Use stainless steel instead of plastic or ceramic bowls. They last for years; whereas ceramic bowls can break and plastic bowls degrade, but are often non-recyclable.
2. Re-use packaging materials, such as cardboard boxes, to create resting places and play areas for your cats. Re-use household items to create toys for your pets. Here are some great links for DIY projects for dog and cat toys.
3. Avoid using clay-based cat litter. The surface mining of clay to make litter is very damaging to the earth, and it does not biodegrade. There are litters available that are produced in a more earth-friendly way and are more biodegradable such as Swheat Scoop, Feline Pine, or Blue Buffalo's walnut-based litter.
4. Install a Doggie Dooley. With this underground dog waste system, you simply add digest powder along with a little bit of water to the receptacle to break down waste into a liquid that is then absorbed into the ground. Walking your dog in the yard to defecate prior to going on a walk eliminates the need for plastic bags that take thousands of years to biodegrade.
5. Use old clothing and bedding to make dog and cat beds. The Molly Mutt company sells sacks and duvet covers you can stuff with unwanted clothing and bedding materials to make very comfortable, fashionable beds for your pets.