Why Practice Green Matters
Testimonials
Hear from Our Supplier Partners...
Slide 1 of 5 
We work to minimize the impact of our operations on the environment. To minimize climate risk, we proactively review our facilities and supply chain and monitor for climate-related threats and opportunities to ensure continuity of our supply and operations. We manage our carbon footprint through fleet efficiency goals and a dedicated emissions reduction working group. Owens & Minor is a signatory of the Health Sector Climate Pledge, seeking to cut emissions from the Health Sector by 50% by 2030 and achieving Net Zero by 2050. We seek to reduce waste from our operations by improving our packaging and labelling, in-house scrap reuse in manufacturing processes, and by building recycling partnerships with our customers.
Bobby Sorrentino — Halyard/Owens & Minor, Corporate Account Manager
Slide 2 of 5 
The 2024 Earth Day theme, Planet vs. Plastics, is another critical reminder that the types of plastics and chemicals used in medical device packaging impacts the health of patients and their environment. Here at B. Braun, we recognize the risks posed to patients, as well as the challenges of recycling products containing diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This is why we offer a full line of IV drug and irrigation containers not made from DEHP or PVC.
Christian Hutter, - B.Braun Medical Associate Director
Slide 3 of 5 
BeeSure, a Pro2 Solutions company, takes a comprehensive approach to eco-friendliness, weaving it into every aspect of our dental product line. Our commitment starts with affordability, offering high-quality dental products made with up to 100% recycled plastic disposables. This ensures dental practices can make sustainable choices without sacrificing budget. We also utilize 100% post-consumer fiber packaging, minimizing reliance on virgin materials, and reducing overall waste throughout their supply chain. BeeSure believes every choice has an impact. Our partnership with Henry Schein gives all practices nationwide the opportunity to make green choices part of their purchasing decision. By offering greener dental products, offices can actively contribute to reducing their environmental footprint and collectively work towards protecting our planet. Learn more
Alex Kwong, BeeSure, Business Development
Slide 4 of 5 
Nanosonics is committed to keeping patients and clinicians safe, while also protecting the environment for future generations. We developed the trophon device with this Environmental, Social, and Governance commitment in mind. The by-products of a high-level disinfection cycle are just oxygen and a few drops of water – preventing the need for disposal of chemical waste. Once a trophon device has reached retirement, we minimize the environmental footprint through a partnership with a state-of-the-art recycling facility. Their advanced technology keeps 100% of recycled materials out of landfills! Learn more
Ken Shaw, Nanosonics -President
Slide 5 of 5 
For over 110 years, Premier Dental has been inspired by the great work that dental professionals all over the world do every day to provide oral healthcare to patients. Innovative, standard-setting and sustainable products have been at the core of our toolbox for these professionals to aid them in providing better procedures, practices, and patient outcomes. Premier is committed to promoting sustainability in the dental industry. For example, Premier has decreased plastic usage in our packaging. This has been achieved by substituting the shrink-wrap with wafer seals. Wafer seals are small, transparent, round stickers that can effectively seal a product's package while using considerably less plastic. In support of Practice Green, we are also pleased to provide eco-friendly products such as BioGREEN Micro-Applicators. They are the environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic applicators. Made from food production straw-byproduct, they are biodegradable and compostable. Another product, Vac-Attak™ GREEN, is a high-performance evacuation system cleaner designed to comply with the EPA's Clean Water Act. Vac Attak GREEN's environmentally-friendly formula meets the ADA's best management practices. Please join us in taking steps to create a more sustainable environment. Through innovative products and processes, we can work together to reduce our environmental impact.
Laura Dawson, Premier Dental- Executive Vice President
Slide 1 of 5
We work to minimize the impact of our operations on the environment. To minimize climate risk, we proactively review our facilities and supply chain and monitor for climate-related threats and opportunities to ensure continuity of our supply and operations. We manage our carbon footprint through fleet efficiency goals and a dedicated emissions reduction working group. Owens & Minor is a signatory of the Health Sector Climate Pledge, seeking to cut emissions from the Health Sector by 50% by 2030 and achieving Net Zero by 2050. We seek to reduce waste from our operations by improving our packaging and labelling, in-house scrap reuse in manufacturing processes, and by building recycling partnerships with our customers.
Bobby Sorrentino — Halyard/Owens & Minor, Corporate Account Manager
Slide 2 of 5
The 2024 Earth Day theme, Planet vs. Plastics, is another critical reminder that the types of plastics and chemicals used in medical device packaging impacts the health of patients and their environment. Here at B. Braun, we recognize the risks posed to patients, as well as the challenges of recycling products containing diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This is why we offer a full line of IV drug and irrigation containers not made from DEHP or PVC.
Christian Hutter, - B.Braun Medical Associate Director
Slide 3 of 5
BeeSure, a Pro2 Solutions company, takes a comprehensive approach to eco-friendliness, weaving it into every aspect of our dental product line. Our commitment starts with affordability, offering high-quality dental products made with up to 100% recycled plastic disposables. This ensures dental practices can make sustainable choices without sacrificing budget. We also utilize 100% post-consumer fiber packaging, minimizing reliance on virgin materials, and reducing overall waste throughout their supply chain. BeeSure believes every choice has an impact. Our partnership with Henry Schein gives all practices nationwide the opportunity to make green choices part of their purchasing decision. By offering greener dental products, offices can actively contribute to reducing their environmental footprint and collectively work towards protecting our planet. Learn more
Alex Kwong, BeeSure, Business Development
Slide 4 of 5
Nanosonics is committed to keeping patients and clinicians safe, while also protecting the environment for future generations. We developed the trophon device with this Environmental, Social, and Governance commitment in mind. The by-products of a high-level disinfection cycle are just oxygen and a few drops of water – preventing the need for disposal of chemical waste. Once a trophon device has reached retirement, we minimize the environmental footprint through a partnership with a state-of-the-art recycling facility. Their advanced technology keeps 100% of recycled materials out of landfills! Learn more
Ken Shaw, Nanosonics -President
Slide 5 of 5
For over 110 years, Premier Dental has been inspired by the great work that dental professionals all over the world do every day to provide oral healthcare to patients. Innovative, standard-setting and sustainable products have been at the core of our toolbox for these professionals to aid them in providing better procedures, practices, and patient outcomes. Premier is committed to promoting sustainability in the dental industry. For example, Premier has decreased plastic usage in our packaging. This has been achieved by substituting the shrink-wrap with wafer seals. Wafer seals are small, transparent, round stickers that can effectively seal a product's package while using considerably less plastic. In support of Practice Green, we are also pleased to provide eco-friendly products such as BioGREEN Micro-Applicators. They are the environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic applicators. Made from food production straw-byproduct, they are biodegradable and compostable. Another product, Vac-Attak™ GREEN, is a high-performance evacuation system cleaner designed to comply with the EPA's Clean Water Act. Vac Attak GREEN's environmentally-friendly formula meets the ADA's best management practices. Please join us in taking steps to create a more sustainable environment. Through innovative products and processes, we can work together to reduce our environmental impact.
Laura Dawson, Premier Dental- Executive Vice President
Hear from Our Industry Partners...
Hear from Our Leadership...
Slide 1 of 4 
As we celebrate Earth Day, I want to emphasize the critical role sustainable practices play in our global supply chain. Team Schein is at the forefront of Henry Schein's efforts to reduce emissions, mitigate waste, and manage our resources responsibly. This work is not just important for the impact on our own operations, but to drive change throughout the value chain. By collaborating with our customers, partners, and suppliers, we can mitigate the environmental impact of manufacturing, transport activities, packaging, business travel, and other sources, creating a resilient and healthy world for generations to come.
Jim Mullins, SVP, Global Supply Chain, Executive Sponsor, Environmental Impact Council
Slide 2 of 4 
The health of our planet impacts everyone and knowing that Henry Schein actively works to reduce our environmental footprint is incredibly motivating. As individuals, every change for the better and every conscious decision towards sustainability matters. This year, we are starting a garden, planting vegetables that will be donated to local food banks. It might be a small step, but I'm proud to work alongside fellow Team Schein Members who are passionate about giving back. Being part of a Company that cares about the health of our planet, where working towards professional goals and sustainability go hand-in-hand, is an incredible feeling.
Vikki Goodall, Managing Director, Henry Schein UK & Ireland, Member, Environmental Impact Council
Slide 3 of 4 
After moving to Australia three years ago, I became enamored with the landscape. From the beaches to the national parks, I loved everything the country had to offer. But the increasing amount of extreme weather events causing devastating bushfires and floods is terrifying. Once-in-a-lifetime storms are becoming regular occurrences, and we all have a responsibility to alter the course of the planet. We need to incorporate sustainability across our supply chains and everyday lives. I'm proud to be a part of these efforts at Henry Schein, and in just one year, our Eastern Creek, Australia, distribution center has cut plastic tape use by 60%, saving enough to cover the distance from Sydney to Adelaide.
Jodie Finn, Supply Chain Project Manager, Henry Schein Australia, Member, Environmental Impact Council
Slide 4 of 4 
Henry Schein has a significant global presence, with operations in 33 countries and territories and 51 distribution and manufacturing facilities strategically located worldwide, serving over a million customers. We acknowledge our environmental impact and are committed to managing it effectively as we strive to drive positive change throughout our global value chain. We're confident that alongside our customers, Team Schein Members, and supplier partners, our collective commitment will bolster a healthier planet for healthier people.
Jennifer Kim Field, VP, Chief Sustainability Officer, Co-Chair, Environmental Impact Council
Slide 1 of 4
As we celebrate Earth Day, I want to emphasize the critical role sustainable practices play in our global supply chain. Team Schein is at the forefront of Henry Schein's efforts to reduce emissions, mitigate waste, and manage our resources responsibly. This work is not just important for the impact on our own operations, but to drive change throughout the value chain. By collaborating with our customers, partners, and suppliers, we can mitigate the environmental impact of manufacturing, transport activities, packaging, business travel, and other sources, creating a resilient and healthy world for generations to come.
Jim Mullins, SVP, Global Supply Chain, Executive Sponsor, Environmental Impact Council
Slide 2 of 4
The health of our planet impacts everyone and knowing that Henry Schein actively works to reduce our environmental footprint is incredibly motivating. As individuals, every change for the better and every conscious decision towards sustainability matters. This year, we are starting a garden, planting vegetables that will be donated to local food banks. It might be a small step, but I'm proud to work alongside fellow Team Schein Members who are passionate about giving back. Being part of a Company that cares about the health of our planet, where working towards professional goals and sustainability go hand-in-hand, is an incredible feeling.
Vikki Goodall, Managing Director, Henry Schein UK & Ireland, Member, Environmental Impact Council
Slide 3 of 4
After moving to Australia three years ago, I became enamored with the landscape. From the beaches to the national parks, I loved everything the country had to offer. But the increasing amount of extreme weather events causing devastating bushfires and floods is terrifying. Once-in-a-lifetime storms are becoming regular occurrences, and we all have a responsibility to alter the course of the planet. We need to incorporate sustainability across our supply chains and everyday lives. I'm proud to be a part of these efforts at Henry Schein, and in just one year, our Eastern Creek, Australia, distribution center has cut plastic tape use by 60%, saving enough to cover the distance from Sydney to Adelaide.
Jodie Finn, Supply Chain Project Manager, Henry Schein Australia, Member, Environmental Impact Council
Slide 4 of 4
Henry Schein has a significant global presence, with operations in 33 countries and territories and 51 distribution and manufacturing facilities strategically located worldwide, serving over a million customers. We acknowledge our environmental impact and are committed to managing it effectively as we strive to drive positive change throughout our global value chain. We're confident that alongside our customers, Team Schein Members, and supplier partners, our collective commitment will bolster a healthier planet for healthier people.
Jennifer Kim Field, VP, Chief Sustainability Officer, Co-Chair, Environmental Impact Council
Check the Dental Facility’s Environmental Impact
Start with a full review to find areas that need improvement.
Waste Checks
- Measure amounts of dental waste (e.g., mercury-containing materials, lead foil, mold materials, single-use plastics like bibs and suction tips) [1][2]
- Track energy use in high-energy equipment like sterilizers, X-ray machines, and heating/cooling systems [3]
- Audit stock monthly to identify potential product expirations
- Combine orders to reduce shipping trips and pick vendors with carbon-neutral shipping
Talk to Staff and Patients
Ask staff about challenges in reducing disposable items or improving recycling.
Study how patients travel to the clinic (e.g., offer rewards for carpooling or virtual visits).
Make Sustainability Part of Clinic Policies
Build clear rules and accountability for long-term progress.
Assign Responsibility
Form a Sustainability Team to lead eco-friendly efforts.[4]
Include sustainability in staff training and performance reviews.
Share Updates
Release regular reports on waste reduction, energy saved, and pollution cuts.
Improve Building Efficiency
Upgrade equipment and facilities to save resources.
Save Energy and Water
- Switch to energy-saving LED lights (uses 75% less energy and lasts longer) [5]
- Install motion-sensing light fixtures [6]
- Install a programmable thermostat to reduce HVAC costs [6]
- Plan office layouts that maximize light and ventilation [6]
- Install water-saving devices in sterilizers and suction systems [7]
Better Waste Handling
- Use amalgam separators to meet safety standards and prevent mercury pollution [2]
- Replace disposable sterilization bags with reusable containers
- Place labeled recycling/compost bins in exam rooms and waiting areas
Switch to Clean Energy
Use grants and on-site projects to reduce fossil fuels.
Apply for Support
For more information, visit EPA’s Green Power Markets.
- Seek government grants or tax credits for solar panels [8]
- Switch to 100% renewable energy plans with local providers
Test On-Site Solutions
- Install solar-powered outdoor lights or electric car charging stations [9]
Reduce Paper Use with Technology
Adopt digital tools to cut waste and errors.
- Use tablets for check-ins, treatment plans, and digital health records
- Replace traditional X-rays with digital systems to avoid harmful chemicals
- Train staff on teledentistry and digital tools (e.g., intraoral scanners) [10]
- Send appointment reminders and bills electronically
Choose Eco-Friendly Supplies
Buy sustainable products and work with green suppliers.
View Henry Schein Practice Green Dental Products here. [11]
- Select biodegradable items (e.g., compostable cups, bamboo trays)
- Partner with suppliers who recycle PPE, packaging, or lead foil
Cut Waste with Reusable Items and Training
Replace disposable items and teach proper recycling.
- Use cloth patient bibs, stainless-steel trays, and reusable drill bits
- Join programs to recycle toothpaste tubes and floss containers [12]
Encourage Eco-Friendly Habits
Reward green actions and engage the community.
- Offer prizes for biking, carpooling, or leading waste-reduction projects
- Host challenges like “Plastic-Free July” [13]
- Promote eco-events (e.g., fluoride tablet recycling) on social media and clinic screens
Prepare for Climate Emergencies
Upgrade systems and update emergency plans.
- Install solar backups for critical equipment (e.g., sterilizers, health records)
- Stock emergency supplies
- Update disaster plans for floods or power outages, including safe waste handling [14]
- View Henry Schein’s Preparedness Guide for Customers here
Links and References:
- Amalgam Separators and Waste Best Management Practices
- EPA Dental Effluent Guidelines
- Energy Star Resources for Healthcare Buildings
- Organizing for sustainability success: Where, and how, leaders can start
- LEDs | Edmond, OK—Official Website
- FDI Sustainability Dentistry
- WaterSense at Work Section 3: Steam Sterilizers
- Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency®
- The S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies
- ADA Policy on Teledentistry
- Henry Schein Dental Practice Green Web Page
- Colgate® Oral Care Free Recycling Program
- Plastic Free July
- ADA Emergency planning and disaster recovery planning in the dental office