Only a small part of health care happens at the doctor鈥檚 office. Social factors such as access to nutritious food and safe housing play a large role in a person鈥檚 ability to maintain their health. The health of our environment, including sanitation, clean water, and air quality, also has a significant impact on our health and well-being.
There is a clear link between our physical and emotional well-being and the health of the environment. It is also clear that environmental issues a disproportionate impact on minority and underserved communities.
鈥淲e know that environment and health outcomes are linked,鈥� , senior vice president of External Affairs at Blue Shield of California. That鈥檚 why 鈥� just as they鈥檙e taking a more inclusive view of health 鈥� health insurance providers are looking broadly at their environmental footprint and opportunities to mitigate their impact.
- , and reduced the overall emissions and environmental impact at their facilities by making investments in solar energy and recycling more than 2 million pounds of waste.
- to meet their goal of using 100% renewable energy sources to power their offices by 2025.
- as a part of their larger environmental sustainability commitment to improve the health of communities in the state of California.
- brought 30,000 honeybees to the company鈥檚 urban rooftop to positively impact the local ecosystem.
- By 2030, is targeting 100% renewable electricity and zero waste for some of their facilities. The company is also aiming to be carbon neutral in certain sectors by 2040.
- Under the 鈥淗ealthy Planet鈥� pillar of , the company announced a goal to reduce their overall environmental impact by at least 50% by 2030.
- In 2020, reduced their greenhouse gas emissions by 18%, and diverted 66% of their waste from landfills through waste reduction and recycling programs.
- , and is working with community groups and other partners to strengthen local food systems, reduce pollution, and improve transportation.
- to reducing the company鈥檚 greenhouse gas emissions by 50% before 2030. Their approach includes reducing waste, energy-efficient facilities, and switching to paperless billing.
Healthy people don鈥檛 just need healthy environments. They deserve them. It鈥檚 why health insurance providers鈥� attention to social and environmental issues won鈥檛 end when Earth Day does. Learn more about their efforts here.