The Department of Environmental Quality and the Michigan Health and Hospital Association are sponsoring the state's second "green" conference for health-care providers, which will take place on October 22 at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System.

The Green Michigan Healthcare Conference will feature a day of presentations and discussions on sustainability, federal stimulus money, energy, pharmaceutical waste, and green buildings.  Poster displays will demonstrate green practices and projects already in place, and participants will hear about case studies and success stories from those who are already practicing "green" healthcare.

This conference is intended for individuals who work in the health­care field, specifically for those individuals who are affiliated with engineering, en­vironmental services, or anyone who has an interest in reducing the ecological footprint of their hospital.

The cost to attend the Green Michigan Healthcare Conference is $35.  Registration can be done online at www.michigan.gov/deqworkshops (click on "Upcoming DEQ Workshops"), or by contacting the Environmental Assistance Center at 1‑800‑662‑9278, or e-mail at deq-ead-env-assist@michigan.gov .

Editor's note:  DEQ news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

"Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future"