Food wastes to flourishing green spaces: ZCMC cultivates environmental sustainability

The Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) continues to champion environmental sustainability by integrating circular economy principles into its operations. A key example of this commitment is their ongoing initiative to tackle food waste through bokashi fermentation, a practice that transforms discarded kitchen scraps into valuable resources. 

ZCMC and WMMC personnel participate in the 2nd Bokashi Fermentation workshop, learning the benefits of the fermentation process to promote a circular economy in their respective communities.
(Photo credits: ZCMC Safety & Environment Unit)

On January 23rd, ZCMC hosted its second Bokashi Fermentation Workshop, further solidifying its dedication to a greener future.

This year’s workshop, themed “#ZeroWasteZeroHarm: Climate Action through Food Waste Reduction,” conducted for ZCMC personnel and staff from the West Metro Medical Center (WMMC) served as an educational platform, illuminating the transformative power of bokashi, an anaerobic fermentation process. Participants learned how this simple yet effective technique can convert food waste into nutrient-rich compost, a natural fertilizer.

The timing of the workshop aligned perfectly with National Zero Waste Month, highlighting the importance of collective action in waste reduction. 

ZCMC partnered with non-government organization Kids Who Farm to deliver the training, ensuring participants gained practical, hands-on knowledge and skills that they could implement not only within the hospital but also in their own communities. This collaborative approach amplifies the impact of the workshop.

Victoria Camille Bucoy, ZCMC environmental engineer, emphasized the hospital’s unwavering commitment to national waste reduction and management efforts. 

Under the leadership of the Medical Center Chief, Dr. Afdal Kunting, ZCMC consistently champions and implements initiatives that promote sustainability and circularity. These efforts include fostering facility-led partnerships and prioritizing waste reduction and recovery strategies.

“ZCMC hopes that through these initiatives, we can recover our waste and decrease our carbon footprint,” Engr. Bucoy explained. 

The bokashi workshop is a tangible example of this commitment. Participants learned how to upcycle hospital food waste, transforming vegetable and fruit trimmings and peels – items that would normally end up in landfills – into compost. This compost, rich in beneficial microbes and nutrients, then becomes a key ingredient in enhancing soil health and supporting sustainable gardening practices.

The cycle doesn’t end there. The bokashi compost generated through the workshop is actively used to fertilize plants within the ZCMC grounds. This practice nurtures a thriving garden ecosystem, demonstrating the practical application of circular economy principles within the hospital setting. The compost is mixed with rice hulls, another example of resourceful utilization and a further nod to circularity. This integrated approach minimizes waste and maximizes the use of available resources.

“It is a circularity effort. Waste from our produce is being reused to fertilize the herbs and the vegetables being used in the hospital,” Engr. Bucoy shared.

Beyond bokashi, ZCMC takes pride in its development of self-sustaining smart green spaces and gardens. 

The hospital encourages its various divisions to actively maintain these spaces, recognizing their positive impact on the mental well-being of patients and employees. These green oases provide a sense of tranquility and connection to nature, contributing to a more holistic healing environment.

The resounding success of the Bokashi fermentation workshop has fueled ZCMC’s ambition to expand its environmental initiatives. The hospital plans to continue developing and sharing more environmental and climate-smart practices with the broader healthcare community. Their focus remains on harm reduction, waste recycling, and ultimately, creating a sustainable future for all. (EDT/JFT/PIA9-ZAMSULTA)

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