At the West Palm Beach Veterans Affairs Medical Center, we are striving to make better advancements in reducing our carbon footprint by sustaining a green environment for our Veterans, staff and visitors. Environmental Management Services has partnered with our Green Environmental Management Committee (GEMS) to accomplish this goal. The Medical Center utilizes GEMS principles and practices to attain continual improvement in environmental programs.
With the opening of our new Cancer Center planned for the near future, Environmental Management Services has launched the use of green products with the goal of expanding this endeavor to all areas of the facility. The cleaning products include:
• Floor finish which meets the green seal standard for industrial and institutional floor care products based on its reduced human toxicity 
and reduced smog protection potential. In addition, it is 100 percent recyclable.
and reduced smog protection potential. In addition, it is 100 percent recyclable.• Fragrance free non-alkaline general purpose cleaner, which doesn’t require rinsing due to its low foaming ability.
• Bathroom cleaner which has a noncorrosive formula and reduces smog potential.
The other component being pursued is the use of furniture that is green friendly. All finishings and furnishings for our Cancer Center are derived from green products. The aluminum and steel components are made from 95 percent recycled material and are 100 percent recyclable when they are retired. The foam and textile materials are part of an open-loop system and can be recycled into everything from automotive components to carpet padding when they are retired.
West Palm Beach Medical Center is committed in its efforts to be green and stay green.
