1. Veterinary Assistant Students collected over 1600 candy wrappers during the fall of 2013 which were donated to a local Girl Scout troop (Troop #558).  These wrappers were recycled through TerraCycle, which exchanges recyclables into monetary donations to a charity.  The donation in this case went to the Virginia Aquarium.
2. Veterinary Assistant Students have been collecting #5 plastics as part of TerraCycle’s “Dairy Brigade”.  The monetary donation earned at the end of the collection period in 2014 will be made to Heifer International.  These green-oriented projects also allow the students to further serve their communities. (see attached flyer from TerraCycle)
3. Keeping Fido and Fluffy Green was the topic taught to a group of middle school summer camp students.  As part of the day, the students were able to bake dog biscuits using the recipe shown at the bottom of the handout attached.  The material covered included information about the impact pet waste has on the Chesapeake Bay, and environmentally conscious ways of handling pet waste.  

The curriculum would benefit from more exposure to products available to the veterinary practice which are both technologically advanced and more environmentally friendly, such as digital radiography.  Traditional radiographic processing had greater environmental impact.  Other new "green" products, such as newly developed cat litter from byproducts of the ethanol industry would enhance the curriculum. 

The VAII students complete a project on hospital design and management.  As part of the project, students are encouraged to include “green” design elements, such as low VOC paint or solar panels.  They are able to earn higher point value in the design category for including green technologies.  See Attached project rubric.

In December 2013, students studied the quality of ingredients found in many dog "treats".  Using a recipe developed by a local chef and with the assistance of the culinary arts program, the students made dog biscuits from organic ingredients.  Biscuits were shared with staff and students who had canine companions at home to rave reviews.

The school purchased a “Doggie Dooley” to dispose of pet waste in a more environmentally friendly way.  Prior to purchasing the Dooley, compostable bags were used to pick up pet waste.  The “Doggie Dooley” was listed as an earth friendly product by ABC news in a June 2007 report: “Go Green: Eco-Friendly Pet Options”.   The classroom rabbit bedding is composted by the instructor for use as fertilizer in vegetable gardens.  Rabbit manure is high in nitrogen and beneficial to nitrogen fixing plants.

Upon request, PowerPoint lecture notes and supplements are emailed to students or copied to their flash drives or electronic devices.  This decreases paper use.