The British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN) is taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint. It is encouraging communication by email to cut down on the amount of paper used, has replaced its face-to-face June council meeting with a telemeeting to reduce travel, and will be reviewing its conference policies and operations.

The Association has produced its membership information pack and application form in an electronic PDF format, available from its website www.badn.org.uk, which can be circulated to prospective members who then only have to print off the actual form. Prospective members are encouraged to request the e-version rather than a hard copy.

President Michelle Brindley said, ‘The impact of carbon emissions on the environment is a matter of increasing concern. The BADN subscribes to the ‘Every Action Counts’ ethos and is consequently making a concerted effort to review its policies and operations with a view to reducing environmental impact. We are not claiming to be completely green, or carbon neutral, but we feel that even small changes can make a difference.’

She added that the Association already has policies at head office regarding recycling of as many materials as possible, including toner and print cartridges, shredding and recycling of waste paper. In the future, it intends to look at other ways to reduce or offset carbon production by encouraging conference delegates to car shares, for example, and more effective use of electronic communications. More information on what you can do to reduce environmental impact is available at www.everyactioncounts.org.uk.