Quest Diagnostics Grows Interest in Sustainability With Healthy NewsWorks Students

Rhea-AI Summary

On June 5, 2024, Quest Diagnostics' Director of Sustainability, Karen Braun, visited East Norriton Middle School to engage with Healthy NewsWorks student reporters. Healthy NewsWorks, a grantee of Quest for Health Equity, empowers students to become skilled health journalists.

During the visit, Karen discussed Quest Diagnostics' commitment to sustainability, including reducing single-use plastic waste by 105 standard tons in 2022 through modified specimen cups and stool containers. She highlighted the importance of continuous improvement and employee engagement in sustainability initiatives.

The students were inspired to launch a 'Look in Your Lunchbox' project to minimize cafeteria waste and explore composting opportunities. Karen's interview will be featured in the fall edition of For Kids, By Kids magazine.

The spring edition of the magazine includes a foreword by Quest for Health Equity Executive Director Michael Floyd. Further details on Quest's sustainability efforts can be found in their 2022 Corporate Responsibility Report.

Positive

• Quest Diagnostics reduced single-use plastic waste by 105 standard tons in 2022.
• Healthy NewsWorks empowers students to become capable health journalists.
• Quest Diagnostics promotes environmental sustainability and climate action.
• Employee engagement in sustainability programs is encouraged by Quest.
• The company supports community involvement and education on sustainability.

Negative

• The PR lacks specific financial impacts or projections related to sustainability efforts.
• No mention of direct revenue or profit benefits from the sustainability initiatives.
• The focus on educational programs does not address potential business risks or challenges.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 5, 2024 / Quest Diagnostics:

Quest Diagnostics Director of Sustainability Karen Braun visited East Norriton Middle School for an interview with Healthy NewsWorks student reporters.

A Quest for Health Equity (Q4HE) grantee, Healthy NewsWorks has been empowering elementary and middle school students since 2003 to become researchers, writers, and confident communicators who advance health understanding and literacy through their factual publications and digital media. Its program teaches student health journalists how to ask questions, identify factual information, write accurately, think critically, and share what they've learned. Their work is published in health-focused newspapers, magazines, and digital media that are distributed in their schools and communities, and on a health-focused website for all to access.

"I loved every minute I spent with these students," said Karen, who lives in the Philadelphia area. "They were excited for the interview, interested in understanding how they might be able to make a positive impact, and asked good questions because they care about a healthy planet and community."

Karen explained Quest's dedicated approach to environmental sustainability and climate action, waste reduction, and water stewardship efforts. For example, Quest is committed to reducing single-use plastic waste and using specimen cups and stool containers containing less plastic, which reduced plastic waste by 105 standard tons in 2022 alone.

Karen also talked about the continuous improvement needed in all sustainability programs and engagement with employees. Karen encouraged the students to take on their own classroom sustainability project.

Based on the interview, the students decided to develop a "Look in Your Lunchbox" sustainability project to reduce waste from their school cafeteria. The students also want to analyze environmental impact based on packaging and whether certain foods could be composted.

"Sustainability is a complicated topic, so each question gave me the opportunity to share more information around different sustainability areas-and in turn ask the students for their ideas," said Karen. "I hope the students take away that there are many ways to make a positive environmental impact, and small steps add up to big changes."

Karen's full interview will be featured in the fall edition of For Kids, By Kids magazine, written by the Healthy NewsWorks student reporters.

In the meantime, you can check out the spring edition, featuring a foreword by Quest for Health Equity Executive Director Michael Floyd: Spring 2024 Magazine | Healthy NewsWorks.

For more information about Quest's commitment to environmental sustainability and our climate action, waste reduction, and water stewardship efforts, please read our 2022 Corporate Responsibility Report.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Quest Diagnostics on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Quest Diagnostics
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/quest-diagnostics
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Quest Diagnostics

View the original press release on accesswire.com

FAQ

What sustainability initiatives has Quest Diagnostics implemented?

Quest Diagnostics has implemented several sustainability initiatives, including reducing single-use plastic waste by 105 standard tons in 2022.

What is the 'Look in Your Lunchbox' project by Healthy NewsWorks students?

The 'Look in Your Lunchbox' project aims to reduce waste from the school cafeteria by analyzing packaging and composting opportunities.

Who visited East Norriton Middle School on behalf of Quest Diagnostics?

Karen Braun, Director of Sustainability at Quest Diagnostics, visited East Norriton Middle School.

Where can I find more information on Quest Diagnostics' sustainability efforts?

More information on Quest Diagnostics' sustainability efforts can be found in their 2022 Corporate Responsibility Report and on 3blmedia.com.

What is Healthy NewsWorks?

Healthy NewsWorks is a program that empowers elementary and middle school students to become skilled health journalists through research, writing, and critical thinking.