Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital makes tree-mendous impact for a more sustainable future

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- What started as leftover food is now helping grow something new at Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital – a newly planted crepe myrtle is putting down roots with a purpose.

Hospital leaders and staff recently gathered to unveil a commemorative plaque for a special crepe myrtle planted on the campus earlier this spring. The tree reflects the environmental impact of the hospital’s Food Diversion Program.

The Food Diversion Program helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by repurposing unused food and keeping organic waste out of landfills — delivering environmental benefits that extend far beyond the hospital campus.

Since launching the program in 2022, Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital has successfully diverted 375,000 pounds of food waste according to their food diversion partner, Moonshot.

The program has yielded an environmental benefit equal to planting approximately 20,000 trees, a milestone commemorated by the newly dedicated tree on campus.

“This tree represents not only our dedication to sustainable practices today, but also our vision for a healthier, more resilient future for the communities we serve,” Paul Stege, director of environmental services at Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital said.

Now marked by a plaque, the crepe myrtle stands as a visible reminder for patients, staff and visitors alike: small actions can take root and grow into something much larger for The Woodlands community.

“This tree is a reminder that small, intentional actions can grow into something lasting and meaningful,” said David Bernard, CEO of Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital. “At Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital, we recognize that environmental stewardship

and community well-being go hand in hand. By investing in sustainability today, we are helping create a healthier tomorrow for our patients, our neighbors and everyone who calls The Woodlands home."

The Food Diversion Program contributes to Houston Methodist’s Office of Sustainability and models a system-wide sustainability strategy. To learn more about Houston Methodist’s commitment to sustainability, please visit HoustonMethodist.org.

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