Health care workers have an important opportunity to manage the environmental effects of their practice. Their efforts may seem small, but each step builds a base of sound behaviors and thinking that are necessary for the success of the whole. Starting a hospital recycling program is difficult. The five key steps are find out what exists, survey your needs, survey local recycling agencies, educate your staff, and communicate your progress. Nursing is a powerful organization with a strong educational, research, and communication base. By raising the level of awareness, reducing, reusing, recycling, and working with others, nurses can look toward achieving a larger vision of a healthy planet.