Stryker Tiny Forest planting in Limerick aims to make a big difference 

Stryker Tiny Forest planting in Limerick – Pictured at the tree planting were Richard McKeogh, Plant Manager, Stryker Limerick, Sean Morrissey – Crescent College in Limerick, Ahana Maharaj, Co-op Student EHS, Stryker, Cathal Lanigan Ryan, Crescent College in Limerick and Helen O’Donnell, Limerick City Tidy Towns. Picture: Brian Arthur

Stryker understands that there is a significant connection between the health of our planet and human health.

Stryker, one of the world’s leading medical technology companies, is taking proactive steps in Cork and Limerick to reduce carbon emissions and improve biodiversity in urban areas. As a leading supplier in healthcare, Stryker understands that there is a significant connection between the health of our planet and human health. Stryker’s sustainability strategy – to positively impact people and our planet through responsible sustainability practices that create a better, healthier world – influences the decisions it makes as a business.

Working with Limerick City Tidy Towns, and Crescent College in Limerick, and Bishopstown Community School in Cork, Stryker is planting forests that will deliver significant benefits to the environment in these local areas. The Stryker Tiny Forest initiative is based on a Japanese concept dating back to the 1970s, that has been recognised as an effective approach to improving biodiversity and air quality in urban areas. The dense planting method of these forests means that they grow very quickly, up to five times faster than traditional woodland, and they absorb up to thirty times more carbon.

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

Stryker has strong roots in Ireland, with 8 sites and over 4,000 employees across Cork, Limerick and Belfast. This initiative is an opportunity for Stryker to highlight its commitment to tackling climate change, while investing in the local communities in which it operates. 

Speaking at the tree planting, Mag O’Keeffe, Vice President of Neurovascular Manufacturing, said:

“Stryker has an ambitious global sustainability strategy, including a goal to become carbon neutral by 2030. All sites across the island of Ireland now use 100% renewable energy and are on target to achieve this goal. While our targets are important, our local focus is much more than simply achieving these targets.

“A genuine passion to be more sustainable drives local initiatives, like this one that positively impact on our communities. The tiny forest concept brings benefits to the cities of Limerick and Cork at a time when sustainability and climate change are paramount on the national and international agenda. Tree planting is one of the best ways of taking CO² out of the atmosphere, mitigating against the impact of climate change. Partnering with community groups and schools allows Stryker to achieve our plans. We are so grateful to the Tidy Towns Committee in Limerick, the students and teachers of Crescent College in Limerick and Bishopstown Community School in Cork who have helped make this ambitious project possible.” 

Speaking about the Stryker Tiny Forest initiative in Limerick, Richard McKeogh, Plant Manager, Stryker Limerick, said:

“The Stryker Tiny Forest Limerick is the first of its kind in Limerick City under an initiative driven by Limerick City Tidy Towns. Working with local community groups and schools helps to broaden Stryker’s reach, recognising that we can have a greater impact when we partner with others.

“While there are significant environmental benefits from this initiative, our team at Limerick will also benefit from the development of this forest that will act as a walkway and wellbeing space on site. The inclusion of a bee apiary was influenced by an avid bee keeper within our team. Our work also influenced the unique design of the forest – hundreds of native trees and shrubs have been planted in the shape of our main life-enhancing product, a femoral knee replacement.

“Working with schools also provides an educational opportunity for students to see the impact that small changes can have on the world around us. Innovative approaches such as this are inspiring, and show that solutions exist to the challenges facing the environment.”

About Tiny Forests

Dense planting, soil preparation and extensive mulching mean that these forests can grow very rapidly and replicate the patterns of traditional planting but at speed. Only trees and shrubs that are native to Ireland will be used thus encouraging native wildlife and biodiversity. The students involved in the planting are also being educated about the benefits of the forests. The forest will welcome and feed a huge variety of birds and insects. The forest rejuvenates the soil, helping to prevent flooding, cooling the climate, cleaning the air and improving our well-being.

For more stories about Stryker go HERE
For more information go HERE