The healthcare industry is, without a doubt, one of the most crucial and significant parts of our society. The pressure on healthcare workers today is as high as ever, especially as the world is battling against the Covid’19 pandemic that has ravaged countries all over the globe. Despite this, the healthcare industry must look towards sustainable solutions for the future because any effort to help conserve our planet will not be in vain.
As in any industry, rigorous planning is the first big step. This involves the higher management sitting down and discussing all possible prospects with efficient project management. To reduce the carbon footprint and the overall energy consumption of the healthcare industry, we can turn to renewable energy resources for the generation of electricity. This can include solar power, especially in areas that are sunny throughout the year. Energy saver lights should be installed throughout hospitals alongside glass windows to make maximum use of natural light wherever possible.
Water can be recycled, especially for equipment that requires cooling. This will reduce the overall water consumption. Waste items (especially medical waste) should be disposed of appropriately and recycling encouraged wherever possible.
The healthcare industry goes through lots of single-use items, like cartons, plastic wrappings, etc., all of which end up in landfills or pollute the oceans, and harm marine life. Therefore, we must move towards green packaging options like biocomposites. Made from materials like chitin and hemp, they are great alternatives and sustainable solutions to non-biodegradable plastics for the healthcare industry.
With the world dependent on technology, it is now easier to provide details regarding patient care, medicines, memos, etc. by electronic means instead of using paper. We cut down tens of thousands of trees every year to generate paper, increasing deforestation and contributing to climate change, flooding, and land sliding to name a few.
People should be encouraged to use public transport while traveling, be it workers, or patients. Transport of medical supplies should be done smartly to avoid extensive fuel consumption and, emission of harmful greenhouse gases that will destroy the Earth’s ozone layer.
By working together, we can build a healthcare industry that will give the best possible services to people in need while simultaneously ensuring a sustainable future for the generations to come.
References:
https://sustainablehealthcare.org.uk/blog/sustainability-seriesmaking-nursing-greener
https://www.aurecongroup.com/thinking/thinkingpapers/sustainable-design-healthcare
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6502558
