Measuring and reducing plastics in the healthcare sector, now available in Spanish, provides data on plastic use in the healthcare sector and successful case studies of reducing plastics from Spain and across Europe. Based on waste audits conducted by HCWH Europe with participating hospitals, the publication also gives you practical steps on how to measure data for your own healthcare facility’s plastic consumption to support a compelling, evidence-based case for taking action on plastic in healthcare.
“Conducting waste audits in our facility has significantly improved our knowledge of waste composition and supported us to design our plastic reduction plan for the hospital.” - David Saura Lopez, Environmental Manager - Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Spain.
Each stage of the plastic life cycle - resource extraction, manufacturing, use, and disposal can negatively impact health and environment. Though essential for healthcare delivery in some cases, over-reliance on disposable plastics is threatening the resilience of our healthcare systems, as evidenced by shortages of medical protective clothing at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Healthcare providers are a trusted voice in their communities. Not only can they play a critical role in tackling plastic consumption and waste within their own institutions, they can also inspire action in their communities and other sectors, limiting use of plastic to when absolutely necessary and alternatives are unavailable.
Towards plastic-free healthcare in Europe
This latest HCWH Europe publication was produced as part of the project Towards plastic-free healthcare in Europe, and presents findings from the project.
The first part of the publication presents essential information on what plastics are, their negative impact on environment and health, and the harmful chemicals present in them. Supported by evidence from HCWH Europe’s plastic waste audits and procurement surveys, as well as other sources, we provide an overview of plastics commonly used in healthcare today.
Building on this overview of plastic in healthcare, the second part is a step-by-step guide and methodology for healthcare providers to conduct their own plastic waste audits and procurement data analysis. Calculating this data can strengthen the business case for taking action on plastics, and the publication includes successful case studies and solutions on applying the waste hierarchy in healthcare, reducing plastics, and communicating with colleagues and the community.