Combating Hospital Waste to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

With the growing concern around the current climate crisis, industry leaders everywhere seek new ways to reduce their carbon footprint. The healthcare industry alone accounts for 8.5% of emissions in the United States, with medical devices and products contributing to a significant portion of the 5.9 million tons of healthcare waste each year. However, healthcare leaders are ready to make a change. In 2022, 61 of the largest U.S. hospital and health sector companies joined the Health Sector Climate Pledge, committing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030. 

By seeking innovative alternatives to traditional soft goods, plastics, and textiles, healthcare facilities can reduce their environmental waste – without compromising their standard of care. With over 15% of the country’s hospitals committing to the Health Sector Climate pledge so far, it’s clear that the healthcare industry is beginning to prioritize cleaner, more sustainable practices.

The commitment to a greener healthcare system may seem overwhelming – but industry-wide change can start with simple adjustments, such as finding sustainable versions of common, frequently-used products.

The environmental impact of hospital pillows alone is substantial. Since pillows are often designated for single-patient use, hospitals must replace them frequently and in large quantities – resulting in more significant carbon emissions and waste production. Approximately 14 million healthcare pillows are disposed of in the United States yearly. This generates 3.6 million square feet of waste, accumulating over time without degrading. 

Here are five ways healthcare facilities can reduce waste provided by soft surfaces:

1. Seek suppliers that offer a feasible alternative to traditional products

Information is power, and meaningful change will only be possible once healthcare facilities understand that greener alternatives are on the market. If facilities aren’t proactive in understanding the best options available for the products they purchase, it will limit their ability to achieve a greener future. Ask existing suppliers to provide details on their environmental practices, such as using sustainable materials, recycling programs, and energy efficiency measures. 

Hospitals should also always explore new technologies on the market and learn what is available. In doing so, they will be able to continually evaluate suppliers based on their environmental practices and other factors such as product quality, pricing, and customer service to determine whether they continue to use existing vendors or seek alternatives that are not cost-prohibitive.

2. Adopt multi-patient use products when possible

Several types of medical products can be safely used for multiple patients, assuming proper cleaning protocol is followed between patients. These products include blood pressure cuffs, pulse oximeters, nebulizer masks, tubing, and more. However, to improve sustainability efforts and reduce waste, healthcare facilities must be open to expanding their multi-patient use product offerings. 

New technologies have been developed that enable products that were previously considered single-patient use to be safely and effectively used for multiple patients. Adopting more multi-patient use products allows facilities to streamline purchasing efficiencies, reduce waste and carbon footprint, minimize costs, and improve patient and caregiver safety. However, it’s important to note that proper cleaning and disinfection procedures must be followed to ensure these products are safe for multi-patient use. Hospitals should also consult with their infection control team to develop appropriate protocols for using products on multiple patients.

3. Use biodegradable or compostable materials and products

Sourcing products made from biodegradable or compostable materials is another great way to reduce a facility’s carbon footprint. Currently, medical devices and products contribute to a significant portion of the 5.9 million tons of healthcare waste yearly. This waste accumulates in landfills without degrading over time. By converting to products that can maintain their structure during use, but can also break down when exposed to naturally occurring elements, healthcare facilities can significantly reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing product quality. 

4. Find technologies and products that serve multiple functions

Similar to the benefits of adopting multi-patient use products to improve sustainability, hospitals can also use multi-function products to reduce waste. For example, rather than using a boot to prevent heel breakdown and a positioner or pillow from maintaining patient alignment, find a product that can achieve both simultaneously. This will limit the number of products ordered and reduce the number of healthcare-related products disposed of yearly. 

5. Implement a textile management program

By implementing a textile management program, hospitals can reduce their environmental impact, save money, and improve comfort and safety for both patients and staff. Healthcare facilities can begin by conducting a baseline assessment of the current state of textile management practices that evaluates existing inventory, usage patterns, and disposal practices. Once the evaluation is complete, they can make more informed decisions regarding practices moving forward. Staff training is also essential to the practical implementation of textile management. Hospitals should train staff on using and caring for textiles to prolong their lifespan and reduce waste. This includes proper laundering techniques, handling and storage practices, and infection control protocols. 

Hospitals can significantly reduce their annual waste production and environmental impact by adopting these strategies. However, they can only achieve a greener future with cooperation from healthcare suppliers, who ensure the healthcare industry has the tools it needs to achieve a more environmentally-conscious future.

About Bill Purdy:

Bill Purdy is the CEO of Spry Therapeutics, a health technology company that uses a proprietary soft-surface filter technology to block all pathogens from entering or exiting any soft surface to which it’s applied. The Company is committed to providing effective, sustainable alternatives to traditional pillows and positioners that enable healthcare facilities to improve patient and caregiver safety, while reducing carbon emissions.

therapeutics
medical
healthcare
health
hospital
devices
nebulizer