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Moving from single-use, disposable items to reusable items is an effective waste reduction strategy in the operating room, and also reduces upstream environmental impacts because fewer natural resources need to be extracted, shipped, manufactured, produced, and distributed. Reusability of supplies and products should be a priority in every purchasing decision, and the opportunities in the OR abound, including:
Suction canisters
Pulse oximetry probes
Basins/pitchers
Positioning devices
Surgical linens (gowns, drapes, covers, towels)
Blood pressure cuffs
Tourniquets
Sharps containers… Read More
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Several years ago, author Simon Sinek said the youngest generations (Millennials, Gen Z) weren’t just looking for any job, they were looking for a job where they could have an impact. This impact is likely to be strongly tied to the climate crisis, environmental sustainability, or social inequity. In fact, Deloitte’s 2019 Millennial Trends Survey reports that climate/environment is a top concern for both generations.
There is no one way to staff a sustainability program. Below are some sample job descriptions to get you started or add duties to existing roles at your facility.
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Many health care facilities start their sustainability journey by considering how their sustainability work supports or contributes to the organization’s mission, vision, and values through the creation of an environmental mission or commitment statement. By making this your first step, an effective sustainability strategy will build on the organization’s purpose and contribute value versus being a drain on resources. This process is also helpful to revisit as often as there are major changes to the organization’s direction.
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Many hospitals and health systems have identified cost-saving and waste reduction opportunities by taking an in-depth look at the items found in the sterile surgical kits prepared for common procedures.
OR kit reformulation doesn’t need to mean a locked-in, pre-selected group of devices, implants or supplies in every kit. Instead, administrators, surgeons, and nurses are finding big waste reductions, by identifying kit items that routinely go unused during procedures, and then removing them from the preference card and pick list to avoid the unnecessary purchase and then disposal of those… Read More
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Pest control in hospitals is important to maintain cleanliness and prevent the spread of disease. However, many pest control chemicals are toxic and can expose patients, staff, and visitors to harmful compounds, threatening health. Since hospitals are operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, there is no “after-business” window with reduced exposure risks to safely apply chemicals.
Hospitals looking to reduce the number of pest control chemicals used in their facilities are turning to integrated pest management programs that eliminate regularly scheduled pesticide applications. Instead,… Read More
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Some traditional cleaning products contain ingredients that have been linked to occupational asthma. It is possible for hospitals to maintain optimal infection prevention and control while also reducing staff, patient, and visitor exposure to harmful chemicals present in many traditional hospital cleaners.
Green cleaning goal
Inventory cleaning products and purchase 90% Green Seal or UL ECOLOGO certified cleaning products in the following categories: carpet, window, all purpose, bathroom, and general floor care
For the most commonly used cleaning products, “greener” cleaners can be… Read More
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Our many applicants and award-winning hospitals are driven by individuals passionate about sustainability and energy reduction. The Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellence Awards are a powerful tool to promote the mantra of “manage what you measure,” celebrate successes, and reward cross-functional teamwork and project execution.
2023 award winners
Access the full list of the 2023 award winners.
Past award winners
2022 award winners2021 award winners2020 award winners2019 award winners2018 award winners2017 award winners2016 awards winners
Hospitals and health care systems… Read More
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What is sustainability data?
Sustainability data focuses on resource utilization, including how much energy, water, materials, and waste are you using or generating, how much time you are allocating to your efforts, and how much money you are saving or spending on those efforts.
Why do we need to collect data?
By collecting and analyzing data on a wide range of sustainability-related factors – including energy and resource use, greenhouse gas emissions, and supply chain performance – hospitals will generate the deep insights they need to guide their sustainability-related initiatives and… Read More
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Anesthetic gas is an operating room requirement that has big impacts on the outside world. Waste anesthetic gases – unused gas exhaled by the patient – are considered Scope 1 greenhouse gases and may make up 5 percent or more of a hospital’s entire carbon footprint.
With the leadership and engagement of an anesthesia clinical champion, it is possible to reduce the impacts of anesthetic gas in the operating room.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists offers guidance on environmental sustainability, including anesthetic choice and management, and the reduction, capture, and reuse of… Read More
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Your choices matter. By choosing a plant-forward meal you can have a huge impact.
Work in health care? Learn more about how to take action at your facility.
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Practice Greenhealth is the health care sector’s go-to source for information, tools, data, resources, and expert technical support on sustainability initiatives that help hospitals and health systems meet their health, financial, and community goals.