As health care facilities rethink their purchasing and supply chains in the wake of COVID-19, this glove procurement guidance can serve as a roadmap for advancing sustainable options.

The Mayo Clinic had a fleet of over 1,000 lab freezers that use as much energy as about 1,000 homes. They changed their purchasing practices for their fleet of ultra-cold lab freezers to buy energy-efficient models. This resulted in 60% energy-use reduction and long-term cost savings of more than $6 million over 10 years.

If you are purchasing directly from local or regional producers, make it a standard practice to ask them about their labor practices. Here is a list of potential questions to help guide you in this endeavor.

These certifications are recommended because of their commitment to addressing the social and economic determinants of health, individual health and safety of workers, and community resilience and their inclusion of sustainability criteria.

[Plant-Forward Future] Hospitals are particularly well-positioned to leverage Meatless Monday and promote new healthy eating habits by offering delicious plant-based dishes to patients, staff, and visitors. Get started with information and resources about Meatless Monday for hospital staff, food service pros, sustainability and health/wellness leaders, and marketing/communications teams.

[Plant-Forward Future] The Coolfood calculator estimates the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the food your facility purchases.

[Plant-Forward Future] This colorful infographic shows the benefits of combining plant-based ingredients with ground meat.

[Plant-Forward Future] This playbook from World Resources Institute’s Better Buying Lab outlines the top 23 ‘behavior change’ strategies drawing on cutting-edge academic research into how people choose food, as well as insights from experts in the food service industry about what works and what doesn’t.

[Plant-Forward Future] This set of images features photos of delicious-looking plant-based foods and can be downloaded for printing or used in digital communications.

[Plant-Forward Future] This set of educational resources teach about the health benefits of eating less meat. It included 9 infographics that can be used as posters or on social media.