Healthcare has some room for improvement on reducing plastic waste. In fact, the U.S. healthcare sector generates 1.7 million tons of plastic pollution every year, according to the 2020 study, Plastics in Healthcare—equating to about 8.5% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.
What’s the problem with plastic? Approximately 99% of plastics manufactured today come from petrochemicals processed from fossil fuels, including oil, natural gas, and coal. In addition to utilizing natural resources, when breaking down, plastics release greenhouse gases and last for hundreds of years in the environment.
In the landfill, instead of breaking down like more natural materials, plastics break up into microplastics and nanoplastics. Millions of tons of these microplastics become ocean pollution each year, killing marine life that can mistake it for food.
And, a recent UC San Diego Health study revealed that more than 75% of patients feel it is extremely or very important that a healthcare system avoid disposable or single-use plastic items when safe reusable alternatives are available.
Eye care practices can make small operational changes to reduce waste. And when implemented across thousands of practices, those efforts can have a significant environmental impact. Here are five simple places to start.
1. Stock Alternative Frame Materials.
Patients increasingly appreciate practices that offer environmentally conscious products. So, consider carrying eyewear made from sustainable, bio-based materials such as bio-acetate, castor oil, recycled plastics, reclaimed fishing nets, and sustainably sourced wood. Offering these frames allows practices to reduce their environmental footprint without compromising style.
2. Choose Suppliers That Reduce Packaging.
When making purchasing decisions and evaluating vendors, consider how products are packaged in addition to their clinical performance. For example, Menicon’s Miru 1day Flat Pack uses packaging made from 100% recycled plastic and approximately 80% less plastic than conventional daily disposable blister packs. Product innovations like these demonstrate how practices can reduce waste before it ever reaches the office.
3. Give Eyewear a Second Life.
Many practices partner with programs to ensure that old eyeglasses don’t end up in a landfill. For example, practices can support local Lions Clubs’ Recycle for Sight programs by placing a donation box in the optical dispensary or reception area. Donated glasses are refurbished and distributed to people in need, extending the life of the product while reducing waste.
4. Rethink the Break Room.
Waste doesn’t only occur during patient visits. Small changes in the kitchen or break room can reduce single-use plastics every day. For instance, consider replacing disposable plastic cups, stir sticks, utensils, and bottled water with reusable mugs, metal utensils, and filtered water stations.
5. Reduce Paper—and the Plastic That Comes with It.
Digital intake forms, online receipts, electronic statements, and patient communications delivered by email or text greatly reduce paper consumption—as well as the plastic sleeves, folders, and packaging materials often associated with printed documents. Many practices that adopt these workflows also see improvements in efficiency and find patients have easier access to educational materials.
More practices today are implementing eco-conscious efforts—and sharing their efforts with their patients and communities. Practices have the option to make plastic reduction-informed purchasing decisions and other easy-to-implement operational changes to reduce waste while demonstrating their commitment to the environment.