“In the face of COVID-19, sustainable health care waste management is more important than ever to protect communities, health workers, and the planet and prevent pollution.”

— Ruth Stringer, Science and Policy Coordinator, Health Care Without Harm

While many perceive single-use disposable equipment as cheaper and safer, our healthcare practices are a significant contributor to our growing waste problem. This toolkit aims to advise community primary care offices on some safe and economical ways to reduce the amount of waste they generate.

Consider the evidence for and benefits of implementing these four suggestions:

  • Reducing the use of exam table paper
  • Reducing unnecessary glove use
  • Reusing washable patient and PPE gowns, and
  • Reusing metal speculums

RESOURCES

Evidence-based article

– Good for our Planet and Good for our Clinics: Reducing Waste in Medical Settings

Infographics

– Reducing Waste

– Reducing Unnecessary Glove Use

– Plastic-Free Alternative: Switching to Reusable Speculums 

Infographics (3)

Reducing Waste in Practice
 Reducing Unnecessary Glove Use
 Plastic-Free Alternative Switching to Reusable Speculums