MbShea@PWP@English@UMCP

Abstract: On average, a hospital can generate 26 pounds of waste per patient per day; most of which is either burned or buried. For this reason, hospitals are one of the largest consumers of natural resources and energy, while also creating the most waste. In 2012, the Healthier Hospitals Initiative was established to collectively reduce the harmful effect the medical system has on the environment through many methods such as using new materials that are less invasive when returned to the environment. Because industrial sustainability has only become a recent problem, research for these technologies and materials are still in the works. However several case studies have been done that show the benefit of implementing such practices. Hospitals like the Hudson Hospital and Clinic have seen a significant decrease in total hospital waste by improving recycling techniques and material choices. Through the usage of new recyclable or reusable products and more energy efficient technology, hospitals can push towards a more eco-friendly impact.


Reader's Profile: A medical student skeptical of how safe or effective these new technologies will be for the patient

Reader's Response: I get that our practices need to be more environmentally friendly, but our primary concern is the health of the patient. The purpose of a hospital is to improve the health of the community and if these new more "sustainable" materials have to sacrifice performance to benefit the environment, then they have no place in a hospital.

A, what is your sense of the reach of the HHI? As in percent of hospitals participating? I am glad you found this non profit activity that fits perfectly with your earlier motivation.

I like that your medical school seminar paper will help future physicians anticipate a greener profession, without sacrificing patient health.

Did you find anything specific to include at concerning ocean plastic and medical waste?