U.S. hospitals generate 14,000 tons of trash daily, with a quarter made up of single-use plastics, prompting some facilities to seek ways to lessen their plastic footprint.
Samantha Wright reports for Boise State Public Radio.
In short:
- Hospitals rely heavily on single-use plastics, such as syringes, which contribute significantly to their waste stream.
- Medical plastic waste not only strains waste management systems but also introduces toxic chemicals into the environment.
- Dr. Hilary Ong of UCSF is working to reduce plastic usage in hospitals to mitigate environmental impact.
Why this matters:
Medical waste management is crucial for environmental health, especially as plastics used in healthcare can release harmful chemicals. Reducing plastic in hospitals could lower pollution, protect public health and set a standard for sustainable healthcare practices.
Related: LISTEN: Medical plastic may interfere with breast cancer treatment
