I recently came across this chart from the World Health Organisation (in their Environmentally sustainable health systems: a strategic document), and it got me thinking… what can I do? When thinking about an issue as vast as the climate emergency, it’s easy to get stuck on all the ways you are powerless. I can’t ensure that procurement within my trust is sustainable. In terms of minimising waste (thinking specifically about PPE here), I can only do so much within the confines of what my trust policy states I must wear and dispose of after every visit. But what about the circles above that I can control… that I can have some say over?
As a Speech and Language Therapist, I promote disease prevention every time I implement dysphagia guidelines that reduce the risk of aspiration, in turn reducing the risk of chest infections and subsequent antibiotic use, carbon-intensive hospital admissions, etc etc.. Every time I decide to work from home because it’s less miles to drive to my visit from here, or I do my visit virtually, I’m reducing emissions of air pollution.
Let’s focus on the things we can do, the things we’re already doing. Let’s strive to do them more, and do them more sustainably.
So, what can you do?
Very much agree! I also found out today about the Plastic Free July pledge : https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/
There are options for how ''free'' of plastic you are able to go (Avoid single-use plastic packaging, Target takeaway items (bags, bottles, straws and cups), Go completely "plastic free") and a great place to start or become more conscious about plastic consumption and wastage. There are so many single use plastic in our clinical and non-clinical areas that are unnecessary!
I agree aswell!
It is easy to end up feeling powerless with such a big issues but we are not powerless as AHP's, every little thing helps.
I try to mention Sustainability in most meetings e.g. in clinical supervision add 5 minutes to ask 'How can my role be more sustainable?'
Start or take part in QI projects and include sustainability as one of the areas to consider.
Ask your employer what there Sustainability Plan is? Where do they stand on 'Climate Change'? Have they declared a climate emergency? Can they support you to undertake AHP specific training in Sustainability?
At home I took part in 'The Big Plastic Count' thebigplasticcount.com to see how much plasic my family use in a week. Greenpeace gave me some quick and easy ways to reduce my plastic use. Each and every thing helps!
Its easy to feel powerless, but there are many levels at which we can act, as an individual, at work and as a citizen. It sounds like you are already taking some actions. As an individual the most impactful thing you can change in your lifestyle is to reduce your meat and dairy intake, then ( if you can) switch to a renewable energy company and avoid driving and flying where possible. At work - just keep talking about it, find out what your trust green plan is and how you can get involved. They should have a sustainability forum ( if you are in England - there are equivalent structures in Wales and Scotland). As a citizen - start badgering your MP and local counsellors, by email, in person if you can. Join a local or national group. Depending on how passionate you feel about this you might consider Doctors for XR. We have many AHPs in the group and most poeple do not put themslves in the way of being arrested, but seeing healthcare professionals out on the streets protesting about this is very powerful. In the words of Richard Horton - editor in chief of the Lancet - "Doctors and all health professionals have a responsibility, an obligation, to engage in all kinds of non-violent social protest to address the climate emergency".
Please log in or sign up to comment.