Read Again: Tackling Climate Change in Daily Practices

In the midst of escalating climate change, the urgency to contribute to global conservation efforts has never been more pressing. GP practices have a unique opportunity to contribute significantly to these efforts through sustainable practices in their daily routines

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on RCGP

Energy efficiency in the clinic

A GP clinic can adopt several measures to reduce energy consumption:

• LED lighting: Replacing traditional lighting with energy-efficient LED bulbs reduces energy usage and costs.
• Smart thermostats: Installing smart thermostats to regulate heating can reduce energy waste, especially in the typically variable UK climate.
• Energy-efficient appliances: Using energy-efficient medical equipment and office appliances helps lower the clinic’s overall carbon footprint.

Sustainable commuting

Practice managers can lead by example by choosing sustainable commuting options:

• Public transport: Using buses, trains, or other forms of public transport reduces the carbon footprint associated with daily travel.
• Remote consulting: Offering remote consultations can reduce the need for patients to travel, cutting down on associated emissions.
• Cycling or walking: Where feasible, cycling or walking to the clinic promotes personal health and reduces emissions.
• Electric vehicles: Switching to electric vehicles for house calls and other travel needs can significantly cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.

Waste reduction

Medical practices often generate substantial waste. GP practices can implement strategies to minimise this:

•  Digital records: Transitioning to electronic health records (EHR) reduces paper usage and the environmental impact of paper production and disposal.
• Recycling programmes: Establishing comprehensive recycling programmes for paper, plastic, and medical supplies helps divert waste from landfills.
• Reusable supplies: Using reusable medical supplies where possible, such as cloth gowns instead of disposable ones, can reduce waste.

Sustainable prescribing

Practices can contribute to conservation through thoughtful prescribing practices:

• Eco-friendly medications: When possible, prescribe medications which have a lower environmental impact, considering factors like packaging and the carbon footprint of production.
• Green pharmaceuticals: I’m no expert in this, but I hear that some GPs are able to advocate for the development and use of pharmaceuticals with environmentally-friendly production processes.

Patient education and advocacy

Educating patients on climate-related health issues and encouraging sustainable practices can have a ripple effect:

•  Awareness campaigns: Running awareness campaigns about the health impacts of climate change, such as the effects of air pollution and extreme weather, empowers patients to support broader climate initiatives.
• Community engagement: GPs can participate in and promote community health initiatives which focus on sustainability, like local clean-up events or tree-planting drives.

Reducing single-use plastics

The medical field heavily relies on single-use plastics. This practice has been reported to contribute a significant amount to the carbon footprint of our industry, so I can’t finish this post without touching on area. Is there much that can be done about this individually? I’m not sure, but I believe there are ways to mitigate this at an organisational level:

• Alternative materials: Using biodegradable or recyclable materials for items like gloves and syringes.
• Sterilisation: Investing in sterilisation equipment for reusing medical tools where safe and appropriate.

By integrating these strategies and more where possible into daily routines, practice managers can significantly contribute to climate conservation efforts. This holistic approach not only benefits the environment but also enhances public health, creating a sustainable and healthy future for all.