The healthcare industry plays a crucial role in society, but its environmental impact has become a growing concern in recent years. One of the main contributors to this impact is pharmaceutical pollution, which occurs when pharmaceutical waste is improperly disposed of and ends up in the environment. However, there are efforts underway to reduce this pollution and make the healthcare industry more environmentally responsible. In her article “Pharmaceutical Pollution: The Blue Healthcare Revolution,” Dr Kelly Thornber explores the need for change in the industry and highlights some of the solutions that can make it more sustainable.
Published in Health Europa, the article highlights the impact of pharmaceutical pollution and the need for change. The article explores the ways in which the healthcare industry can become more environmentally friendly and reduce its impact on the environment.
The Blue Healthcare Revolution is a movement towards sustainability in the healthcare industry. It seeks to reduce waste, eliminate harmful pollutants, and make the industry more environmentally responsible. This movement is gaining momentum, with many hospitals and healthcare facilities implementing new practices to reduce their carbon footprint.
“Our use of pharmaceuticals is not sustainable in the long term, so this issue should be fully integrated into sustainable healthcare strategies, alongside efforts to reduce carbon. This has already been initiated in Scotland, thanks to work by the One Health Breakthrough Partnership, who have been leading the way in this field. Water stewardship (including pollution) is included in NHS Scotland’s Climate Emergency and Sustainability Strategy.”
Dr Kelly Thornber, University of Exeter
The article emphasises the importance of raising awareness about pharmaceutical pollution and its impact on the environment. By educating the public, we can all take steps to reduce our impact on the environment and support the One Health agenda. Pharmaceutical pollution is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.
The Blue Healthcare Revolution, with initiatives like the One Health Breakthrough Partnership, offers a path towards a more sustainable future. Dr Thornber’s full article on Health Europa can be accessed here: https://www.healtheuropa.com/pharmaceutical-pollution-the-blue-healthcare-revolution/122142/