#7 Net Zero Healthcare: Strategies for Success

It’s said that failing to prepare is preparing to fail and with our Net Zero future getting ever closer, failure isn’t an option – good preparation depends on an effective strategy…

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Welcome to Issue #7 of Waste Matters – our theme for this month is Net Zero Healthcare.

In this issue, we’ll be looking at a roundup of Net Zero strategies including:

• Data accuracy.
• Plastic reduction.
• Sustainable procurement.
• Waste optimisation.
• Waste segregation.

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Data Accuracy

Data is an integral part of any strategy, helping you to conduct root cause analysis, target the right areas and implement the right processes and solutions. It involves implementing solutions that give you access to your data in as little or as much depth as you need so you can optimise your waste management processes.?

But how can you use accurate data to optimise your waste management? Here are some tips:

• Identify any issues and locate areas of need for additional training.
• Provide reports on non-conforming waste and incorrect segregation.
• Keep track of performance against objectives and targets.

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By having full access to accurate waste data when you need it, you’ll be able to drive positive change and contribute to a more environmentally friendly healthcare system.

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Learn more about making the most of accurate waste data.

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Plastic Reduction

Plastic reduction is an effective strategy that can have a significant impact in a short amount of time. It involves choosing reusable products over single-use disposables whenever possible, moving waste up the waste hierarchy by focusing on prevention, reduction, and reusability.?

But how can you implement a successful plastic reduction strategy? Here are some tips:

• Conduct a thorough audit of all the plastic waste you’re currently generating.
• Follow sustainable procurement frameworks when purchasing products or services.
• Work towards recycling, reducing packaging, and sourcing reusable alternatives.

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Learn more about making the most of plastic reduction strategies.

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Sustainable Procurement

Sustainable procurement is an effective strategy that gives you the power to drive real change and contribute to a more environmentally friendly healthcare system. It involves selecting products and services with proven environmental and social value that promote the principles of the circular economy and waste hierarchy.?

But how can you implement sustainable procurement strategies? Here are some tips:

• Engage in trial schemes to test the efficacy of a product or service.
• Work with suppliers to prevent waste and minimise packaging.
• Verify the environmental and life-cycle claims of manufacturers and suppliers.

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Learn more about making the most of sustainable procurement strategies.

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Waste Optimisation

Waste optimisation is an effective strategy that will reduce your carbon footprint and drive cost and labour efficiencies. It involves maximising efficiency from the point of production to reduce waste volumes and incorrect segregation, whilst moving it into more favourable positions within the waste hierarchy.?

But how can you optimise your waste management processes? Here are some tips:

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• Conduct a thorough audit of your current waste management processes.
• Ensure you always have enough of the right container types in the right places.
• Introduce training and education tailored to drive best practices within your facility.

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Learn more about making the most of waste optimisation strategies.

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Waste Segregation

Waste segregation is an effective strategy that can help you reduce your carbon footprint by achieving the 20-20-60 waste split. It involves educating staff on best practices to ensure the correct classification and disposal of waste to avoid overtreatment.?

But how can you optimise your waste management processes? Here are some tips:?

• Encourage waste segregation to begin at the point of generation.
• Educate all staff on waste disposal best practices.
• Segregate waste in line with the 20-20-60 waste split.

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Learn more about making the most of waste segregation strategies.

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What’s coming in the next issue?

We hope you found this issue helpful – the theme for our February issue is Healthcare Workers where we’ll be looking at:

Common healthcare waste challenges faced by clinical staff and practical solutions to improve your day-to-day.

We’d welcome any feedback on topics and themes you’d like to see in future issues.

If you enjoyed the content in this newsletter, please consider joining our Network for Healthcare Heroes – we expand on content like this in more depth, as well as provide free resources and guidance on all things healthcare waste.

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Join our Network for Healthcare Heroes