Promoting Sustainability Practices in the Outpatient Pediatric Setting

• Published in: The Yale journal of biology & medicine 2023-06, Vol.96 (2), p.261-265
• Main Authors: Yun, Yuhyun McKenzie, Kirby, Caroline, Bob, Natalie, Calabria, Casey, Hernandez, Ashley, Cook, Barbara, Krolczyk, Janet, Jee, Sandra H
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Emissions; Energy consumption; Greenhouse gases; Health care; Immunization; Pediatrics; Recycling
• ISSN: 0044-0086; 1551-4056
• DOI: 10.59249/VCAH6394

Healthcare systems intend to address health needs of a community, but unfortunately may also inadvertently exacerbate the climate crisis through increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Clinical medicine has not evolved to promote sustainability practices. New attention to the enormous impact of healthcare systems on GHG emissions and an escalating climate crisis has resulted in some institutions taking proactive measures to mitigate these negative effects. Some healthcare systems have made large-scale changes to conserve energy and materials, resulting in significant monetary savings. In this paper, we share our experience with developing an interdisciplinary work "green" team within our outpatient general pediatrics practice to implement changes, albeit small, to reduce our workplace carbon footprint. We share our experience with reducing paper usage by consolidating vaccine information sheets into a single use information sheet with quick response (QR) codes. We also share ideas for all workplaces to raise awareness of sustainability practices and to foster new ideas to address the climate crisis in both our professional and personal realms. These can help promote hope for the future and shift the collective mindset about climate action.