As the year draws to a close, it's the perfect time to reflect on our environmental footprint and our use of plastics in veterinary surgery. As healthcare professionals, we strive to provide the best care for our patients, but in doing so, we often rely heavily on single-use plastics. From surgical drapes to syringes, the amount of plastic waste generated in operating theatres can be staggering. However, with a few strategic changes, we can significantly reduce our use of plastic in veterinary surgery without compromising the quality of care we provide.
Here are some tips to help you cut the use of plastics and become a greener veterinary practice while still being a top-notch surgeon.
9 tips to help you reduce plastic in your veterinary practice
1. Switch to reusable surgical drapes
Reusable surgical drapes can effectively replace their single-use counterparts, which can result in a significant reduction in the amount of plastic waste per surgery. Made from durable, washable materials, these drapes can be sterilised and reused multiple times. A systematic review of the literature was published by RCVS Veterinary Evidence, 2019, comparing surgical site infection risk when single-use textiles versus reusable textiles were used, and concluded that there was no difference.
2. Use sterilising tins instead of plastic autoclave bags
Sterilisation tins for surgical kits are a fantastic alternative to disposable plastic autoclave bags. These boxes can be used to sterilise and store surgical instruments, and can be reused for decades if looked after well, also saving money long term. Sterilising tins are designed to withstand multiple sterilisation cycles and have been shown to maintain sterility just as effectively as plastic wraps.
3. Plan surgeries to minimise equipment use
Careful planning can reduce the amount of equipment needed for each surgery thereby cutting down on plastic use. By setting up surgical kits tailored to specific procedures, you can save a considerable amount of plastic by ensuring that only the necessary tools are used for each operation. Avoid opening surgical instruments ‘just in case’. Tailoring surgical kits to specific procedures does not compromise the quality of care. In fact, it can streamline operations, making them more efficient and reducing the risk of errors.
4. Opt for reusable surgical gowns and scrub hats
Much like reusable drapes, switching to reusable surgical gowns and hats can significantly cut down on plastic waste. These items can be laundered and sterilised between uses. But are reusable surgical gowns and hats really more green? A detailed life-cycle analysis has been performed that provides strong evidence that the use of reusable textiles has a significantly lower impact, even when taking into account laundering, repackaging, and sterilisation.
Reusable hats have been shown to be superior to single use hats in terms of microbial contamination, so they are better for our patients as well as the environment. This is presumably due to better quality of the fabric compared to the more porous fabric of disposable hats.
Reusable woven gowns also perform well in terms of sterility unless there is significant wetting of the fabric. If this happens, the barrier properties become compromised, and microbial strike-through to the sterile field becomes possible. Therefore, we should consider the surgery we’re undertaking and the amount of fluid that might be produced. For example, for a GDV surgery requiring manipulation with lots of peritoneal fluid, a single-use gown may be more suitable. For routine procedures or orthopaedic operations, reusable gowns should be considered.
5. Implement a recycling program
While not all plastic can be eliminated, much of it can be recycled. Implementing a recycling program in your practice can help ensure that the plastic you do use is disposed of responsibly and can divert a significant amount from landfill. Here are some ideas:
- Transitioning to reusable sharps bins, such as Sharpsmart, or cardboard-based Bio Bins, has led to significant cost savings for many practices, probably due to the reduced weight of the waste
- Explore the concept of Eco Bricks, which are building blocks created by compacting clean and dry plastic into plastic bottles. By compressing used plastic items like autoclave packets, syringe wrappers, and packaging material into a bottle, you can contribute to this eco-friendly initiative.
- Repurpose used fluid bags as booties to protect bandages from moisture or as warming packs to keep patients warm. (I recommend labelling and dying them so they aren’t inadvertently used as drips!) Drip lines can be reused as ET tube ties instead of WOW bandages, and are particularly beneficial for dental procedures. Alternatively, they can be cut into small pieces, sterilised, and utilised as substitutes for buttons in aural hematoma surgery.
- Opt for rechargeable batteries whenever feasible. Locate your nearest battery recycling facility using a postcode search on the Recycle Now website. Many supermarkets offer recycling services in-store, so remember to bring your batteries along the next time you step out for lunch!
6. Educate your team
Education is key to reducing plastic use. Training your team on the importance of reducing plastic waste and how to implement these changes can lead to more consistent and effective practices. A survey by the BVA in 2019 showed that 89% of vets would like to play a more active role in the UK sustainability agenda. Integrating sustainability into your practice’s ethos and business plan could improve staff retention as well as attracting potential new employees. One study found that being eco-friendly leads to a positive self-image so as a result could have a positive impact on staff wellbeing.
CPD for vets and nurses can ensure that all team members are up to date on best practices, maintaining high standards of care. You might want to explore:
- Improving surgical confidence and efficiency with a vet surgery certificate, which will have a beneficial impact on your practice's carbon footprint
- Training staff on low flow anaesthesia use to reduce waste gases which are potent greenhouse gases; a nurse certificate in anaesthesia may be helpful!
- Sustainability-specific CPD for vet practices by Vet Sustain
7. Evaluate and optimise stock management
By regularly evaluating your inventory and optimising stock levels, you can reduce the likelihood of over-ordering and wasting supplies, including those made of plastic. Regularly check expiration dates and organise stock to avoid having to re-sterilise instruments. This ensures that you have the necessary supplies on-hand without compromising patient care.
8. Choose suppliers who share your values
Partnering with suppliers and wholesalers who prioritise sustainability can make it easier to source eco-friendly products. Many products eg cat litter, poo bags, buster collars and gloves have biodegradable, recycled, or plastic-negative alternatives, which can help reduce your overall plastic use. Vet Sustain, together with BVA, BVNA, and SPVS launched the Greener Veterinary Practice checklist in 2021, which is a great resource for eco-friendly procurement.
9. Conduct regular plastic audits
Regular audits can help identify areas where plastic use can be further reduced. By regularly assessing your practice, you can make informed decisions about where to implement changes. Hidden opportunities for reducing plastic waste may be revealed, leading to ongoing improvements and ensuring that any changes made do not compromise the safety or quality of care provided.
Conclusion
By implementing these strategies, you can make a significant impact on reducing plastic waste in your veterinary operations. Not only will these changes contribute to a healthier planet, but they will also demonstrate your commitment to sustainability to your clients and community. Remember, every small step counts, and together, we can make a big difference.
