Plastic Free July
A person wearing a disposable apron made from sustainably sourced plant-based material
Great work is being done at HSS to seek environmentally sustainable medical consumable options, reducing the amount of plastic going to landfill.
We have made the switch to thinner pallet wrap and replaced medicine cups with a biodegradable alternative.
Most recently, plastic aprons have been replaced with disposable aprons made from sustainably sourced plant-based material.
The compostable apron is designed to be worn by healthcare staff for general protection during any kind of procedure where there might be risk of spillage or spray on the front aspect of the body.
This whole of WA Health roll out means that at the end-of-use, aprons can be disposed of in a composting facility or in landfill where they will eventually break down into harmless organic matter instead of harmful microplastics.
In just 5 short months, 53.33 ton of plastic have been removed from the WA landscape. That equates to approximately 128 ton per annum, which is heavier than 20 elephants.
By the end of the year, biodegradable gloves will be implemented, and opportunities are being sought for sustainable Emesis bags, medication and patient bags, wipes and tray liners.
Initiatives like these align with the HSS value ‘We make a difference together’ and help us in Taking Steps to Build our Environmental Sustainability.