Greener infection prevention

The term ‘green’ offers a variety of working definitions. It involves different activities, usually centred on environmental responsibility. Becoming greener is not easy. It requires commitment based on evidence and is highly influenced by associated costs, availability of products and technology and having the authority to take action.

Green can mean doing with less, reducing waste and pollution and conserving resources. This can involve the use of the Three Rs – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

The best way to manage waste is not to generate it in the first place. This involves greater efficiencies and cutbacks in use. Reduction can be achieved by buying in bulk or concentrated form and avoiding over-packaging and the purchasing of disposable items. Limiting the use of energy and resources, such as water and fossil fuels, is also helpful.

It makes economic and environmental sense to reuse. This means repeated use of a product in the same manner (reusable versus disposable, such as a ceramic coffee cup instead of a paper version) or reusing products in different ways.