Working for Our Patients and Our Planet

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86% of patients admitted to the hospital have an IV placed, only 40% of them are used [34]

- Hospitals can decrease carbon emissions by 19,000 kg per year simply by placing 40 fewer IVs each day [34]

IV medications require more parts (and often more plastic) than enteral medications [35]

- Ask for IV medications to be changed to oral or NG when safe and effective for the patient [35, 36]

When appropriate, use dry powder inhalers, nebulized therapies, or soft mist inhalers

- ICS, inhaled beta-2 agonists and inhaled anticholinergics release high amounts of greenhouse gases. Try to minimize use of these when safe and appropriate [35]

Using 5% fewer medications in the hospital can lower carbon emissions by up to 100 tons per year and save up to $1 million [7]

- Clarify if and when unnecessary medications can be discontinued [35] [9]

Avoid unnecessary use of gloves and PPE [37]

- Don't use gloves when hand hygiene is good enough [36]

- Advocate for sustainable PE and reusable/multi-use supplies [38]

Only pull supplies you need 

- Only draw up the drug amount the patient needs [9]

- Leave emergency drugs available but unopened [9]

- Stock fewer supplies at the bedside [9] especially if they're going to be thrown out at transfer or discharge [36]

Decrease the thermostat within safe limits when possible [35]

Turn off equipment and lights when not in use [35]

Discontinue isolation precautions at the earliest safe opportunity [36]