Rethinking Consumption Through the 4 Rs

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The Hierarchy of Rs ranks an action by its level of consumption and amount of carbon emissions from least (refuse) to most (recycle):

1) Refuse 

Refuse unnecessary treatments, devices, and consumption when not clinically indicated

2) Reduce

Reduce energy use, waste generation, consumption

3) Reuse

Reuse equipment

4) Recycle

Recycle correctly with waste segregation

[35]

Reuse includes reprocessing and refurbishing single-use devices when appropriate [25]

85% of medical waste can be recycled [1]

Nurses need training and a supportive culture to enable segregating recyclable and reusable materials from general waste [1]

Waste segregation limits a hospital’s carbon footprint, and saves up to 12% in disposal costs [42]