I've always prided myself on having concern for the environment. Ok, I can be a bit neurotic about recycling. But mine is not a campaign of proselytizing, rather I would describe myself as having an enhanced awareness of and concern for the health of our planet. As a result, I notice things that most people (normal people) may overlook as part of their daily lives -- like packaging. Did he say "packaging" ?!?! - what's that got to do with cancer?! I'm glad you asked.
Though EMR (Electronic Medical Records) has come of age at the clinic, thereby rendering it a "paperless workplace" (sort of), there are still many, many physical elements, instruments and accoutrements associated with my regular sessions. Factors such as: ensuring hygiene and safety, managing large amounts of supplies, and inventory storage management are driving a lot of this situation, but it is noteworthy just how much “garbage” my one visit generates; nearly all of it plastic and none of it biodegradable (as far as I can tell).
Alcohol wipes
Bloodwork draw materials / vials
“Clorox” wipes
Darzalex needle and paraphernalia
Disposable “chemo cover up” for nurses
Gloves, gloves and more gloves
Injection setup kit
IV tubes (lots and long)
IVIG bottles (3) and their boxes
Saline bags (to flush and rarely finish)
Sharps (aka: needles)
And packaging, packaging and more packaging
This is not a political commentary on global climate change, but it represents an inescapable dichotomy of the balance between the economical and sanitary delivery of healthcare products, and the sheer volume of their refuse. I have no solution to this problem (though I suspect alternatives will arise when they get cheaper), but I have seen the “containers” for everything getting sleeker and skimpier - so maybe that trend toward ecological accommodation is already in the works.
