Plastic, medicine, and food: skip the elephant, go on a safari

The 'Polyfant' by artist Rebecca Banens is made from the waste of 200 cataract surgeries. It mainly consists of clean packaging made from plastics such as polypropylene and polyethylene. These are sent to the incinerator, even though they could be easily recycled.

This article was originally published on the website of LDE Centre for Sustainability

How many polyphants can healthcare save by reducing plastic usage or recycling plastic more often? Maike Tietschert and upcoming Medical Delta professor Erik van Raaij from the Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management investigated this. Are you curious how healthcare institutions are addressing the "elephant" and making healthcare greener? Join the Circular Safari.

First Safari: the LUMC

At the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), healthcare professionals are looking for ways to reduce plastic packaging. In late February, professionals, students from the Thesis Lab Green Care, and sustainability and innovation managers were given a tour to see how the ICU and pharmacy are working on reducing their footprint. They focus on using less plastic, as well as exploring joint procurement and opportunities for compostable medication bags, and tackling food waste.

Skip the Elephant: Visit the Neighbors in March and May

On March 20 and May 15 and 27, we'll visit again. Skip the elephant and join the Circular Safari. Hear how professionals are making the shift to green care at the new Sophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus MC, and Van Straten Medical/GreenCycl. Growing food, 'Together Greening Healthcare,' 'Green Champions,' sustainable rooftop gardens, medical device repairs, washing instead of discarding, local recycling factories for hospital waste, scientific research on workplace behavioral change, obstacles and successes—it's all on the menu.

Participate in Expert Meetings

The Green Care Expert Meetings are part of the Thesis Lab Green Care at LDE Centre for Sustainability and Medical Delta. Eleven students are conducting their graduation research within the Thesis Lab, focusing on sustainability issues in healthcare providers. Through the Expert Meetings, they gain the necessary knowledge, background, and input for their research. This year, for the first time, it is possible to join.

Participation in one or more meetings is free. You can register here.