Common Medical Procedures Creating an Abundance of Environmental Waste, Study Finds

GI endoscopy procedures, though critical for preventative screenings, are a source of environmental waste generation and energy consumption according to a new study. So, "It's not to say that the procedure should not be done, but it's just raising awareness that as healthcare professionals, we are equally responsible for protecting the environment."

Dr. Pratik Sharma and a team of investigators looked at waste generation from 450 endoscopy procedures performed from May to June 2020. They found that over 3,000 lbs of waste was generated, and 20% of it was recyclable. "This sets the stage; it provides us with a baseline that, hey, how much are we actually utilizing during these procedures?"

The researchers suggest that a recycling program could reduce the waste going to landfills by 6,000 lbs per year, "Opening everyone's eyes and then figuring out what each one of us can do in a small bit in our own respective institutions, which I think will go a long way towards improving the environment."