AlterNet: Big Medicine's Malignant Growth
A former student of mine David Wallinga, who is at the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, sent this article along. It describes how Andy Jameton at Nebraska is trying to grapple with the nasty environmental footprint American health care is leaving on the environment. Hospitals and health care facilities have so far escaped the green revolution--not a good thing. - Art Caplan
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"nasty environmental footprint American health care is leaving on the environment"?
I'm always complaining that we seem to have forgotten the '70's.
We could decrease the packaging and layers of packaging - both in the grocery store and the hospital and clinic. We could stop decorating and scenting everything - start with the single-use items. I shop on-line, search out items with less packaging and less waste, reuse, recycle, repair and "make it do" when I can.
But, I won't do without what I consider essential, including that latex glove the author mentions.As a patient or a doctor. Who would? (And are latex gloves less environmentally toxic than latex condoms? Maybe the world should make do with less hazardous sex?)
The author seems totally unaware that part of the $5000-6000 cost he quotes as per person expenditure for healthcare is due to just the sort of regulation he's calling for. My office "hazardous waste" and regular tax pickup charges went up each year. Taxes, regulatory fees, and insurance (the latter 2 are subtle forms of taxes.) And then there is the OSHA file with its forms covering consent, training and information for employees on the hazards and risks of using chlorine bleach and each of the other cleaners and chemicals we used, the handicapped access with 5 foot turning radius in each bathroom and a set number of designated parking places. Oh, and the ergonomic office chairs and counters and the thermometer in the staff lunchroom refrigerator. (and on....)
But, the author is convinced that we should all do less, expect less and give up more - and that the rich must give up more than the poor.
Oh well, thanks for the next post on my blog.
- by Beverly on Feb 27, 2006 at 1:47 AM | link
MedShare International is one organization that is working to make a difference in this area.
They are "dedicated to recycling surplus medical supplies and equipment for use by healthcare institutions in developing countries."
- by Karama Neal on Feb 27, 2006 at 11:37 AM | link