Author Identifier (ORCID)
Carol Crevacore: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4008-1418
Abstract
Problem: Planetary health, linking the well-being of human populations with the stability of Earth's natural systems, is increasingly recognised as essential for all organisations. Healthcare is a major contributor to environmental harm, responsible for an estimated 4.4% of global net emissions. As a result, healthcare workers have an important role in driving sustainable, low-waste practices within clinical settings. Aim: This paper outlines six practical, evidence-informed changes that can be introduced within healthcare organisations: adopting reusable tourniquets, reducing unnecessary glove use, recycling medication blister packs, promoting reusable nappies, using reusable or compostable blueys, and reintroducing stainless steel holloware. Discussion: These examples demonstrate how simple, ward-level interventions can embed planetary health principles into everyday clinical practice. They show that sustainability is not an optional extra but a core component of quality and safety. Many of the interventions reflect waste-hierarchy and circular-economy principles — prioritising avoidance, reduction, reuse, and recycling — while also supporting infection prevention, improving cost efficiency, and engaging staff through visible and meaningful change. Conclusion: International guidance continues to emphasise that health systems must strengthen climate resilience while reducing emissions and optimising the use of resources. The practice changes described in this paper offer practical opportunities to support these goals.
Keywords
Advocacy, clinical practice, environmental, midwifery, nursing, planetary health, sustainability
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
1-1-2026
Publication Title
Collegian
Publisher
Elsevier
School
School of Nursing and Midwifery
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Comments
Catling, C., Crevacore, C., Young, M., Varndell, W., Cornish, J., Sheppard-Law, S., & Moll, E. C. (2026). Sustainable healthcare in action: Six practice changes that make a difference. Collegian, 33(2), 154–159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colegn.2026.02.003