Health care is one of the most carbon-intensive service sectors in Western industrialized countries, responsible for 4.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
In the U.S., health care is estimated to contribute 8% to 10% of the national carbon footprint. The wide adoption of disposable medical equipment and consequent production of large amounts of solid waste, particularly plastics, account for a large share of the total emissions in this sector.
Disposables save time and may reduce the risk for infection, but the environmental impact and increased cost may not outweigh the benefits, according