Did you know that it can take more than 500 years for certain plastics to break down? Year after year, this ubiquitous waste ends up in landfills and the natural environment, polluting our waterways, harming wildlife and releasing toxic substances that can impact our environment and our health. Microplastics (which come from the breakdown of larger plastic items) are everywhere: in our rivers, oceans and agricultural land, in the air we breathe, and even in our bodies (in our blood, lungs, brain and even in placenta and umbilical cord blood).
The impact of plastic pollution is not limited to these alarming findings. It also plays a major role in exacerbating climate change, ocean acidification and is a driver of biodiversity loss. The urgent need for action is clear.
Concrete Actions in our Facilities
Two years ago, prompted by the Anesthesia Department at St. Mary’s Hospital Centre, and in close collaboration with the Respiratory Therapy Department and the Infection Prevention and Control Department, we opted to switch from single-use breathing circuits to reusable ones with an antimicrobial coating. This initiative, first introduced at St. Mary’s Hospital Centre, has been expanded to each of the CIUSSS’ three hospitals and has since resulted in a significant reduction in plastic waste, without compromising the safety of our users.
Moreover, operating room staff are actively involved in sorting and recycling plastic packaging, paper, glass, metal and rubber, while also striving to reduce the amount of waste that is generated (eliminating single use products and wastefulness).
Every gesture counts. Take inspiration from these initiatives by engaging in better practices to mitigate the environmental impact of plastic pollution and help save our planet! The Sustainable Development Committee wishes you an environmentally-responsible new year.
The picture below compares waste before and after the introduction of this measure, clearly illustrating the positive impact of this change.
