Any student who takes an introductory biology class knows that humans create more waste than every other species combined. Much of this waste stems from our selfish over utilization of the resources found here on earth. Results of this can been seen during the BP oil spill scandal. However, waste production occurs even in beneficial establishments like hospitals. Waste is produced in hospitals in multiple areas, such as the cafeteria, used medical tools and toxic materials produced by operations. According the Environmental Protection Agency(RIP) hospitals in the US generate almost 7,000 tons of infectious, hazardous and toxic waste daily. Waste production is not the only aspect of unsustainability found in hospitals. With the climate
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According to the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) “some hospitals have been throwing away up to a quarter of their food...almost 82,000 meals a day”. This is upsetting for many reasons; first, there is a malnourishment issue found in certain parts of the United States. This unused food could be used to offset this problem. Next, much of this food is not being composted but rather is ending up in the landfill. However, many steps are being taken to stop this outrageous amount of food waste. For example, The University of Iowa Hospital reduced food waste by 40 percent in 2013. This was done by eliminating less-popular menu items, cutting surplus servings, donating food to organizations that feed the hungry and composting over 70 tons of food waste. This is a large of food that will not end up in the landfill which creates less methane. Another example of effective food waste decline is Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust. Sheffield begin with 29 percent of meals being wasted and reduced to 9.36 percent. This was completed by implementing better planning for mealtimes, communication between different teams, and daily monitoring of food wastage figures. Healthcare faculties are taking great strides to reduce food waste, however another issue is the amount of water
According to the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) “some hospitals have been throwing away up to a quarter of their food...almost 82,000 meals a day”. This is upsetting for many reasons; first, there is a malnourishment issue found in certain parts of the United States. This unused food could be used to offset this problem. Next, much of this food is not being composted but rather is ending up in the landfill. However, many steps are being taken to stop this outrageous amount of food waste. For example, The University of Iowa Hospital reduced food waste by 40 percent in 2013. This was done by eliminating less-popular menu items, cutting surplus servings, donating food to organizations that feed the hungry and composting over 70 tons of food waste. This is a large of food that will not end up in the landfill which creates less methane. Another example of effective food waste decline is Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust. Sheffield begin with 29 percent of meals being wasted and reduced to 9.36 percent. This was completed by implementing better planning for mealtimes, communication between different teams, and daily monitoring of food wastage figures. Healthcare faculties are taking great strides to reduce food waste, however another issue is the amount of water