Health Care Without Harm is an international coalition of more than 470 organizations in 52 countries working to transform the health care sector so it is no longer a source of harm to people and the environment. enlarge video
The Issue
Health care facilities purchase thousands of different products requested by dozens of different departments. Often unknowingly, hospitals may purchase items that are toxic to workers or patients, or have serious environmental impacts. Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) is a system that identifies and avoids these problems.
From eliminating unnecessary packaging, to seeking substitutes for products containing mercury or other toxic substances, purchasing decisions can have a major impact in providing health care without harm.
Environmentally preferable products are generally:
- Less toxic
- Minimally polluting
- More energy efficient
- Safer and healthier for patients, workers, and the environment
- Higher in recycled content
- Packed in less packaging material
- Fragrance-free
Key Resources
- Guide to Choosing Safer Chemicals and Products
- Environmentally Preferable Purchasing: How-To Fact Sheet (pdf)
- Sample Letter to GPOs (pdf)
- Sustainable Hospitals database of alternative products (pdf)
- See the Going Green Factsheet Disposables and Their Alternatives for more information on typical types of reusable products (pdf)
- Check out the Sample Policy for Purchasing Reusable Products for purchasers (pdf)
