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
Gary Cohen, Uncommon Hero
HCWH's co-founder Gary Cohen is a recipient of the prestigious Skoll Award. This video, chronicling the evolution of HCWH's work, premiered at the 2009 Skoll World Forum. enlarge video
HCWH's co-founder Gary Cohen is a recipient of the prestigious Skoll Award. This video, chronicling the evolution of HCWH's work, premiered at the 2009 Skoll World Forum. 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
- Disposables and Their Alternatives (pdf)
Going Green Factsheet with information on types of reusable products - Environmentally Preferable Purchasing: How-To Fact Sheet (pdf)
- Farmers' Markets and CSAs on Hospital Grounds (pdf)
- Food and Food Purchasing: A Role for Health Care (pdf)
- Guide to Choosing Safer Chemicals and Products
- Sample Letter to GPOs (pdf)
- Sample Policy for Purchasing Reusable Products (pdf)
information for purchasers - Sustainable Hospitals database of alternative products
