Challenge Tips

Reduce Single-Use Waste

Disposable goods significantly contribute to climate change throughout their entire life cycle. Pollution from plastics is at critical levels, yet global plastic output continues to grow.

Approximately 150 million tons of single-use plastic are produced every year. The extraction of fossil fuels needed to produce single-use plastic, and their transportation to factories, releases harmful greenhouse gases. Plastic also breaks down rather than decomposing, resulting in microplastics. These small pieces are known to kill wildlife and cause multiple health problems in humans.

As a nurse, you can take an active role in reducing your use of single-use waste with a little intention and some simple changes.

Your Action for Today

Swap out any single-use items you regularly use for reusable counterparts. Helpful examples include:

• Fill a reusable water bottle at home and bring it to work instead of buying a disposable plastic bottle.
• Bring your lunch in a reusable shopping bag or lunch box instead of a plastic grocery bag.
• Pack your sandwich in a reusable silicone food bag instead of a plastic zip-top bag.
• Use a stainless-steel refillable coffee pod instead of a plastic one.
• Sip from a bamboo or stainless-steel straw instead of a disposable one.

Bonus Action: Make reusables part of your visible routine — carry a cool bottle or fun tote — and let your coworkers and patients know why. You may inspire them to join your efforts!

Join us on day 3: A sneak peek - Choose a greener route to work and reduce your carbon emissions.

Missed day 1? Catch up here.