The 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP29) takes place this month in Baku in Azerbaijan. Many topics will be discussed, including how the world can act now to reduce carbon emissions, harness renewable energy sources and work towards eliminating pollution and waste. While such high-level discussions can seem very large and far away, there is still plenty that businesses and individuals can do to help make a difference and work towards the good of the planet.
Healthcare in general is an industry that produces higher amounts of greenhouse gases, generates large amounts of clinical waste and uses a lot of chemicals and water in its work. The NHS has committed as an organisation to reach Net Zero carbon emissions by the year 2040. While much of the work is focussed on the hospital sector, care homes can still take action on a smaller scale. Businesses and individuals can commit to working more sustainably and taking responsibility for the resources they use – and the implications of their actions.
Here are some areas where sustainable working in care homes could help reduce carbon emissions and align with the aims and values under discussion at COP29.
Cut back on paperwork
Recycling paper and cardboard has long been a helpful way to work more sustainably. However, an even better way of reducing the number of trees that are cut down is to eliminate as much paper as possible. This can be done very effectively by switching from manual record-keeping to a digital care management system such as Care Vision. This has many advantages besides ecological considerations,. It helps keep data safely and confidentially in one place and cuts back on errors and omissions caused by having to handwrite records. Not having to make multiple copies or share paper versions of records also reduces a care home’s reliance on paper.
Water waste reduction
Care homes must use a lot of water in order to help their residents remain healthy, hydrated and clean. It is still possible, however, to carry out an audit to see where water consumption could be cut back. Some examples include checking taps are not left running in bathrooms and kitchens and reducing the frequency of automatic flushing in the toilets. Using water buckets to clean minibuses and staff cars could help reduce consumption when compared to using a hose or sprinkler to clean vehicles. Collect rainwater to water the gardens and wait until the heat of the day has gone to minimise evaporation.
Reduce single-use products
Think carefully about the type of products you use on a daily basis. Howe manty are single-use items that are disposed of after a very short amount of time? Of course, some single-use items are essential for hygiene or healthcare reasons. What about cups and plates though? Could you do away with plastic and paper and bring back the ceramics? Think about replacing disposable wipes with cloth flannels for assisting residents with washing and grooming. Flannels can often feel a lot nicer on the skin in any case. Can you cut down on disposable glove use for tasks that do not require the same level of protection for staff, such as changing unsoiled bedding or helping people get dressed or brush their hair? Think about the products you use to clean the care home. Can you replace wipes and specialist brands with more general, multi-use sprays and detergents?
Energy efficiency
Much has been written about the effectiveness of simple alterations to energy use to reduce carbon emissions. Switching to LED lighting, having lights on timers so they are not inadvertently left on in an empty room and putting on an extra jumper before automatically reaching for the thermostat dial can all help. Turn off the television or radio when no-one is watching or listening to them. During the darker months of winter, close the curtains or blinds when night falls to really help keep the heat in. Keep fridges and freezers full to maximise their energy efficiency in the kitchen too. Encourage staff to travel to and from the site by public transport or bicycle wherever possible too, in order to reduce energy use on each person driving their own car to work.