Is there a more environmentally acceptable alternative to using single-use surface disinfection wipes that contain plastic? Esther Jansen believes there is a better solution that could help hospitals reduce their impact on the environment.
Surfaces, especially those that are frequently touched, are a major source of crosscontamination and infection. This is why we frequently treat surfaces with cleaners and disinfectants, now more than ever before. Not only are we cleaning and disinfecting our surfaces more often, but we are also paying attention to more surfaces, such as door handles, elevator buttons, staircase rails, and touchscreens.
The appropriate cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces is an essential task. It contributes to creating a safe environment both in and outside the hospital for patients, staff, and the public. The consequence of our avid wiping, however, is that we have been clogging up our environment with singleuse, pre-wetted plastic surface wipes. So, is there a better alternative?
Plastic, and especially single-use plastic, is more than just a nuisance. The waste it creates is a critical issue for future generations. Plastic certainly has its uses and when made and used in a sustainable manner, for example by using recycled and reusable plastic, its impact on the environment can be minimised.
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