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Making a plastic-free future achievable

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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Upcoming Events

Continence Care and Tissue Viability Conference

Grand Station Wolverhampton
21 June 2023

Hygiene and sustainability in endoscopy: finding the balance

Online Event
Thursday 22nd June 2023

EBME Expo 2023

Judds Lane, Coventry, England, GB, CV6 6
28th - 29th June 2023

AfPP Annual Conference 2023

University of York
10- 13 August 2023

MEDICA - Leading International Trade Fair

Schadowstraße 49, 40212 Düsseldorf, Germany
13- 16 November 2023

Future Surgery

Excel Centre London
14 - 15 November 2023

Access the latest issue of Clinical Services Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Clinical Services Journal app from your device's App store

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