We know that at Blackwood Podiatry, we have A LOT of work to do to decrease our carbon footprint. Have you seen how many consumables we use to comply with infection control standards?!

However, as a team, we are educating ourselves, brainstorming ideas and implementing the first small steps to make conscious decisions at Blackwood Podiatry about the health of our planet.

Climate change and health care

As healthcare providers, we aim to promote good health. Yet, as an industry, healthcare represents 4.4% of global carbon dioxide emissions.

There is growing evidence documenting the extent and nature of health care’s climate footprint. A 2019 study led by Health Care Without Harm concluded that:

1. Healthcare is a major contributor to the climate crisis;

2. More than half of healthcare’s footprint comes from energy use;

3. Healthcare’s climate footprint generally reflects overall national emissions patterns;

4. Decarbonising health care’s supply chain is critical;

5. Fossil fuel combustion is at the heart of health care’s climate footprint; and

6. Health care spending and the sector’s growth is an important factor in emissions.

SMALL - BUT POSITIVE STEPS - at Blackwood Podiatry

Over the last few years, we have implemented several changes to decrease the carbon footprint at Blackwood Podiatry. Although these steps might seem small, as a local family-owned business, they are a positive start and an opportunity for our team to take action.

These are the initiatives that we've implemented so far:

• Electronic health records: In 2019 we underwent the mammoth task of transferring our paper-based clinical records into an electronic system. This change has significantly reduced the amount of paper and ink used daily in our clinic.

• Printing & receipts: As a general rule, we don't print out receipts unless a patient specifically requests a hard copy. Instead, we prefer to email receipts to our patients.

• Telehealth and technology: (which has taken off in the healthcare sector during the COVID pandemic) allows us to provide some podiatry services remotely.

• Waste and recycling: where possible, we recycle. We also ensure that our waste is properly disposed of so that it doesn't end up in the wrong place.

• Plants: We've created a green space within the clinic with pot plants to create a calming atmosphere and promote overall health.

• Stock orders: we have decreased our stock ordering frequency which in turn decreases transport (fuel) use.

• #GreenPodiatry blog series: we're using this platform to share ideas about how podiatry and feet can make a difference to the health of our planet.

Watch this space as more changes are coming! In the next 12-18 months, we've got our sights set on the following action items:

• Educating and involving our team in #GreenPodiatry initiatives to create a culture and focus on environmental sustainability.

• Improving waste and recycling efforts to reduce our overall waste volume going to landfill (we're looking at you, single-use medical items!).

• Sourcing sustainable products for use in our clinic.

• Promoting sustainable brands (including footwear, creams, etc).

• Reviewing our lighting and electronic equipment to ensure that our energy use is as low as possible.

• Working with partners, including our landlord and clinical suppliers, to adapt and create a more sustainable podiatry service.

Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more in our #greenpodiatry series, including how good foot health can make a positive impact, plus how you can make sustainable footwear choices.