New LCA study shows that switch to reusable PPE ensures supply and is best for the environment
Hospitals scrambling to buy reusable PPE can rest assured a permanent switch to cloth protective attire not only ensures adequate supply, but it is also better for the environment. A study published in the AORN Journal compared the life cycle of reusable versus disposable surgical gowns. Reusable (cloth) surgical gowns are laundered after each use and undergo a quality inspection before being returned to the hospital for use. Hospitals pay up to 50 cents a pound to send disposable surgical gowns to the landfill.
The study found that when reusable surgical gowns are used, versus disposable alternatives, the environment wins! Choosing reusable surgical gowns results in:
- 64% reduction in natural resource energy consumption,
- 66% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (measured as CO2 eq emissions),
- 87% reduction in total water consumed (blue water),
- 83% reduction in solid waste generation at healthcare facility (results in reduced landfill costs).
Also, end users can count these improvements as a credit toward improving their sustainability programs.
Read more here.