How can you help in the fight against climate change?
Featured Products Promotional FeaturesPosted by: Dental Design 17th November 2021
It’s no secret that big changes are occurring in the natural world. In the UK alone, climate change is already having a noticeable impact, and scientists suggest that in the space of the last 30 years, the nation has become 0.9°C warmer and experienced 6% more rainfall.[i] While these changes may not seem drastic, even a small change in temperature can cause considerable havoc, especially in a nation unprepared for more extreme weather. Indeed, we are already experiencing a number of dramatic weather anomalies, including higher incidences of flash flooding and heatwaves that have melted roads and caused rail lines to buckle.[ii]
November saw the UK host the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) which put the sharp reality of the growing climate change problem into perspective. Some of the key goals of the conference included how to secure global net zero before the mid-century, adapting to the changing climate to help preserve wildlife and communities, and how to mobilise finance to assist a better approach to the climate change challenge. However, one key overriding message was that we all need to work together in order to help minimise climate change as much as possible.[iii]
So, how can dental professionals take steps to help limit climate change?
Look to the source of climate change
It’s necessary to understand the driving forces behind climate change and why these are so damaging to our planet. The three core factors that are influencing the rise in temperature globally are the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation and the farming of livestock.[iv] Obviously, dentists are unlikely to be able to influence agricultural concerns, but there are still steps that professionals can take to reduce fossil fuel consumption and even help prevent deforestation.
One good starting point to reduce fossil fuel consumption is to explore alternative energies to power your home and your practice. In the last few years, industries such as offshore wind power and solar energy have become much more sophisticated and accessible, and switching to providers that utilise these alternate power sources can make a huge difference on the carbon footprint your business and you as an individual leave.
Have you considered investing in an electric vehicle, or even downsizing to a smaller car that has lower emissions? Reports show that car emissions remain a leading cause of climate change, and that the growing demand for larger vehicles such as SUVs is a significant contributor to the rising CO2 levels that are affecting global temperatures.[v]If possible, it’s also a good idea to explore public transport options and encourage your team to do the same. Just a couple of people making the switch to public transport can have a huge beneficial effect, and you can even incentivise the switch to encourage people to feel enthusiastic about taking a greener path.
Another possibility to explore is reducing your energy consumption in practice. The switch to greener energy sources may not be actionable for everyone, so by cutting down power usage where possible you can still make a difference. Invest in systems that have eco-friendly features, cut down electricity use where possible – each little change you make will add up, and you’d be surprised how much these measures can reduce fossil fuel consumption and save you money in a relatively short amount of time. Plus, going paperless where possible will also help reduce deforestation. Most companies offer digital services these days, so if you haven’t made the switch, now is the time.
Preserving the environment
As one of the core goals set out at the COP26 conference, it’s time to explore ways that you and your practice can help preserve the environment. As you’re already aware, dental practices produce a variety of waste streams, many of which can have a negative impact on the environment if they are disposed of incorrectly.
For example, dental amalgam has been found to present certain challenges to marine life when it enters the ocean. This is because the mercury in the material converts to monomethyl mercy when in aquatic habitats. This then bioaccumulates within sea creatures, potentially causing them harm or even death and making them toxic to consume.[vi]
Gypsum, another common material used in dentistry has also been found to have detrimental effects on the environment if improperly disposed of. In landfill, where there is biodegradable waste, gypsum has been found to produce hydrogen sulphide – a toxic, colourless gas that is extremely dangerous to wildlife and humans alike.[vii]
In light of this, it’s clear that certain measures such as amalgam separators and proper waste disposal in practice are a key way of helping to preserve the environment. Initial Medical is committed to helping dental professionals to remain eco-friendly, and supplies an innovative PureMotion® amalgam separator that effectively removes up to 99.8% of all amalgam from waste water streams in your practice. Plus, with a variety of waste containers for gypsum and a tailored waste disposal service that is completely bespoke to your needs, Initial Medical can help every dental practice to do their bit in tackling climate change.
Extending our future
Climate change has already caused some irreversible damage, so the fight to ensure that our environment and planet remain safe for future generations is now. By adopting energy supplies and technologies that limit fossil fuel consumption and by investing in services and products that help you to minimise the effect your business has on the environment, you can feel secure that you are doing your part to reduce rising temperatures across the globe.
For further information please visit www.initial.co.uk/medical or Tel: 0870 850 4045
About Initial Medical Waste
Initial Medical set the standard in healthcare and infectious waste management in the UK, providing a reliable, effective and fully compliant service built around customer needs and delivered by our highly trained local teams. We are ISO 9001:2015 accredited, with technology fully integrated into our operations, providing full traceability of service delivery, electronic waste documentation and the best customer experience possible. We also offer innovative healthcare waste management services and infection control products, to help break the chain of transmission and prevent cross contamination.
Initial Medical are a company with a ‘World Class’ Health and Safety record, and ISO 45001:2018 accreditation. We are also accredited to ISO 14001:2015 environmental standards, and pride ourselves on our sustainable approach with a focus on delivering eco-friendly products and operational solutions.
For further information please visit www.initial.co.uk/medical or Tel: 0870 850 4045
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[i] BBC News. UK Already Undergoing Disruptive Climate Change. Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-57988023 [Last accessed September 21].
[ii] BBC News. UK Already Undergoing Disruptive Climate Change. Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-57988023 [Last accessed September 21].
[iii] UN Climate Change conference UK 2021. COP26 Goals. Link: https://ukcop26.org/cop26-goals/ [Last accessed September 21].
[iv] European Commission. Causes of Climate Change. Link: https://ec.europa.eu/clima/change/causes_en [Last accessed September 21].
[v] BBC. How Our Daily Travel Harms The Planet. Link: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200317-climate-change-cut-carbon-emissions-from-your-commute [Last accessed September 21].
[vi] Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The Mercury Cycle. Link: https://www.whoi.edu/oceanus/feature/how-does-toxic-mercury-get-into-fish/ [Last accessed September 21].
[vii] Building. Gypsum Waste Banned from Landfill. Link: https://www.building.co.uk/news/gypsum-waste-banned-from-landfill/3137433.article [Last accessed September 21].
