5 Simple Ways to Dramatically Reduce Your Prescribing Carbon Footprint
Welcome to the blog! Today, I’m excited to share five super easy steps you can take to significantly reduce your carbon footprint when prescribing medication. Plus, I’ll introduce you to the incredible Team Seas initiative, which aims to remove plastic from our oceans. Let’s dive in!
1. Prescribe Green Inhalers
If you haven’t heard about green inhalers yet, it’s time to get on board! Green inhalers, or dry powder inhalers, are a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional inhalers. Here’s how to spot the difference: if your inhaler sprays a mist when you press it, it’s not green. But if you need to inhale the medication directly into your lungs, that’s a green inhaler.
If your patient is over five years old or an adult, consider prescribing budesonide Easyhaler instead of the usual Clenil. This simple switch can reduce your patient’s carbon footprint by over 90%. And don’t worry if you’re not entirely sure how the Easyhaler works—just direct your patients to the asthma.org.uk video guide.
2. Encourage Proper Inhaler Disposal
Before your patient leaves the room or ends a phone consultation, remind them to dispose of their inhalers properly. Many inhalers now come with counters, making it easier to know when they’re running out. Instead of tossing the used inhaler in the trash, patients should take it back to the pharmacy for recycling or incineration. This small action can prevent inhalers from ending up in landfills and oceans.
3. Consider Not Prescribing Medication Initially
During the pandemic, mental health consultations have surged, leading to an increase in antidepressant prescriptions. However, there are alternatives to immediately starting medication. When discussing mental health, take the time to ask about lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, and exercise. For example, alcohol is a depressant, and reducing intake can have a positive impact on mental health. Encourage patients to replace habits like drinking with non-alcoholic alternatives that still provide a sense of relaxation.
4. Deprescribe When Possible
Deprescribing can be daunting, especially when we fear the potential for adverse events. But it’s essential to consider whether ongoing medication is truly necessary, particularly for older patients. For instance, if a patient is 95 years old, do they still need to take statins to reduce their risk of heart attacks or strokes over the next decade? Empowering patients to make informed decisions about their medication can lead to better outcomes and greater satisfaction.
5. Bonus Eco Tip: Go Paperless with Sick Notes
Finally, here’s an extra tip to help the environment—stop issuing paper sick notes. Most patients who need a sick note will have a smartphone, so why not send signed sick notes directly to their devices? It’s quick, easy, and saves both time and trees. Spend a few minutes learning how to do this, and you’ll be contributing to a more sustainable practice.
As a surfing enthusiast and lover of the ocean, the effort to remove plastic from our seas through initiatives like Team Seas resonates deeply with me. Let’s work together to make a difference, not just for our patients, but for our planet too. Good luck, and keep up the great work!
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