Physiotherapy and Sustainability - where’s the link?
What is Sustainability?
Sustainability means being in a position to continue to run our practices and services in a way that doesn’t impact the environment (locally in your village/town and also the global climate). Sustainable practices make positive contributions to our lives and our world, rather than simply using up resources and producing by-products like waste or CO2.
Why is it so important?
More and more people are becoming aware of the fact that the climate crisis is not just an environmental issue. It has huge effects on public health as well. Whether it's the increasing air pollution and consequential rise in allergies; the anxiety and stress causing negative impacts on people's mental health; or simply the issues with the supply of food and water due to changing temperatures and extreme weather events.
It is estimated that the carbon dioxide emissions attributable to the NHS in England in one year is greater than the annual emissions from all aircraft leaving Heathrow airport! After events like COP26, world leaders have laid out plans and goals to help tackle the climate crisis, one of which is by securing global ‘net-zero’ (when the amount of carbon dioxide emissions we add is no more than the amount being taken away) by 2050, and keeping 1.5 degrees of global warming within reach. Yes, policies and changes must be introduced by these leaders at local, national and international scales, however we can ALL still do our bit to help ensure we as a nation are on the right path. This involves making changes in all aspects of our lives, including both at home and at work.
What about Physiotherapy?
As healthcare professionals, physiotherapists are driven by principles of good healthcare; improving health outcomes; helping those in need; reducing the burden of ill-health/injury; and actively promoting good health. Therefore, in order to protect the health and wellbeing of our patients, we too have a part to play in combatting the climate crisis by lessening our carbon footprint and becoming more ‘green’. Not least for our planet, or for ours and our family's future, but also because it is OUR DUTY to promote good health.
How Green is Physiotherapy?
Generally speaking, Physiotherapy is a relatively environmentally responsible profession. We do not require sophisticated surgical equipment or provisions, or prescribe vast amounts of medication, both of which are massive contributors to the health system’s carbon footprint. We also promote physical activity on a daily basis. Whether it’s doing exercises at home, which is relatively ‘low-carbon’, or walking, running or cycling to work, thus reducing the need for carbon-emitting transport. We are also more aware of the physical and mental health benefits of spending time outdoors, or ‘green-space exposure’, and how this affects recovery. This in turn motivates some people to move out of the artificial environments that gyms present, and away from the energy and environmental costs required to run them.
However, in many cases, gym settings and equipment are a necessary part of a patient’s journey to full recovery; they contribute significantly to some physiotherapy/health and wellbeing establishments’ income generation; and they are simply some people’s preferred place to exercise. Therefore, aside from promoting the outdoors, we must also consider what other things we can be doing to help the environment and reduce our carbon footprint:
Change your transport habits – one of the biggest contributors to the carbon footprint associated with healthcare is staff and patient travel. Therefore, drive less; take public transport or better yet, walk or cycle. This leads nicely on to our next point…
Continue to promote physical activity – gym/indoor settings and equipment can be a necessary, or simply preferred, part of a patient’s journey to full recovery. However, if/when possible, exercise outdoors and immerse yourself in nature. We are all aware of the physical and mental health benefits of spending time outdoors, or ‘green-space exposure’, and how this affects recovery. This in turn motivates some people to move out of the artificial environments that gyms present, and away from the energy and environmental costs required to run them. This not only has benefits for mental health, but is also a low-carbon activity.
Reduce single-use plastics and non-disposable products – consider packaging of products you use and seek out more environmentally conscious suppliers; look for more eco-friendly products, e.g. exercise bands, gym balls, etc, that use more sustainable/reusable/recyclable materials.
Reduce waste – e.g. think about how much tape or Theraband is actually therapeutically beneficial AND environmentally ok. If it’s not of significant benefit to the client, maybe don’t use it.
Ensure there are separate recycling bins to general waste bins, and that the recycling waste is collected and disposed of correctly – in many places, recycling waste still ends up in landfill, despite our best efforts!
Consider our energy usage – turn lights off in rooms not being used, turn the computers off and switch off at the wall at the end of the day, rather than just leaving them on standby.
Consider what products we use for marketing merchandise – is it useful, can it be recycled, or will it inevitably end up in landfill?
Expanding the role of Skype/video conferencing/video consultations, when indicated – these are great ways to bring us together faster and potentially lessen the costs to the environment.
In conclusion:
Every individual who takes steps toward sustainability, no matter how big or how small, is helping the environment. Remember that once you start making these changes, other people will see them as well, including your staff and clients. Witnessing someone else making sustainable choices can influence how we all make choices.
Whichever way you look at it, these are pivotal and exciting times and they could do with a bit of help. I am hopeful that the physiotherapy profession will continue to embrace a culture of environmental sustainability, and you too can be a part of it. You too can become Carbon Literate and influence your practice, your team, and your friends and loved ones around you. Contact The Green Physio today to find out more about training opportunities.
Further Resources:
Find your local Greener Practice NHS group here to find out what’s going on in your local area.
Check out Physiotherapy Declares, a sub-group of Health Declares, for more inspiration in our profession.