Reusable Alternatives Research Articles

How to Promote Women’s Shift Towards Reusable Feminine Hygiene Products: The Application of Push-Pull-Mooring Effect Model

The growing environmental concern has promoted the global shift towards sustainable consumption, leading to the focus on reusable products. While extant literature has delved into the purchase intention of feminine hygiene products, it has often disregard the intentions behind women switching to reusable alternatives. To address this gap, the present research explores the drivers addressing women's intention to switch from disposable products to reusable options like menstrual cups and cloth pads. By utilizing non-probability purposive sampling, the study applies the Push, Pull, and Mooring (PPM) model to a sample of 386 women aged 18 to menopause. Theoretical insights from this research inform women's predisposition towards adopting reusable feminine hygiene products. Empirical findings identify pricing benefits as a significant pull factor along with women's positive attitude to switch. It also indicates that push factors have a lower impact on switching intention than pull and mooring factors. The findings underscore the potential for marketers to plan for a green transition by improving the design of sales strategy. This also provides a reference for the execution of government policies to promote the adoption of reusable feminine hygiene products to lower environmental wastage.

Durability and Functionality of Conventional Polymeric Packaging Materials in Reusable Packaging Systems

Reusable packaging is increasingly recognised as a sustainable solution to address issues related to increasing packaging waste generation and harmful environmental impacts. The packaging sector consumes a significant portion of Europe’s plastic production, which is mostly single-use packaging. There is a sense of urgency to develop sustainable reusable alternatives. Unlike single-use packaging, the longevity of reusable plastic packaging is paramount, necessitating material durability and functionality. This study examines the durability of conventional polymeric packaging materials (polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene, high-density polyethylene) and investigates the effectiveness of scratch resistance additives. A specialised test set-up was created to evaluate the performance of various polymers in reusable takeaway food packaging scenarios. The research included scratch testing, wear analysis and wash cycles to assess the reuse potential of these materials. Qualitative measures were employed to compare material characteristics. Results indicated that polymer type significantly affects hardness and scratch performance, while additives had minimal impact on hardness and modulus. Although current scratch resistance additives do not effectively mitigate wear in reusable packaging in the experimental scenarios, tailored additives could present potential in increasing the durability and longevity of reusable packaging. PET demonstrated notable recovery post-washing, suggesting that washing conditions could influence material resilience. This study emphasises the need for further research to optimise scratch resistance additives and understand the impact of washing conditions on different polymers, aiming to enhance the design and longevity of reusable packaging systems.

The environmental impacts of anesthesia.

The healthcare sector has a substantial environmental footprint, and the delivery of anesthesia contributes significantly. Inhaled anesthetics themselves are potent greenhouse gases, unused intravenous medication exert toxic effects on the environment, and the increasing reliance on single-use devices has led to an ever-growing amount of solid waste produced in operating rooms. This review discusses many of these environmental impacts and suggests practices to mitigate the environmental footprint of anesthetic practice. The choice of anesthesia maintenance has significant environmental implications, with nitrous oxide and desflurane having the highest carbon footprint of all anesthetic agents. Using low fresh gas flows and supplementing or replacing inhalational agents with propofol leads to a significant reduction in emissions. Many intravenous anesthetic agents pose a risk of environmental toxicity, and efforts should be made to decrease medication waste and ensure appropriate disposal of unused medications to minimize their environmental impacts. Additionally, consideration should be given to replacing single-use devices in the operating rooms with reusable alternatives that are often both environmentally and economically superior. And solid waste generated in the operating room should be segregated thoughtfully, as processing regulated medical waste is a highly energy-intensive process. Significant opportunities exist to improve the environmental footprint of anesthesia practice, and with the rapidly worsening climate crisis, the importance of implementing changes is greater than ever.

Use - clean - repeat: Understanding user, product, and context to design for long-term reuse

With escalating concerns about pollution and resource depletion caused by single-use products, the need to adopt reusable alternatives is widely acknowledged. This paper presents an investigation into the barriers and motivators to the long-term use of reusable products. The qualitative research consists of thirty-two semi-structured interviews with consumers, addressing the acquisition, usage, and discontinuation of the use of reusable products. From the results, we distinguished four product categories - intimate care, daily shopping, at home, and on the go - providing tailored insights into specific barriers. Next to this, we argue that willingness, ability, and routine are needed to increase the chances of successful long-term reuse. Based on these insights, we developed suggestions for designers including several design strategies and intervention points. We recommend incorporating the suggested product categories into future research, delving into persistent usage thresholds through case studies. Besides this, alternative reuse models should be further explored.

Public Intention to Use Reusable Menstrual Products and Their Impact on Menstrual Pads Waste Reduction in Dki Jakarta

Single-use menstrual waste is a serious issue since they consist of ingredients that make it difficult to biodegrade and are contaminated with blood and other bodily fluids, that could possibly contaminate other waste. Most women in DKI Jakarta still use single-use menstrual pads despite the availability of reusable alternatives. With the Theory of Planned Behavior, this study analyzed factors that affects intention to use reusable menstrual products, as well as the possible waste generation from various menstrual products and reccomendations for their management in DKI Jakarta. This study applied quantitative methods using online survey to 448 participants. Factors that positively influence intention to use reusable menstrual products are Subjective norm, Perceived behavioral control, and Attitude (sig. < 0.05), while Knowledge has no significant influence (sig. > 0.05). Attitude is the factor with most contribution (sig. < 0.001) with highest beta value of 0,415. DKI Jakarta could potentially generate 42,072,587.52 kg/year of menstrual pads waste; 73.91 kg/year of menstrualcups waste; and 4,909.08 kg/year of reusable pads waste. Recommendations given are the shifting of single-use menstrual products users to reusable menstrual products to reduce single-use menstrual products waste and improving the waste management system for single-use menstrual pads waste in DKI Jakarta

Elastomeric half-mask respirator disinfection practices among healthcare personnel.

Disposable N95 respirator shortages during the COVID-19 and 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemics highlighted the need for reusable alternatives, such as elastomeric half-mask respirators (EHMRs). Two US medical organizations deployed reusable EHMRs during the COVID-19 response. In addition to wipe-based disinfection following patient care episodes expected per local policies at both organizations, postshift centralized cleaning and disinfection (C&D) was expected at one site (A), permitting shared-pool EHMR use, and optional at the other (Site B), where EHMRs were issued to individuals. Using a survey, we evaluated disinfection practices reported by EHMR users and predictors of disinfection behaviors and perceptions. Surveys assessed EHMR disinfection practices, occupational characteristics, EHMR use frequency, training, and individual-issue versus shared-pool EHMR use. Of 1080 EHMR users completing the survey, 76% reported that they disinfect the EHMR after each patient encounter, which was the expected practice at both sites. Increasing EHMR use, recall of disinfection training, and work in intensive care or emergency settings significantly influenced higher reporting of this practice. 36% of respondents reported using centralized C&D, although reporting was higher at the site (A) where this was expected (53%). Confidence in cleanliness of the EHMR following centralized C&D was not influenced by individual versus shared-pool EHMR issue. Most EHMR users reported adherence with expected post-care individual-based disinfection of EHMRs but did not necessarily use standardized, centralized C&D. Future efforts to limit reliance on behavior related to respirator disinfection may improve EHMR implementation in healthcare to avert dependence on single-use, disposable N95 respirators.

Understanding who avoids single-use plastics and why: A cross-country mixed-method study

The production and consumption of single-use plastics (SUP) has disastrous consequences for the natural environment. Understanding which consumers are more likely to avoid SUP and why is crucial. Building on a comprehensive action determination model of ecological behavior, this study aims to specify the most relevant drivers and barriers to consumers' intentions to avoid SUP. The results of a qualitative study (N = 32) and a quantitative study (N = 3,000), conducted across multiple countries (United States, Russia, and Belgium), reveal that positive attitudes and subjective norms regarding SUP alternatives enhance consumers’ intentions to avoid SUP. Our analysis also shows the existence of four consumer segments—SUP addicts, SUP avoiders, the apathetic, and situation-driven SUP users—who differ in their intentions to avoid SUP and their motivations. While habits in using SUP, and situational constraints and hygienic concerns regarding SUP alternatives do not play a significant role in the whole cross-national sample, they represent crucial barriers for specific segments such as SUP addicts and situation-driven SUP users. The study concludes with several marketing and design recommendations for promoting and developing reusable alternatives for single-use plastics.

Are Bioplastics a Sustainable Alternative to Single-Use Plastic? A Pilot Project at the University of South Florida

Campaigns to ban single-use plastics have spread globally, increasing awareness about plastic pollution and driving consumer demand for bioplastics alternatives. Consumer perception is that plastics derived from plants are compostable. Biodegradable and compostable products are not the same. Arguably, everything will eventually biodegrade. Compostable, however, signifies that the product will decompose into the soil within a timeframe. A University of South Florida (USF) pilot research study has launched investigating the efficacy of single-use bioplastics in a home compost environment. The results will provide consumers with green product recommendations, call attention to the interdependence between bioplastics and Industrial Composting Facilities, and encourage behavior supportive of sustainable, reusable alternatives aligned with the SDG’s.

MP06-06 SINGLE-USE PLASTIC WASTE IN COMMON ENDOUROLOGIC CASES: CHARACTERIZATION OF A GROWING ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS AND IMPACT OF POSSIBLE INTERVENTIONS

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP06-06 SINGLE-USE PLASTIC WASTE IN COMMON ENDOUROLOGIC CASES: CHARACTERIZATION OF A GROWING ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS AND IMPACT OF POSSIBLE INTERVENTIONS John M. Masterson, Peris Castaneda, Aurash Naser-Tavakolian, Jeremiah Dallmer, Lior Taich, Jordan Kramer, Andrew Chen, Paige Kuhlmann, Maurice M. Garcia, and Timothy J. Daskivich John M. MastersonJohn M. Masterson More articles by this author , Peris CastanedaPeris Castaneda More articles by this author , Aurash Naser-TavakolianAurash Naser-Tavakolian More articles by this author , Jeremiah DallmerJeremiah Dallmer More articles by this author , Lior TaichLior Taich More articles by this author , Jordan KramerJordan Kramer More articles by this author , Andrew ChenAndrew Chen More articles by this author , Paige KuhlmannPaige Kuhlmann More articles by this author , Maurice M. GarciaMaurice M. Garcia More articles by this author , and Timothy J. DaskivichTimothy J. Daskivich More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003217.06AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Operating room waste is often in the form of single-use plastics (SUP), which contribute to landfill waste and ocean pollution and have been shown to have a detrimental impact on public health. We quantified the weight of SUP waste generated by three common endourologic cases—ureteroscopy/laser lithotripsy (URSLL), ureteral stent placement, and transurethral resection of prostate (TURP)—and projected annual SUP waste for these cases at a national level. We also estimated potential impact of waste reduction strategies: including removal of frequently unused SUP items from standard supply packs, replacement with reusable alternatives, and recycling. METHODS: We prospectively sampled 20 URS/LL, 20 ureteral stent placement, and 20 TURP cases; then recorded used items in the EMR case supplies list and contemporaneously recorded unused SUP items in real time. Individual SUP items were weighed to create a standard metric. We projected our findings to annual case volumes at a national level using Urologic Diseases in America (UDA) 2012 data. We then modeled the potential impact of waste reduction by removing, replacing, and recycling SUP items based on current viable pathways. RESULTS: Across our analytic sample of 60 patients, URSLL, stent placement, and TURP generated a mean (SD) of 6.27 (0.76), 5.23 (0.55), and 8.18 (0.68) lbs of SUP waste per case, respectively. Unused plastic waste for URSLL, stent placement, and TURP were 2.16 (0.78), 2.60 (0.62), and 0.73 (0.57) lbs per case, respectively. This amounts to a total of 1.3 million lbs of SUP waste annually. Removal of variable-use SUP items, replacing SUP items with reusable alternatives, and recycling SUP items by current potential pathways would reduce this number by 47,029 (4%), 368,892 (29%), and 166,528 pounds (13%), respectively, for a total SUP waste reduction of 582,451 pounds (46%) (Table 1). CONCLUSIONS: Common outpatient endourologic cases generate a substantial amount of SUP plastic waste, which has a negative impact on environmental and public health. Our field should take an active role in mitigating this health risk for future generations. Small changes such as removal of unused items from standard supply packs or replacement with reusable items can significantly reduce SUP waste. © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e55 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information John M. Masterson More articles by this author Peris Castaneda More articles by this author Aurash Naser-Tavakolian More articles by this author Jeremiah Dallmer More articles by this author Lior Taich More articles by this author Jordan Kramer More articles by this author Andrew Chen More articles by this author Paige Kuhlmann More articles by this author Maurice M. Garcia More articles by this author Timothy J. Daskivich More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Addressing period poverty can boost India's GDP by 2.7%: insights, implications & initiatives

Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) is essential to the well-being and empowerment of women and adolescent girls. As per World Bank, on any given day, more than 300 million women worldwide are menstruating. However, an estimated 500 million lack access to menstrual products and adequate facilities for menstrual hygiene management (MHM). And 4.5 billion people don’t have access to adequate sanitation facilities. My study included primary and secondary research and analytics to understand how menstrual health management is practiced across various parts of India, challenges and opportunities, barriers to access and stigmas associated and finally benefits gained by menstruators by using period products. It then looks at Menstrual Health Investment Index as a % of India’s GDP per capita, how current disposable period products are unaffordable for a large part of population and compares the cost of menstrual hygiene management for reusable alternatives vs the traditional disposable ones and how reusable options can help address period poverty. The research then estimates the economic gains that India can make to its GDP by positively impacting and addressing period poverty. It then looks policy, law and other implications and cites various positive work done by entrepreneurial changemakers, non-profits and individuals to address menstrual health and reduce and remove period poverty.

589 Reducing Single-Use Surgical Instruments During Laparoscopic Appendicectomy: Using Sustainable Quality Improvement as a Catalyst to Encourage Wider Behavioural Change in a Surgical Department

Abstract Aim Consumables are responsible for 32% of surgery associated CO2 emissions after excluding anaesthetic gases. We aimed to reduce the carbon footprint of laparoscopic appendicectomies by addressing equipment issues whilst also meeting the triple bottom line of financial, environmental, and social impacts. Method In a single-centre, a questionnaire was distributed to establish the frequency of, and reasons for, single-use instrument use. A separate questionnaire identified areas for improvement within existing appendicectomy sets. An evaluation of 25 appendicectomies was undertaken, documenting single-use instrument usage. New appendicectomy sets were developed, including additional reusable instruments, and procuring new ports, trialling these in subsequent appendicectomies. Financial impact was calculated based on current procurement prices. Environmental impact was calculated by carbon costing the production, transport and disposal of consumables using published emission factors. Social impact was assessed using staff surveys. Results 110 single-use instruments were opened in 25 appendicectomies. Our trust performs ∼500 appendicectomies/year, therefore equating to ∼2180 instruments/year that could be avoided by using reusable alternatives. Based on an estimated 75% reduction in consumables, the new set saves £34,423 and 512kg CO2e per year over the predicted seven-year life span of the instruments. Based on existing practice, the capital investment required for new instruments (£19,731) will pay for itself within six months. Reduced consumable reliance decreases the volume of waste being incinerated, tackling scope one emissions and local air pollution. Conclusions These results demonstrate that sustainable changes can be cost saving and reduce carbon emissions. This approach has translational potential across all surgical specialities using single-use instruments.

Rational and Moral Antecedents of Tourists’ Intention to Use Reusable Alternatives to Single-Use Plastics

Though rational and moral antecedents to tourists’ pro-environmental behavioral intentions have been separately established, the literature remains inconclusive on whether tourists’ pro-environmental intentions are underpinned by rational or moral considerations. Based on the theory of planned behavior and the norm activation model, this study examines the competing rational and moral antecedents of intention to use reusable alternatives to single-use plastics using data obtained from 653 tourists and analyzed with the structural equation modeling. The results indicate that though morality better explained the intention to use reusable alternatives to single-use plastics amongst all tourists, rationality underpinned the intention amongst domestic tourists while morality better explained the intentions of international tourists. The implications of these findings regarding future theorization of tourists’ pro-environmental behavior and measures to reduce single-use plastic marine pollution in coastal destinations are discussed.

Investigating the Knowledge and Attitudes towards Plastic Pollution among the Youth in Nairobi, Kenya

Kenya has made many attempts to regulate the production of single-use plastics through partial bans and the imposition of hefty taxes. Whereas government initiatives are crucial to resolving single-use plastic pollution, commitments made by youths can be an important part of the solution. Yet, youths are habituated to using single-use plastics without understanding fully their negative impacts. Understanding the knowledge and attitudes of youths is of the utmost importance in the effort to turn the tide against plastic pollution. This study set out to investigate knowledge and attitudes towards single-use plastics among youths in Nairobi, Kenya. This was a mixed study approach, where both qualitative and quantitative data were derived. The results showed that youths perceive single-use plastics as a serious environmental and health issue. Most respondents expressed willingness to switch to reusable alternatives if provided with financial incentives. In addition, the results showed stronger support for enhanced awareness campaigns and plastic recycling infrastructure. Social media was the most preferred channel to disseminate plastic pollution messaging among the youth. These findings are important in policy development for intensifying awareness and targeting a range of communication and financial support to reduce single-use plastic pollution.

Edge-rich MoS2 nanosheets anchored on layered Ti3C2 MXene for highly efficient and rapid catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol and methylene blue

In this work, we report a simple one-step hydrothermal synthesis strategy for depositing edge-rich MoS2 nanosheets on conductive layered Ti3C2 MXene, and demonstrate the formed MoS2/Ti3C2 heterostructure has significant active site exposure and effective charge carrier flow. The resulting MoS2/Ti3C2 exhibits enhanced activity and excellent stability for the catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). The optimal MoS2/Ti3C2 catalyst displays a high pseudo-first-order rate constant of 0.61 min−1, a conversion efficiency of 96.2% within 5 min and almost unchanged activity after six consecutive reaction cycles, which is better than the pristine MoS2 nanosheets. Moreover, the MoS2/Ti3C2 catalyst achieves a pseudo-first-order rate constant as high as 0.779 min−1 for the catalytic reduction of methylene blue (MB). This study opens up new opportunities for the design and development of cost-effective, efficient and reusable alternatives to noble metal catalysts based on molybdenum disulfide for environmental applications.

Environmental payback periods of reusable alternatives to single-use plastic kitchenware products

Many consumers are transitioning away from single-use plastic products and turning to reusable alternatives. Oftentimes, this change is being made with the assumption that these alternatives have fewer environmental impacts; however, reusable products are frequently made from more environmentally intensive materials and have use phase impacts. This study used LCA to examine the GWP, water consumption, and primary nonrenewable energy use associated with reusable alternatives for single-use plastic kitchenware products and determined environmental payback periods. The environmental impacts for each reusable alternative are calculated on the functional units of 1 use, 1 year (5 uses/week), and 5 years (5 uses/week). Payback periods are calculated for each reusable alternative and defined as the number of times a consumer must reuse an alternative in order for the environmental impact per use to be equivalent to the environmental impact for the single-use product. The research explored the sensitivity of the results to different consumer washing and reuse behaviors, as well as local conditions such as overall transportation distances and the carbon intensity of different electricity grids. Product types studied included straws (4 reusable, 2 single-use), sandwich storage (2 reusable, 3 single-use), coffee cups (3 reusable, 2 single-use), and forks (1 single-use, 3 reusable). Environmental impacts associated with the reusable alternatives were highly dependent on the use phase due to dishwashing, making payback period sensitive to washing frequency and method, and for GWP, carbon intensity of the energy grid (used for water heating). For single-use products, the material/manufacturing phase was the largest contributor to overall impacts. It was found that nine of the twelve reusable alternatives were able to breakeven in all three environmental indicators. The coffee cup product type was the only product type to have one reusable alternative, the ceramic mug, and have the shortest payback period for all three impact categories. Both the bamboo straw and beeswax wrap were unable to breakeven in any scenario due to high use phase impacts from manual washing. The research found that reusable alternatives can payback the environmental impacts of GWP, water consumption, and energy use associated with their more resource intensive materials, but it is dependent on number of uses, consumer behavior, and for GWP, carbon intensity of the energy grid. A key takeaway is that consumer behavior and use patterns influence the ultimate environmental impact of reusable kitchenware products. Some recommendations for consumers looking to reduce the overall impact of kitchenware products include the following:

Why consumers shift from single-use to reusable drink cups: An empirical application of the stage model of self-regulated behavioural change

Using single-use drink cups contributes to environmental issues like littering, resource depletion, and carbon dioxide emissions and thus comes into conflict with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. There are reusable alternatives to such single-use cups available to the general public, but uptake has so far been limited. To explain what factors are associated with using single-use cup alternatives, we apply the stage model of self-regulated behavioural change in a cross-sectional questionnaire study, N = 573. We investigated three single-use cup alternatives: a refundable cup system, bringing one's own cup, and reducing one's consumption of hot beverages on the go. According to the model, behavioural change occurs in four stages: predecisional, preactional, actional, and postactional. An individual requires stage-specific information and needs to make stage-specific decisions to progress towards sustained behavioural change. The results of our study showed which factors were associated with consumers’ shifts from single-use cups use to each of the alternatives and which factors need to be targeted to advance individuals to the next stage of change. We found that a chain of increased awareness, responsibility, and negative emotions, complemented by social norms, positive emotions, and goal feasibility, was associated with an increased intention to change away from single-use cups. The choice of a behavioural alternative was most strongly associated with the perceived control over the behaviour. Based on these results, we derive recommendations for practitioners on which levers to use to effectively reduce the use of single-use cups.

Environmental Payback Periods of Reusable Alternatives to Single- Use Plastic Kitchenware Products

Environmental Payback Periods of Reusable Alternatives to Single- Use Plastic Kitchenware Products

The effects of COVID-19 litter on animal life

Abstract During the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is massively used, resulting in a new wave of litter: protective face masks and gloves. Here we present the first case of a fish entrapped in a medical glove, encountered during a canal clean-up in Leiden, The Netherlands. We also report the first cases of birds using medical face masks as nesting material, which were also found in the Dutch canals. To place these new findings in context, we collected online reported interactions of animals with PPE litter, since the start of the pandemic. This resulted in the first overview of cases of entanglement, entrapment and ingestion of COVID-19 litter by animals and the use of it as nesting material. We signal COVID-19 litter as a new threat to animal life as the materials designed to keep us safe are actually harming animals around us. To understand the full scale of this problem, we welcome anyone to contribute to our overview by submitting their observations online at www.covidlitter.com. To further prevent PPE litter, it is recommended that, when possible, reusable alternatives are used.

Carbon footprint reduction potential of waste management strategies in tourism

Tourism is one of the major economic factors contributing to growth and jobs worldwide. The number of international travellers has increased more than 50-fold in the past 70 years. However, the contribution of tourism to (municipal) waste generation is also large and is increasing, accompanied by an increase in some environmental and socio-economic impacts. An average value of 1.67 kg waste is now generated per tourist (Obersteiner et al., 2017). Waste prevention and recycling should therefore be major objectives in tourist waste management by municipal authorities.Within the EU H2020-funded project “URBANWASTE – Urban Strategies for Waste Management in Tourist Cities”, eco-innovative waste prevention and management strategies were implemented in 10 pilot cities with high levels of tourism, in order to reduce urban waste production and improve municipal waste management. This study examined the potential greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions savings for three selected waste prevention and treatment options: food waste prevention, reductions in single use plastic and increased separate collection and recycling of waste. Benefits were expressed per kg waste prevented or diverted higher up the waste hierarchy and per 1000 tourists.The measures achieved potential GHG emission savings of between 4 and 189 kg CO2-eq. per 1000 tourists, depending on local conditions such as the existing waste management system. Measures tackling food waste reduction and separate collection had low emissions associated with the measure itself, whereas for assessed measures reducing the use of single use plastics by providing reusable alternatives, emissions associated with the measures were relatively high. This was due to the emissions associated with the production of the alternative reusable products. Influencing factors reducing the carbon footprint of waste management in tourism other than the kind of waste focused on were the existing waste management system (especially for biowaste) as well as the practicability and scalability of measures under the divers regional circumstances.

A Comparative Carbon Footprint Analysis of Disposable and Reusable Vaginal Specula

(Abstracted from Am J Obstet Gynecol 2020; doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.02.007) In an attempt to save time, as well as reduce costs and transmission of infections, many health care systems in the United States have increased use of disposable medical equipment, which generally decrease costs upfront compared with their reusable alternatives. Use of disposable instruments, however, is associated with increased solid waste production and may increase greenhouse gas emissions, negatively impacting the environment.