Protecting Planet Earth

Anthropogenic environmental change is having a negative effect on human health and paradoxically, health-care is increasing demand on its own systems because it is a substantial contributor to environmental degradation, generating up to 4.6% of total global greenhouse gas emissions annually.

Recognizing this, CanHelp Through HealthCare is using reusable protective masks and respirators, as well as reusable sterilization pouches and surgical wrap for reprocessing autoclaved instruments. Any waste polypropylene products are taken back to Canada, where they can be recycled at a facility that specifically handles this type of plastic waste.

This is a “drop in the bucket” with respect to overall plastic waste globally; however, educating those around us, and making people more mindful about their choices is something our small organization can do. We all must do our best to mitigate the 350 million metric tons of plastic waste created every year, which are contributing to “plasticosis” in birds, a disease that can be fatal due to unintentional digestion of plastic waste by these animals. They are the “canary in the coal mine” for humanity.