The climate emergency is also a health emergency, and health care in the UK contributes 5.4% of the UK’s carbon emissions. We need to enhance the health of our current population without compromising the health of future generations, and this means operating within the sustainable boundaries of the planet. Fortunately most of the solutions for the planet also make our health better – for example eating a mainly plant-based diet, engaging in active travel and exercise in nature, avoiding smoking, and reducing pollution all enhance our health and reduce our need for medications, with further benefits to the NHS, your health and the carbon footprint of healthcare.
As a result we are actively taking steps to reduce our carbon footprint. You will notice changes in the way we work and the practice building itself. This will range from things such as the sort of toilet paper we use to the type of inhalers we prescribe and lots of little things in between.
To learn more about how the climate crisis is also a health crisis and what you can do to make a difference please visit the Greener Practice website.
Cranbrook Medical Practice is delighted to be signed up to the Green Impact for Health Toolkit and committed to working towards being a Greener Practice.
Inhalers and the Environment
If you use inhalers to manage a chronic lung condition, such as asthma, there may be changes you could make to better control your condition and reduce the environmental impact of your inhaler use. The short video below explains more. Please speak with our Chronic Disease Nurse if you are interested in exploring a change in your inhalers.
