Four Ways Plastic Surgeons Can Fight Climate Change

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Ciara Brown, Emory University; Clifton Meals, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2020-01-01
• Publisher: American Society of Plastic Surgeons
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2020 The Authors. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000002961
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Global Open
• Volume: 8
• Issue: 7
• Start Page: e2961
• End Page: e2961
• Grant/Funding Information: None declared
• Keywords: Climate change; Surgery; Environmental Sciences & Ecology; Orthopedics; Plastic surgery
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery; Sociology, Public and Social Welfare; Environmental Sciences

Abstract

Background: The climate crisis demands that surgeons reduce their environmental impact. Operating rooms are resource-intensive and are often wasteful. This makes them fitting targets for climate-conscious decision making. Methods: We searched for peer-reviewed literature describing how plastic surgeons might positively affect the environment through action in the operating room. Results: Several evidence-based, pro-climate practices may be undertaken by plastic surgeons. These strategies may be grouped into 4 types: material, energy, technique, and dissemination. Each strategy is a way to reduce, reuse, recycle, research, or rethink. Conclusions: Administrative obstacles to greener operating rooms are predictable and surmountable, especially because environmentally minded decisions are likely to save money. We anticipate a surge of environmental consciousness in healthcare. Plastic surgeons, as thought leaders, are well positioned to champion this cause.