A Comparative Carbon Footprint Analysis of Disposable and Reusable Vaginal Specula

• DOI: 10.1097/01.ogx.0000668328.82296.5d
• Publication Date: 2020-06-22T03:16:35Z
• Authors: Laura M. Donahue; Stephen Hilton; Sarah G. Bell; Brent C. Williams; Gregory A. Keoleian
• Keywords: 13. Climate action; 11. Sustainability; Humans; Sterilization; Disposable Equipment; Surgical Instruments; Carbon Footprint; 12. Responsible consumption; 3. Good health

(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.