The importance of sustainability extends beyond just our diet and lifestyle choices—it encompasses every aspect of our daily routines, including healthcare. As we become increasingly aware of the impact of pharmaceuticals on the environment, there is a growing need to adopt eco-conscious practices when it comes to managing our health.
From mindful consumption and disposal to exploring sustainable alternatives, prioritizing eco-friendly practices in medication usage serves as a vital step toward fostering a healthier planet for generations to come.
Downsize Your Medicine Cabinet
Downsizing your medicine cabinet can be a mindful approach to simplify your medicine routine and reduce clutter. You can achieve this by carefully evaluating your medication needs and properly disposing of expired or unused medications. Another way to reduce waste is by prioritizing multipurpose products, resisting the temptation to buy unnecessary products, and minimizing duplicates.
A downsized medicine cabinet not only promotes a clutter-free environment but also encourages cautious consumption and fosters a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.
Dispose of Medications Properly
It is important to dispose of medications properly to safeguard the environment and other people. Throwing unused or expired medications in the trash or flushing them down the toilet is not recommended as it can pollute water sources and cause harm to wildlife. Rather, it is advisable to adhere to specific guidelines provided by pharmacies, law enforcement, or waste management. Numerous communities offer drug take-back programs that provide safe disposal of medications.4
If medication disposal at your pharmacy or drug take-back programs are not readily available in your area, some medications can be mixed with undesirable substances such as coffee grounds and cat litter and placed in sealed containers before being thrown away. Below are steps to take recommended by the FDA.2
Disposing of medications in household trash:
Remove drugs from their original packaging and mix them with something undesirable such as coffee grounds, dirt, or cat litter. This makes this medication less appealing to children and pets. It also disguises the substance for someone who may go through the trash looking for drugs.
Put the mixture into something that you can seal such as a container or re-sealable zipper storage bag.
Put the container in the garbage.
Scratch off all personal information on the empty medicine packaging and throw this packaging away as well. Remember to recycle any eligible packaging.
The FDA has also provided a list of medications that can be safely flushed, but this method should be used as a last resort. By disposing of medications responsibly, we can prevent accidental ingestion, reduce the risk of substance misuse, and prevent pollutants from interfering with the ecosystem.1
Minimize Waste When Buying Medications
Minimizing the amount of packaging used for medications is an environmentally responsible practice that can significantly reduce waste. One way to achieve this is by filling your prescription for only the required amount of medication, instead of getting a larger quantity that may go unused and ultimately end up in landfills. Another approach is to choose medications that come with minimal packaging, such as those that come in bulk or blister packs. For long-term medications, opting for larger quantities can also help reduce packaging waste.
In addition, refillable prescriptions and medication packaging services are becoming increasingly popular options for those looking to reduce their environmental footprint. These services allow patients to receive their medications in a single, refillable container, rather than multiple containers that may end up being discarded. By making these small changes, individuals can do their part to help protect the environment and reduce waste.
By adopting sustainable medication practices, we can take care of our healthcare needs in an eco-friendly and responsible way. These practices include downsizing, properly disposing of expired or unwanted medications, choosing eco-friendly packaging, and making sustainable purchasing decisions. When we make these choices, we contribute to a healthier planet and ensure that our healthcare needs are met without harming the environment.