This commentary highlights the key points in the recent article by Blum et al. [1] that advocates for medical practices to adapt conservation measures to reduce waste and lower their carbon footprints. Healthcare in the United States produces considerable amounts of pollutants into the air, water, and soil. It is both a significant challenge and an opportunity for healthcare to reduce its carbon footprint. Medical offices, surgical centers and hospitals are responsible for 10% of chemicals that produce smog and 10% of greenhouse gasses [2]. Estimates show that the amount of greenhouse gasses and smog production from healthcare, among other factors, contributes to 405,000 years of disability-adjusted lives lost annually in the United States [2].

In the recent report entitled “Greening the office: Saving Resources, Saving Money, and Educating Our Patients” Blum et al. [1]outline conservation measures that could be undertaken by small practices to large hospital systems. These simple sustainable steps help practices become more environmentally conscious and less polluting.

A common question that arises among healthcare professionals is what does it mean to “go green” or to have a “green office”. Going green means implementing systems within your office (also home, hospital, school, etc.) that foster sustainability like preserving or optimizing the use of natural resources, reducing waste and pollution, and, ultimately, help mitigate climate change. The United Nations World Commission on Environment & Development defines environmental sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” [3].

Medical practices can easily incorporate simple measures in order to reduce their climate and pollution impacts. Blum et al. [1] review some of the practices that can conserve energy including: powering-down electronics, lights and computers at night, using sleep or low-power modes when electronics are not in use, changing old light bulbs and/or fixtures in favor of high efficiency light-emitting diode (LED) light bulbs, keeping air conditioning systems set > 74 °F/24 °C and heat ~68 °F/20 °C in the winter, and implementing smart plug strips to prevent power draining from machines that need to be continuously plugged in. They also mention improving existing office space by installing black-out blinds, motion sensor switches for lights and sinks, and low flush toilets/urinals. Practices can consider mitigating carbon emissions by installing bike racks and electric vehicle charging ports to encourage bike and electric vehicle usage, lessen local travel for meetings by using telecommunication, and purchase carbon offsets for essential travel. Additional energy savings strategies include solar panel and solar water heater installation, using cold water hand-washing, and speaking to your local power company to see if there are any options to purchase a plan using renewable energy sources [1].

There are many benefits to becoming a “green office”. One of the most immediate advantages is the monetary savings by implementing the aforementioned measures (MyGreenDoctor.com [4]). Beyond financial gains, “greening your office” results in a more responsible use of resources, fosters a healthier office environment, strengthens team-work and camaraderie among staff who together reduce energy consumption and waste in the office [1,5,6]. Additionally, healthcare professionals are seen as leaders in the community. Recycling, riding a bicycle to work, choosing hybrid or electric vehicles, and eating an environmentally sustainable diet low in meats, sets a great example to the community on how to decrease their carbon footprint.

Starting the path to becoming a “green office” may seem like a daunting task. There are however multiple resources to make this an easy transition (see Table 1). One of the most simple ways is through the My Green Doctor website (www.mygreendoctor.org). The website features prompt for 5 minute meetings that focus on small changes that can be made in the office. Each meeting is led by the “green team leader” and is outlined in an easy to follow guide. There are also many educational resources for staff and patients, such as waiting room brochures, handouts and posters. Once the meetings are completed and efforts are made to educate staff and patients, the office will be less polluting and eligible to become certified through My Green Doctor.

The deleterious effects of healthcare emissions on our environment and our climate are well-known. By actively choosing to preserve resources and reduce their carbon footprint, healthcare providers greatly advocate for the health of patients and the community. Collectively making these small changes in medical offices and hospitals can amount to significant benefits for all. The climate crisis has become the existential threat to humanity with its myriad of healthcare complications related with global warming. The Medical Society Consortium on Climate & Health has emphasized the mantra that ‘Climate Solutions are Health Solutions. We healthcare providers need to do whatever we can to reduce our carbon footprints while we care for those most vulnerable to this crisis.