World Gastroenterology Organisation Reports on Gastroenterology, Climate Change, and Nonrecyclable Waste

World Gastroenterology Organisation Reports on Gastroenterology, Climate Change, and Nonrecyclable Waste

Douglas K. Rex, MD, MASGE, reviewing Leddin D, et al. Gastroenterology 2021 Nov.

This report from the World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) reviews the potential health impact of climate change on GI disease, but it also calls on gastroenterology practices, endoscopy centers, hospitals, publishers, and individuals to make changes to reduce carbon emissions and nonrecyclable plastic waste. The article states that gastroenterology is second only to radiology for the amount of nonrecyclable plastic waste generated per procedure. The report includes examples of how the gastroenterology field can cut back on waste, such as converting plastic covers on journals to paper covers, which would save about 0.7 metric tons of plastic waste per journal annually. 

The article calls for member societies of the WGO to 

  • support advocacy;
  • educate and provide information to members to incorporate climate change efforts into daily work practice and environment;
  • work together to hold hybrid and virtual meetings to reduce carbon output; and  
  • collaborate with endoscopy and supply companies to reduce nonrecyclable waste.

Douglas K. Rex, MD, FASGE

COMMENT

As climate change and contamination of the food supply by microplastics are increasingly recognized as existential threats to the well-being of our children and grandchildren, we are likely to see increasing numbers of calls for and, eventually, laws and regulations regarding the reduction of carbon footprints and plastic waste in our medical practices and professional activities. These are important areas for research, education, advocacy, and activism.

Note to readers: At the time we reviewed this paper, its publisher noted that it was not in final form and that subsequent changes might be made.

CITATION(S)

Leddin D, Omary MB, Veitch A, et al. Uniting the global gastroenterology community to meet the challenge of climate change and non-recyclable waste. Gastroenterology 2021;70:2025-2029. (https://doi.org/10.1136/gutjnl-2021-325789)

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