A Pragmatic Approach to Streamlining Single-Use Plastics in Health Care

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Health care’s reliance on single-use plastics is costing the planet - and possibly our health. But what if sustainability didn’t have to come at the expense of safety or effectiveness? The PASS-UP framework offers a pragmatic, evidence-based path to reduce plastic waste in health care without compromising safety, effectiveness, or affordability. It acknowledges the deep-rooted dependence on disposable plastics due to historical safety concerns but challenges the assumption that disposability is always better. PASS-UP categorises single-use plastics based on risk and feasibility of replacement - some can be eliminated immediately, others need context-specific evaluation, while some remain irreplaceable. Through collaboration, practical tools, and product redesign, health systems can reduce unnecessary plastic use. 

Full citation

Greene, Jeremy, Maria W. Merritt, Ligia Paina et al. 'A Pragmatic Approach to Streamlining Single-Use Plastics in Health Care'. Annals of Internal Medicine (24 June 2025). https://doi.org/10.7326/annals-25-01264