Instead of relying on disposable single-use items such as surgical gowns , isolation gowns , incontinent pads , drapes , towels , and environmental cleaning items
( e . g ., microfiber ), hospitals can invest in highquality reusable textiles made from durable materials such as cotton or polyester blends . Reusable textiles can withstand multiple cycles of sterilization and laundering , making them a costeffective and environmentally sustainable alternative to disposable items .” result , reusable textiles traditionally cost less per use than disposable items .
By transitioning to reusable textiles hospitals can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability while maintaining high standards of cleanliness and patient care .
Investing in Synthetic Textiles Versus Cotton Textiles
Another strategy for enhancing sustainability in linen and laundry operations is to incorporate synthetic textiles alongside traditional cotton textiles . While cotton has long been favored for its softness and breathability , synthetic fabrics such as polyester and polypropylene offer several environmental and functional advantages . Unlike cotton , which requires large amounts of water , pesticides , and land for cultivation , synthetic textiles can be produced using fewer resources and processed more efficiently .
Additionally , synthetic textiles are highly durable and resistant to wrinkles and shrinking , reducing the need for frequent replacements and prolonging their service life . They also have quick-drying properties , which can lead to energy savings during laundering and drying processes . For example , a dryer load of cotton gowns will take around 25 minutes to fully dry . Conversely , a dryer load of 100 percent synthetic gowns will dry in less than 10 minutes . Furthermore , synthetic textiles can be recycled and repurposed at the end of their life cycle , contributing to a circular economy and minimizing waste generation . By incorporating synthetic textiles into their linen inventory , hospitals can reduce their environmental impact while maintaining the quality and performance of their linens .
Steps for Making Linen and Laundry Operations More Sustainable
Now that we ’ ve discussed the importance of sustainability in healthcare and the environmental advantages of reusable and synthetic textiles , let ’ s explore specific actions that hospitals can take to make their linen and laundry operations more sustainable :
➊ Make Environmental Stewardship Part of Your Mission Statement : Demonstrate unwavering dedication to environmental awareness from top management . Ensure that both external and internal reports include a dedicated section highlighting sustainability efforts and achievements . Champion this commitment in all communication channels , fostering a clear understanding among employees and customers that sustainability is a fundamental principle of our organization .
➋ Understand Your Laundry Environmental Footprint : Take steps to understand the top carbon-generating activities in your laundry . Some typical big contributors include water usage , natural gas usage , electrical consumption , chemical usage , truck fuel consumption , and solid waste generation . If necessary , solicit the help of a laundry / linen sustainability expert services firm .
➌ Implement a Daily / Weekly / Monthly Sustainability Scorecard : Measure , track , and report daily / weekly / monthly key sustainability performance indicators .
To ensure accuracy , make sure these are measured against a consistent volume metric such as pounds of linen produced . Some examples of sustainability performance indicators include :
●Gallons of water consumed per pound of linen processed
●Natural gas therms consumed per pound of linen processed
●Kilowatt-hours of electricity consumed per pound of linen processed
●Gallons of diesel fuel consumed per pound of linen processed
●Yards of solid waste produced per pound of linen processed
➍ Measure # 3 More Granularly : Determine the top contributors to the above indicators . For example , measure the natural gas usage of all gas-using devices including dryers , boilers , and ironers . This will help you understand where to focus your efficiency efforts . If your boiler is using 50 percent of your daily natural gas , then this is a good place to focus your optimizing efforts .
➎ Invest in Energy-Efficient Equipment : Upgrade laundry equipment to energy-efficient models that consume less water , natural gas , and electricity , reducing operating costs and carbon emissions . Large energy efficient advancements have been made in washers , dryers , ironers , compressors , chemical dispensers , boilers , and more . Tunnel washers typically consume less than 30 percent of the resources , compared to conventional washers . Modern water recyclers can save more than 50 percent of water and 20 percent of heat and chemical usage . Cutting-edge heat recovery systems capture and reuse heat generated during the drying process , reducing the amount of energy needed to heat incoming air for drying or other uses .
➏ Implement Wash Formula Conservation Measures : Maximize resource efficiency by optimizing washing formulas . Ensure wash cycles are not longer than required and minimize hot water usage . Utilize optimal chemistry with assistance from knowledgeable chemical company representatives . Maintain optimal loading of washers , avoiding both underloaded and overloaded conditions , which are major contributors to resource waste in laundry operations .
➐ Choose Eco-Friendly Detergents and Chemicals : Use biodegradable and non-toxic detergents and cleaning chemicals to reduce environmental pollution and protect human health .
In conclusion , sustainability is a critical consideration for hospitals seeking to minimize their environmental footprint and enhance operational efficiency . By promoting the use of reusable and synthetic textiles in linen and laundry operations , hospitals can reduce waste , conserve resources , and contribute to a healthier planet for all .
Gregory Gicewicz is the president and CEO of Compliance Shark , a business compliance platform , as well as past-president of the Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council ( HLAC ). He may be reached at : gregory @ complianceshark . com
april 2024 • www . healthcarehygienemagazine . com •
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