As more and more consumers become aware of their impact on the environment, they’re starting to seek ways to reduce their carbon footprints. Businesses of all sizes have caught on as well. People want to work with companies that share their values, including their environmentally conscious ones.

Businesses in the medical industry have faced unique challenges when it comes to eco-friendliness. Hospitals create a lot of waste, making disposing of it in an environmentally-friendly manner more difficult. Medical facilities rely on chemicals to clean and disinfect. They require a lot of electricity to run essential equipment.

The good news is that businesses in the medical industry are starting to change. Many are implementing new practices that are making them more eco-friendly. For environmentally-minded consumers, this makes a huge difference.

Medical Businesses Are Going Digital

One of the easiest ways medical businesses are becoming more eco-friendly is by switching from paper records to digital ones. Patient files require a substantial amount of paper, and they take up a lot of room. By moving to digital files, offices aren’t using nearly as much paper. With the right software, they’re also increasing security and decreasing the likelihood of files getting lost or ruined.

It’s not just medical records going digital, either. Practices and hospitals are keeping track of inventory digitally as well with UDI labeling solutions.

Buildings Are Getting Energy Efficient Upgrades

Many medical facilities, hospitals, in particular, use a substantial amount of energy. Many facilities are making the switch from conventional fossil fuels in favor of more energy-efficient alternatives. For instance, medical businesses are installing solar panels and powering their lights and equipment (at least partially) with the sun’s energy. Some buildings are switching regular lights for motion sensor ones and changing out toilets and showers with low-flow options.

Hospitals Are Sourcing Local Food Options

Hospitals are also looking into the food they serve staff, patients, and visitors. Typically, the food they prepare travels many miles, which contributes to carbon emissions. Instead, these facilities are starting to make the shift to serve locally-grown foods. The ingredients travel a much shorter distance, and (as a result) they’re fresher. Not only that, but there’s some evidence that locally-grown produce retains more nutrients.

Along with buying and using as many local ingredients as possible, many facilities are looking into more fruit and vegetable-heavy options, even going so far as to offer vegetarian and vegan options for staff and patients. For individuals who want to cut their meat consumption (whether partially or completely), these options make choosing such a hospital a much easier decision.

Medical Device Manufacturers Are Offering Recyclable Options

Medical devices typically ship with a lot of disposable packaging. While it’s cheap and convenient (and keeps the equipment safe during travel), it does create a lot of extra waste that goes right into landfills.

To do their part and reduce their waste, medical equipment manufacturers are beginning to ship their products using more recyclable materials. Some companies even offer services to recycle their packaging materials by providing what their customers need to dispose of the packaging in a more eco-friendly manner. These additional steps help to keep the materials out of landfills.

Additionally, many manufacturers are looking into ways to extend the life of their equipment. In doing so, they reduce the rate at which their products get thrown away. This keeps them out of landfills and reduces the workload for those in recycling facilities.

Making the shift toward eco-friendly practices can help businesses of all kinds, including those in the medical field, attract more customers. Most won’t be able to transition overnight. If consumers see a conscious effort, however, they’re much more likely to want to work with those companies and support them moving forward.