As several health systems work toward a shared goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, some are rolling out sustainability efforts in their pharmacy departments.
Charlottesville, Va.-based UVA Health introduced recyclable pill bottles in April. The containers are child- and moisture-resistant, feature a compostable paper core and cost about the same as traditional plastic pill bottles.
In 2024, UVA Health bought more than 600,000 plastic bottles. The system estimates its new paper bottles will generate about 30% less carbon — equivalent to avoiding more than 24,000 miles driven in a gas-powered vehicle.
Madison, Wis.-based UW Health has also launched an eco-friendly initiative through its specialty mail-order pharmacy. Instead of receiving printed prescription information, patients now receive a QR code linking to the same details.
The system expects this switch to save more than 2 million sheets of paper each year.
Additionally, UW Health’s specialty mail-order pharmacy has used pill bottles, medication coolers and ice packs made of recyclable materials since 2021.
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