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The creation of a sustainable society is a top priority. Dialysis is among the healthcare sectors that contribute to the global carbon footprint. There is a need to lead by example towards this goal. This study aimed to investigate whether achieving plastic neutrality in dialysis could be a driving force in implementing sustainable dialysis practices.
1. A survey was conducted among patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and healthcare providers to assess their awareness of plastic neutrality and their willingness to adopt sustainable dialysis practices.
2. An analysis was performed to compare the regulations for medical plastic waste disposal in different countries and to identify the reasons for differences that impact dialysis waste disposal.
3. A previously established model of using repurposed plastic pebbles, made from surrogate plastic waste, was adopted to test the feasibility of achieving plastic neutrality in peritoneal dialysis.
4. The impact of the pilot program on plastic waste, patient outcomes, and eligibility for the circular economy was evaluated.
Of the 125 patients and healthcare providers surveyed, 98% did not know the meaning of plastic neutrality and 65% did not know what sustainable kidney care is. However, 99% were willing to participate in awareness programs for environmental protection and safe plastic waste disposal.
In India, CAPD bag suppliers do not take back the waste. Of the 25 patients on CAPD studied in India, 100% disposed of plastic waste in regular trash bins.
Bricks made from surrogate plastic waste that offset CAPD plastic waste generated by 25 patients cost Rs 16 per brick, compared to Rs 10 for kiln-baked bricks. The cost was not economically comparable in circular economy. Corporate sponsors and government agencies do not provide financial incentives for dialysis plastic waste repurposing or awareness creation. Indian law permits medical plastic waste to be used for construction purposes and pyrolysis and only licence holders can handle the waste.
Achieving plastic neutrality in dialysis could kickstart sustainable practices. The study also provides a provision to quantify the waste generated and disposed of, which can be used to introduce plastic neutrality and plastic credits. The study also raised awareness of the issue of plastic pollution among dialysis patients and healthcare providers. This could lead to increased demand for sustainable dialysis practices. The study could also drive the demand for and provision of financial resources to support the development and implementation of sustainable dialysis practices. Although the construction bricks in the study were more expensive, the environmental benefits will offset the cost difference.
The results of this study suggest that achieving plastic neutrality in peritoneal dialysis could drive sustainable practices. The study was able to create a model to create awareness.