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  2. School of Health Professions
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  5. Born Green Generation - Delivering toxic-free healthcare
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Born Green Generation - Delivering toxic-free healthcare

Aims to protect the environment and vulnerable groups in maternity, neonatal, and paediatric wards: Healthcare students will learn why and how to reduce healthcare’s use of plastics and toxic chemicals, implementing circular strategies.

Factsheet

Situation

The experiences and environments that shape babies’ first 1000 days, from conception to their second birthday, play a crucial role in influencing their future health. In this vulnerable stage, babies are routinely exposed to harmful chemicals and plastic products during their hospital care from items that could have safer alternatives, such as disinfectants, plastic gloves and disposable gowns. Exposure can lead to severe and lasting health issues, from chronic diseases to diabetes and even cancer, as babies’ defense systems are not developed. We believe all babies should and can be born in healthcare environments free from unnecessary and harmful plastics and toxic chemicals–so they can develop healthily and thrive. We’re embarking on a one-of-a-kind project to make this a reality. The aim is to create a cultural shift across healthcare and society, where the idea of reducing babies’ toxic chemical and harmful plastic exposure becomes basic common sense and where grassroots understanding prompts calls for change. While our movement aims to safeguard babies’ futures, the changes we’re seeking naturally safeguard the planet’s future too, by dramatically reducing healthcare’s chemical and plastic footprint. Our goals are bold, but not tackling the issue is truly unthinkable.

Course of action

In this project, the need for circular healthcare education among health profession students of nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy, nutrition and dietetics, medicine, public health, along with other related fields, will be addressed. Through collaboration with partner organizations and universities, market research will be conducted, online learning modules will be developed, and an enduring E-learning program will be established. Through equipping future health professionals with the knowledge and skills of circular healthcare practices, it is aimed to drive exponential impact in environmental health, sustainability, and climate change beyond the project's timeline. Upon project completion, the E-learning program will be made available through Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) Europe . It will serve as a model for other European higher education institutions. HCWH Europe’s long-term goal is to ensure that every healthcare professional starting their career, receives a foundation in circular and sustainable healthcare. This will catalyze transformative change in healthcare education, fostering a generation of healthcare professionals who are prepared to address the challenges of the modern world utilizing a circular and sustainable approach. The Bern University of Applied Sciences, in partnership with the Malta University, will lead and develop the online learning modules and pilot-test them on-site, while working collaboratively with the funding organization HCWH Europe.

Contact

Tannys Helfer

  • Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin
  • +41 31 848 45 06
  • Show e-mail

This project contributes to the following SDGs

  • 3: Good health and well-being
  • 4: Quality education
  • 11: Sustainable cities and communities
  • 12: Responsible consumption and production
  • 13: Climate action

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