HOW MEDICAL PLASTICS WASTE WAS TURNED INTO SCHOOL SHOES

摘要

Though plastic gets a lot of negative attention these days,even the most hardcore anti-plastic crusaders agree that a modern healthcare system is inconceivable without plastics.No one has so far argued for plastic-free hospitals and a reintroduction of technically inferior medical devices of glass,rubber and metal that were used in the past.Yet the undisputed success of safe and affordable single-use medical devices should not lead us to the conclusion that our industry does not need to minimise the environmental impacts of our products.We can look to South Africa for inspiration-a place where environmental responsibility goes hand in hand with education and social and economic development.In Johannesburg,South Africa,a recycling project is currently underway which is a model example of how an immediate challenge regarding plastic and waste management can actually contribute to sustainable development.Here,a partnership of hospitals,schools,municipal authorities,non-governmental organisations and the plastics industry has developed a groundbreaking programme in which used medical equipment in hospitals is revitalised in the form of footwear for school children.The project also demonstrates how partnerships can help create start-ups in the recycling sector.Additionally,recycling plastic offers a range of benefits such as improving the conditions for children in education,creating jobs,reducing climate impact and thus ensuring a green transition.