Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in healthcare. In travel nursing, you will likely be able to work in a healthcare facility prioritizing eco-friendly practices. You, too, can adopt eco-friendly practices while you are on assignments. Here is some practical advice to help you cut waste and minimize your environmental impact while traveling.
Pack Light
Try to pack light and focus on multi-purpose items. Doing so will reduce environmental impact, not to mention luggage weight. Here are reasons to pack light:
- Less time spent packing
- Save money by not buying disposables
- It makes room for essential items such as a first-aid kit
- Less stuff to haul in and out of new accommodations
- Reduces the total weight of the vehicle, thereby increasing your fuel efficiency
Use Public Transportation
Whenever possible, use public transportation. Options like the bus, light rail, or subway can minimize air pollution and reduce your carbon footprint. Sometimes, hospitals partner with transit services to offer discounted rates. If your commute is short, consider walking or biking to your destination.
Reduce Energy Consumption
As a travel nurse, you may ignore your utility bill. However, you can still conserve energy by being conscious of what you use. Try to unplug your electric devices when you are not using them, use only necessary lighting, and use water sparingly. Pay attention to heating and cooling, too. Dress warm in the winter and use fans in the warmer months to reduce heat and air consumption.
Avoid Single-Use Plastic
You can reduce plastic pollution by avoiding single-use plastic and investing in a refillable water bottle. Take full advantage of the water refilling stations at work to stay hydrated during your shifts.
Reusable grocery tote bags are another excellent way to reduce plastic waste. Not only do reusable totes reduce plastic consumption, but they also don’t break like plastic, flimsy ones!
Support Local Businesses
Perhaps the best thing about being a travel nurse is exploring new places. When you visit a new location, support local businesses, restaurants, and bars that utilize local ingredients and farmers’ markets. Shopping locally not only supports the regional economy but also helps to reduce transportation-related emissions.
Go Paperless
Healthcare generates large amounts of paper waste. As a travel nurse, using digital alternatives minimizes paper waste while helping you stay organized. Consider storing documents in the cloud to help reduce paper clutter.
A List of Reusable Items
In the spirit of sustainable nursing practice, here is a sample of eco-friendly reusable items to bring with you:
- Stainless steel water bottle
- Porcelain mug
- Reusable tote bags of various sizes
- Reusable food storage and toiletry bags
- Eco-friendly laundry detergent sheets
With a bit of planning, you can practice sustainable travel nursing. You can make a difference by packing lighter, taking public transportation, going paperless, avoiding single-use plastic, reducing energy consumption, and doing business with local merchants.
Find your next travel nursing assignment today!
If you are looking for your next assignment, the professionals at ADN Healthcare can help you with that. Let them be your trusted partner in planning your next nursing adventure.
