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Perspectives of vets on plastics in veterinary medicine
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This qualitative study gathered perspectives from veterinarians on the role of plastic in veterinary medicine, covering both the risks of plastic overuse and the challenges of reducing it. The research highlights that the veterinary sector contributes to plastic pollution through single-use medical supplies and packaging.
Despite different participants suggesting conflicting ideas, most, if not all, of the ideas presented have support in the scientific literature. This supports a hybrid approach involving refining recycling systems, reducing plastic consumption and improving education on plastic waste production. A hybrid top-down-bottom-up approach must include encouraging cooperation among stakeholders, both within and outside the veterinary sector, as this will be a major contributor to progress. In a broader context, this hybrid approach to inciting change at all levels of the veterinary sector will require engagement from many interdependent entities; as such, this study should act as a starting point for an ongoing process of cooperative change. Recommendations for future research include life cycle analyses of reusable versus disposable veterinary materials; exploring ways to expand sustainability education within and beyond the veterinary sector, and examining methods of improving technology and infrastructure.
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Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.