Packaging and Waste in the Endoscopy Suite

Global warming is a great threat to life on our planet. Health care systems are high resource utilizers and contribute significantly to the problem. However, we can also be part of the solution as endoscopy services are the second waste producer in a hospital. Green endoscopy is a concept of implementing efficient strategies to minimize waste and to optimize utilization of equipment and supplies to maximize the benefits for the patient, the hospital, and our community. This manuscript aims to educate us on the problem and the cost to all of us as a whole and put into context the important part that endoscopic services have in energy utilization and waste generation. Finally, we suggest strategies, some low cost and high impacts, such as appropriate waste classification and disposal, some higher cost and high impact, such as water recycling and management as well as natural and LED lighting. We hope that we can generate enough momentum and enhance the discussion at the local, regional, national, and international levels about this challenge facing us and how we can be a unified force for positive change.