I grew up in South Africa, a country with an abundance of beautiful landscapes, flora, sea, mountains and wildlife. I could immerse myself in the beauty of its nature and watch animals roam around freely. Now living in Belgium, I choose to live out in the countryside surrounded by a forest, and while animals are scarce, I am spoilt with the occasional deer walking past. However, throughout the year I watch the splendour of the change in seasons from my dining room window– the deep green of summer, the right colours of autumn, the occasional white snow of winter and the rejuvenation of life in spring.

It truly is amazing this world we live in and on days like Earth Day it reminds us that it is essential to look after it! A good place to start is at work. I am privileged to work in a sector that develops new and innovative medicines that improve patients' lives and contribute to the health and well-being of society. They are also striving to reduce the environmental impact in their operations and medicines.

There are a number of ongoing industry efforts towards sustainable practices[1]^,[2] that I would like to share with you on this World Earth Day.

• Greener manufacturing: The pharmaceutical industry has made significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint and minimizing waste through green manufacturing practices. They are striving towards more innovative ways to reducing energy use and waste in their manufacturing processes. refers to the use of environmentally sustainable practices and technologies in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical products. This approach involves reducing the environmental impact of pharmaceutical production processes by minimizing waste, conserving energy and resources, and using renewable materials.
• Sustainable packaging: With the increasing awareness about the impact of plastic waste on the environment, the industry has been exploring ways to reduce the amount of packaging used in pharmaceutical products and by investing in biodegradable and compostable materials and through conducting lifecycle assessments by analysing the environmental impact of packaging materials to help companies identify areas where they can make improvements to make informed decisions about sustainable packaging.
• Mitigating climate change: The pharmaceutical industry is also taking steps to reduce its carbon emissions and support the transition to a low-carbon economy. Our members support mitigating climate change, through investing in renewable and alternative energy, the reduction of emissions at their company sites and working with more sustainable suppliers.
• Pharmaceuticals in the environment: The lack of access to clean water and sanitation infrastructure can contribute to the spread of diseases. Industry acknowledges that the use of certain medicines can impact the environment. There are therefore a number of industry efforts to develop more sustainable medicines and to promote access to healthcare in an environmentally responsible way.

Overall, the pharmaceutical industry has an important role to play in protecting the planet, and on World Earth Day, we are reminded of their responsibility to promote sustainability and support a healthy, thriving environment for all.

However, as individuals, we also have a role to play in reducing our carbon footprint and decreasing the impact of pharmaceuticals on the environment. Reducing your carbon footprint is a great way to help combat climate change and promote a more sustainable future.  Here are some actions we can take:

Reducing your own carbon footprint:

• Reduce energy consumption: Turn off lights and electronics when they are not in use, use energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances, and adjust your thermostat to conserve energy.
• Use sustainable transportation: Walk, bike, or use public transportation whenever possible. If you need to drive, carpool or use a fuel-efficient vehicle.
• Reduce water usage: Take shorter showers, fix leaky taps, and use water-efficient appliances.
• Reduce waste: Practice the three R's - reduce, reuse, and recycle. Use reusable bags, containers, and utensils, compost food waste, and recycle as much as possible.
• Support renewable energy: Consider using renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, for your home energy needs.
• Buy sustainable products: Choose products that are environmentally-friendly and have a low carbon footprint. Look for products made from sustainable materials or produced using sustainable practices.

Pharmaceuticals:

• Properly dispose of unused or expired medications: Do not flush unused or expired medications down the toilet or sink, as they can end up in waterways and harm aquatic life. Instead, bring them to a drug take-back program, where they can be safely disposed of or recycled. Start here at medsdisposal.eu to find out how.
• Prudent use - Use medications only as directed: Overuse or misuse of medications can lead to an accumulation of pharmaceuticals in the environment. Always follow the directions on the label and do not share your medications with others.
• Avoid buying unnecessary medications: Only purchase medications that you truly need, as excess medication can contribute to unnecessary waste and environmental impact.
• Recycle medication packaging: often empty medication containers, such as pill bottles and blister packs, can be recycled. Check within your community to see if they accept medication packaging.

By making small changes in our daily lives, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint and the impact of pharmaceuticals on the environment while contributing to a more sustainable future. Let’s invest in our planet, together, as we only have one!

[1] https://www.efpia.eu/about-medicines/development-of-medicines/regulations-safety-supply/environment-health-safety-and-sustainability/

[2] https://www.efpia.eu/more-than-medicine/responsible-innovation/