This toolkit represents a call to action for Radiation Medicine health professionals, including physicians, nurses, radiation therapists, medical physicists, and trainees to educate ourselves and advocate for sustainable health care solutions within our areas of influence. It offers a framework to empower individuals within our community to engage in this vital discussion and implement locally relevant solutions in our clinics, departments, hospitals and personal spheres.
Tens of thousands of disposable thermometers, absorbent pads and shoe covers are used every year in the Saint Jérôme Hospital emergency department. CISSS des Laurentides reduced the waste generated in its emergency departments by eliminating the use of these single-use items and replacing them with multi-use alternatives.
To support more sustainable practice, researchers and professionals have developed practical tools to measure and monitor environmental impacts within dentistry. Life cycle assessment methodologies and hybrid carbon accounting approaches now allow practices to estimate emissions linked to travel, procurement, waste, water and energy use
The CSN Sustainable Nephrology Committee (SNAP) created a pre-recorded lecture focusing on environmentally sustainable kidney care and climate change. The goal of this lecture is to increase awareness amongst nephrology practitioners of the effects of climate change on kidney care, resiliency and adaptation measures, and how we can become involved from an education as well as quality improvement standpoint. Speakers include: Dr Caroline Stigant (Victoria, BC), Dr Neil Finkle (Halifax, Nova Scotia), Dr Tamara Glavinovic (Ottawa, Ontario), Dr Blake Sandery (BC Childrens), Dr Yohanna (Hamilton, Ontario).
The SNAP committee is comprised of a country-wide group of providers dedicated to aligning kidney care with planetary health principles, thereby advancing patient care within a framework of environmental sustainability.
This Rounds format was created so that healthcare teams can better understand how climate change is impacting the health of patients and begin to understand the greenhouse gas emissions associated with care. Team members from across health professions can be included in these presentations. This slide deck was developed by the Green MTU team, with the support of CASCADES.
This preparatory slide deck was created to introduce the Planetary Health Rounds format to learners. A Planetary Health Champion, with clinical expertise, will use this deck to explain the intention and format of the Rounds. This deck provides guidance on what to include in case presentations but does not capture the discussion during Rounds. It is important to have a Planetary Health Champion present during Rounds to provide additional context and to answer questions.
Integrating monthly Planetary Health Rounds into the Medical Teaching Unit creates protected time for education, reflection, and collaboration. At a micro level, learner champions, structured sessions, and broad participation drive engagement. At a macro level, the initiative catalyzes research, quality improvement, and curriculum expansion—positioning internal medicine as a leader in sustainable, forward-thinking care.
