A trial to introduce reusable food and drink containers at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH), in a bid to cut down on waste and help NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) achieve its sustainability targets, has been such a success that the scheme has now been made available at other hospitals.
In June, NHSGGC introduced the new reusable containers in staff canteens and Aroma Cafés at the QEUH, giving people the option to swap single-use containers for reusable ones.
Across NHSGGC, food outlets currently give out 2.5 million disposable cups and containers every year, at a cost of £350,000 a year, and giving staff the opportunity to switch to reusable containers has been identified as an important way to help reduce plastics waste, meet NHSGGC’s sustainability targets on its journey towards net zero, and make significant financial savings.
Joe Gilbey, Retail Manager at NHSGGC, was one of the driving forces behind the reusable containers initiative. He said: “Given the sheer amount of waste generated by single-use food and drink containers, we were keen to bring in a system that gave users of our catering facilities the opportunity to choose a more environmentally friendly option.
“However, we were also aware that, in a busy hospital where people may be grabbing a meal or drink while visiting a sick relative or during a shift caring for our patients, having a reusable container to hand would not be practical for everyone.
“As such, we decided to make it as easy as possible for people to make the sustainable choice if they can, encouraging them to use reusable containers rather than penalising them for not being able to.”
Under the scheme, anyone using any of the Aroma Cafés at our hospitals, or our on-site staff catering facilities, has the option to bring along a suitable container or reusable cup of their own, to be filled with the food or beverage of their choice. Alternatively, staff have the option to buy high-quality containers at the QEUH canteen, ready for filling on the day and re-using the next time they order food or drinks.
And as an added incentive, customers at the QEUH Aroma Café receive a 15% discount if they order drinks with a reusable cup.
However, if you forget your cup or food container, or you don’t have one, please don’t worry – you will still receive your food or drink in a traditional single-use container.
Martin Johnston, Head of Sustainability at NHSGGC, said: “Earlier this year, we launched our Climate Change and Sustainability Strategy, and one of the five key areas of focus is Waste Management.
“Single-use containers are a significant contributor to waste at our hospitals, so we are particularly keen to increase use of reusable alternatives wherever that’s practical.
“I would like to thank all staff who have switched already, and I would encourage others – both staff and members of the public – to make the change if they can.
“It’s a sustainable choice, good for the environment – and at the QEUH it can also save you money.”
To find out more about NHSGGC’s sustainability ambitions and their net zero goals, please go to: Sustainability – NHSGGC
