Lunata is committed to reducing the environmental impact of our practice and working with broader coalitions both within healthcare and across other industries to imagine a new material future for the planet. By limiting the use of plastic in our clinic and supporting the development of bio-based alternatives, we can be a force of positive change. We believe innovation is possible to support longevity for both people and the planet.
Sustainable Healthcare
As traditional plastic production continues to disrupt our planetary systems, Lunata is actively looking for ways to reduce the use of plastic in our daily operations. We are inspired by organizations like rePurpose and EyeSustain who empower businesses and medical professionals respectively to account for excessive plastic waste and deploy solutions to power a more resource-efficient economy. Single use plastics are prominent and often necessary in healthcare, but not always.
Lunata conducts an annual assessment of the plastic materials used in our clinic. Tracking the types and quantities of plastics we use allows us to implement best practices for waste reduction, recycling, composting, and transitioning to bio-based alternatives.
One proposal for waste reduction in ophthalmology is changing industry regulations to allow a plastic bottle of eyedrops to be used on multiple patients until its labeled date of expiration, rather than throwing that bottle away after just one administration.
This multidose policy would reduce emissions generated in the production of the medication and its packaging (and trash and recycling processes after use), and has been estimated to save approximately $240,000 at one large healthcare institution over five years. Legislation in Illinois, Delaware, Nebraska, and Tennessee has already been signed into law to address this issue. Other areas for waste reduction include: preventing the disposal of unused surgical supplies, reevaluating which instruments truly warrant the ‘single use’ label, exploring the efficacy of steam sterilization, using alcohol-based hand scrub for surgical prep, and minimizing the use of disposable gowns and drapes.
New Materials
Lunata celebrates the work of biotechnology companies who are creating sustainable materials for the future. The next generation of biomaterials will be better aligned with a regenerative circular economy. Reishi, Sway, and Erthos are just some of the trailblazers in the development of new high-performing biomaterials that will replace traditional plastics. All are women-owned or women co-owned companies generating innovative solutions to reduce the environmental footprint of traditional plastic production and build a thriving future. Lunata is following the work of these visionary entrepreneurs and anticipates the adoption of new biomaterials in the healthcare and beauty industries.
Better For People and the Planet
At Lunata, we are steadfast in our commitment to help transform the healthcare and beauty industries to be more inclusive, age positive, and sustainable. We build deep connections with our patients through attentive listening and empathy. Our environmental commitment extends this same level of care to the planet. By continually assessing our plastic footprint and supporting the innovation of new materials that replenish rather than disrupt our planetary systems, we strive to be a force of positive change.
