Bruyère Health recognizes that caring for people also means caring for the planet. That’s why planetary health is one of the organization’s strategic priorities moving forward.
Planetary health acknowledges that the well-being of humanity is deeply connected to the health of the planet. It’s a call to action for sustainable practices and policies that ensure both people and the environment can thrive.
According to the Canadian Medical Association Journal, Canada’s health care system is responsible for approximately 4.6% of the nation’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainability in health care matters, not only for the planet, but for the health of every person it serves.
Through its commitment to planetary health, Bruyère Health is establishing benchmarks to ensure that operations across the organization contribute to environmental sustainability through practices, system-wide planning and evaluation, as well as innovative partnerships.
Dr. Christopher Barnes, Physician and Chair of Bruyère Health’s Planetary Health Committee, says the organization is rethinking what care can look like in a changing world.
“When we talk about planetary health, we’re really talking about the future of care,” said Dr. Barnes. “Every decision we make, from how we source materials to how we design our spaces, has an impact. By establishing benchmarks, we’re taking steps to support both patient care and a more sustainable health system.”
A Reusable Solution for a Healthier Future
One example of this commitment is Bruyère Health’s collaboration with Friendlier, a reusable food container program designed to reduce waste from take-out meals.
Earlier this year, a pilot project launched at Bruyère Health’s Market Site in downtown Ottawa introducing Friendlier’s signature blue containers at the onsite boutique.
In the program, patients, staff, residents, and visitors purchase hot meals in the containers with a small refundable deposit. After finishing their meal, they scan the QR code on the bottom of the container and return it to a Friendlier-branded collection box. The deposit is automatically refunded through the Friendlier mobile app, making sustainable choices simple and convenient.
Building on the pilot’s success, the program expanded in July to a second Bruyère Health site. To date, more than 2,262 containers have been returned, diverting 131 kg of plastic waste from landfills and preventing 380 kg of emissions from entering the atmosphere.
As the Friendlier initiative continues to expand across Bruyère Health sites in Ottawa, it represents just one of the ways the organization is putting planetary health into practice.
Small changes can have a lasting impact. From reusable containers to greener operations, Bruyère Health is finding practical ways to link sustainability with care, supporting the well-being of people, communities, and the environment.