Advancing Sustainability with Eco-Friendly Healthcare Linens
The healthcare industry is fast-moving, with every second being critical time spent caring for patients. In addition, ensuring cleanliness and sanitation while caring for patients is paramount. Because of these factors, healthcare facilities often use single-use or disposable items, which isn’t exactly the most eco-friendly option.
However, the healthcare industry is increasingly embracing sustainability, recognizing its critical role in reducing environmental impact while still promoting patient well-being. One major area where eco-friendly practices can be implemented is in the management of healthcare linens.
Healthcare Linens and Their Effect on the Environment
Hospitals across the country use a lot of linens every single day. In fact, Definitive Healthcare reports that there are more than 7,300 hospitals in the U.S., ranging in size from facilities with just a few total staffed beds to the largest hospitals with thousands of beds. The average hospital has 130 beds, which translates to hundreds of loads of laundry every single day.
The CDC states that laundries are typically the largest users of hot water in hospitals. They consume 50%–75% of the total hot water, representing an average of 10%–15% of the energy used by a hospital.
This is no small amount, and definitely impacts the environment using traditional washing methods, leading to excessive water consumption, chemical usage, and energy expenditure. By switching to eco-friendly alternatives, healthcare facilities can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and promote a healthier planet.
Implementing Sustainable Linen Solutions
Bedding isn’t the only item that hospitals use and wash daily. They also use patient gowns and robes, scrubs and lab coats, protective coverings and PPE, bath towels and washcloths. By implementing sustainable linen solutions, hospitals can dramatically decrease their impact on the environment and their pockets, too!
Here are some ways that hospitals and others in the healthcare industries can implement more sustainable solutions:
- Use Organic and Sustainable Fabrics: Using linens made from organic cotton or bamboo reduces our reliance on synthetic materials and harmful pesticides. These fabrics are not only environmentally friendly, but also softer and safer for patients.
- Efficient Laundry Practices: Implementing energy-efficient washing machines and dryers, and adopting eco-friendly detergents can significantly cut down water and energy usage. Sustainable laundry practices are pivotal in reducing environmental impact.
- Linen Lifecycle Management: Extending the life cycle of linens through proper care and maintenance reduces waste. Facilities can donate old linens to shelters or repurpose them, minimizing landfill contributions.
Eco-Friendly Linens Benefit More Than the Environment
Eco-friendly hospital linens are great for the environment. However, there are other benefits that go beyond the impact on the Earth as well. It benefits your patients, your bottom line, and your community too.
- Improved Patient Safety: Linens free from harmful chemicals provide a safer environment for patients, reducing the risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions.
- Cost Savings: Sustainable practices often lead to long-term cost savings through reduced energy and water usage.
- Enhanced Reputation: Facilities that prioritize sustainability are viewed more favorably by patients and the community, enhancing their reputation and trustworthiness.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
At Gunderson, we are dedicated to providing eco-friendly hospital linen solutions to the healthcare industry to positively impact the environment here in Wisconsin and beyond. We are proud of our Medical Linen Programs & Service, which features:
- A Hygienically Clean® Certification for ultimate cleanliness.
- Robust quality assurance and inspection processes.
- Sustainable, energy-efficient laundry practices.
- Reliable deliveries and seamless inventory management.
- Simple, hassle-free rental program.
Our approach includes:
- Use of Sustainable Materials: We offer linens made from organic and sustainable materials, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
- Eco-Friendly Laundry Processes: Our state-of-the-art facilities utilize energy-efficient machines and environmentally safe detergents to clean and maintain linens.
- Waste Reduction Initiatives: We have implemented comprehensive recycling and repurposing programs to ensure that no linen goes to waste.
Start Here: Take the First Step Toward Enhancing Sustainability
The shift towards eco-friendly hospital linens is a critical step in the medical industry’s sustainability journey. By adopting sustainable linen solutions, healthcare facilities can not only protect the environment but also improve patient care and operational efficiency.
Gunderson Uniform & Linen is proud to lead the way in providing eco-friendly linen services that support the health and well-being of both patients and the planet. Our exceptional hospital linen management programs provide hygienically clean patient gowns, bed linens, scrub uniforms, and more.
Contact us today to find out how we can help you implement sustainable practices and reduce your environmental footprint. Let’s work together to create a healthier, more sustainable future for healthcare.
