098 - Tackling Pharmaceutical Pollution: A Systems-Based Approach
The Sustainable Healthcare PodcastShow Notes
Tackling Pharmaceutical Pollution: A Systems-Based Approach
In this episode of the Sustainable Healthcare Podcast, host Frederik Dam van Deurs welcomes Kelly Thornber, a researcher and advocate for addressing pharmaceutical pollution. Kelly shares her journey from working in Bangladesh to identifying pharmaceutical pollution as a global issue, and discusses the systems-based approach needed to mitigate its risks to public and environmental health.
Episode Summary Kelly Thornber discusses the complexity of pharmaceutical pollution and the need for a systems-based strategy to address it. She highlights the importance of understanding the entire lifecycle of pharmaceuticals, from manufacture to disposal, and the role of various stakeholders in creating a sustainable solution.
Key Topics CoveredIntroduction to Kelly Thornber:Kelly discusses her background and how she became interested in pharmaceutical pollution while working in Bangladesh. Her journey into sustainability and how her department is driving change within the company.
Understanding Pharmaceutical Pollution:The importance of addressing pharmaceutical pollution and its impact on public and environmental health. The complexity of the pharmaceutical system and the need for a systems-based approach to mitigate risks.
The Role of the Pharma Pollution Hub:Kelly’s work with the Pharma Pollution Hub and their efforts to advocate for changes in the pharmaceutical industry. The need for independent facilitation and oversight to drive meaningful change.
Identifying Intervention Points:The 37 intervention points identified in Kelly’s paper and the importance of starting with actionable steps. The role of stakeholders in implementing these interventions and the need for collaboration.
Notable Quotes"Pharmaceuticals are designed to be biologically active, and that means they can have physiological effects in non-target species." - Kelly Thornber "We need to take a systems approach to address the complex issue of pharmaceutical pollution." - Kelly Thornber Resources MentionedPharma Pollution Hub: Pharma Pollution Hub Website Pharmaceutical Pollution Paper: Read the Paper Call to ActionShare your thoughts: What role should the pharmaceutical industry play in addressing pollution? Connect with Frederik on LinkedIn to share your insights. Subscribe and Share: Help spread the word about sustainable healthcare by subscribing to the podcast and sharing this episode with your network. Host: Frederik Dam van Deurs Guest: Kelly Thornber, Researcher and Advocate for Pharmaceutical Pollution
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