As most people are aware, hospitals waste a lot of plastic. I am not at all complaining, as caring for the sick is the most noble cause. But i know there are some plastics out there that are made out of biodegradable materials, like corn. Assuming a very low percentage of the population has allergies to corn, is it possible to use these plastics instead of the regular ones. I mean, plastics, although they are reportedly a main cause of cancer, are the most sanitary equipment used. I don't think that hospitals recycle their plastics either since there is fear of spreading disease.

I would fight this response. Disease can be spread so many other ways, and when we throw them in a landfill, where nothing decomposes, I am not sure this is preventing disease, just stalling it. Plus, when plastics are recycled they go through a vigorous cleaning process to ensure no germs will be passed along. We could even create a recycling center for medical supplies!

It is unbelievable how much waste goes along with the healthcare industry. I know that the biggest concerns with plastic, most notably PVC, are:

*Dioxin, a known human carcinogen, can be formed during the manufacture of PVC, and during the incineration or burning of PVC products.
*DEHP, a phthalate used to soften PVC plastic that can leach from PVC medical devices, is linked to reproductive birth defects and other illnesses, according to animal studies.

Health Care Without Harm (an international coalition of hospitals and health care systems, medical professionals, community groups, health-affected constituencies, labor unions, environmental and environmental health organizations and religious groups working to make sure the health care industry is no longer a threat to human health and the environment)is a champion on this cause. They are keeping a close eye on Stericycle (the leading healthcare disposal service) to make sure they are disposing waste responsibly.

Check out www.noharm.org