Single-use plastics in healthcare for Sustainabil-ID

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In July 2026, physician-historian Jeremy A. Greene presented ‘Single-Use Plastics in Healthcare’ for Sustainabil-ID, a coalition of infectious diseases professionals and allies working to improve infection diagnosis, management and prevention while reducing the environmental impact of healthcare.

Modern medicine relies heavily on disposable plastic products — from syringes and IV bags to personal protective equipment and packaging. While these technologies have transformed patient care and infection control, they have also contributed to a rapidly growing stream of medical waste. In this webinar, physician-historian Jeremy A. Greene, MD, PhD, will trace the historical rise of plastics in health care, examine the emergence of medical waste incineration as a dominant disposal strategy, and discuss the environmental and public health implications of these practices. Drawing on historical insights, Dr. Greene will explore how understanding the past can help inform a more sustainable future for health care.

The presentation contributed to After the Single Use’s wider research into the historical development of single-use healthcare systems, examining how disposable technologies and waste-management practices became embedded in modern medical care.