Pharmacies: 5 Simple Steps Toward a More Sustainable Practice
Without even realizing it, many daily pharmacy practices can increase environmental impact.
The good news? Simple solutions do exist!
Discover 5 common actions to implement—or optimize—so you can reduce your footprint without compromising care quality.
1. Overpackaging: Still a Common Reflex

Oversized or overly heavy containers, unnecessary boxes or bags, and multi-material (non-recyclable) packaging.

- Resource waste
- Increased waste generation
- Higher GHG emissions due to packaging production and transportation (especially if manufactured overseas)

- Source reduction: choose lightweight or eco-designed containers
- Prioritize recyclable packaging (single-material or containing recycled content)
- Avoid giving out bags to patients
- Opt for local suppliers to cut transport-related GHGs
- When possible, choose suppliers committed to eco-design, which reduces raw materials, waste, and emissions at the source
2. Proper Disposal of Expired or Unused Medications

Medications ending up in the trash or down the drain

- Waterway contamination: many non-degraded substances (antibiotics, hormones, antidepressants, etc.) are regularly found in lakes, rivers, and drinking water sources
- Hormonal disruption in aquatic life
- Increased antibiotic resistance: drug waste fosters resistant bacteria, a major public health concern
- Higher costs for municipalities treating contaminated water

- Set up clear and visible signage (counters, bags, windows) to encourage safe return
- Actively participate in recognized take-back programs, such as ARPS (QC) or others across Canada
- Train staff to address FAQs, correct false beliefs (“it decomposes in the toilet”), and guide patients
- Create a secure and accessible drop-off point inside the pharmacy, in compliance with local regulations
- Avoid unnecessary stock by optimizing inventory—especially for slow-moving medications
3. Energy Use: An Underestimated Factor

Equipment left on standby, lights left on, oversized fridges, etc.

- Unnecessary electricity use
- Indirect GHG emissions
- Premature equipment wear, increasing replacement frequency and carbon footprint
- Medication safety risks if equipment is poorly maintained (e.g., fluctuating fridge temperatures)
- Higher operating costs—especially with rising energy prices

- Install timers and motion detectors in low-traffic areas (restrooms, break rooms)
- Switch to high-efficiency LED bulbs
- Use ENERGY STAR-certified equipment, including pharmacy refrigerators
- Conduct a mini energy audit using free tools from Hydro-Québec.
- Appoint a “green champion” to track savings and engage the team
4. Transportation & Deliveries: Optimize Without Compromising Service

Multiple or unplanned trips for deliveries or errands

- More GHG emissions—and a longer chain of environmental impacts from oil extraction to fuel transport.
Nuance
Home delivery is essential for vulnerable populations. The goal isn’t to reduce service, but to optimize it.

- Prioritize low-impact delivery methods (e.g., bike couriers or EVs)
- Use route planning tools:
- Route4Me, Circuit Route Planner, OptimoRoute for complex rounds
- Google Maps (multi-stop function) for simpler routes
- Group orders to limit repeat deliveries:
- For example, deliver to all residents of the same senior residence in one trip
- Schedule remote area deliveries on specific days
- Partner with eco-responsible local delivery services, like:
- Coop Carbone (Montreal)
- E-Coursier (Montreal)
- Shift Delivery (Toronto / Vancouver)
5. Team Engagement & Awareness

Little training on environmental issues in pharmacies; efforts often rest on one motivated person

- Inconsistent or contradictory actions (e.g., printing prescriptions while aiming to reduce paper)
- Risk of greenwashing if actions lack real understanding
- Loss of motivation from initiators if they feel alone
- Disconnect from public expectations
- Missed opportunities to position the pharmacy as a responsible employer and service provider

- Offer basic training sessions on green pharmacy practices
- Some helpful resources:
- Climaceutics
- Practice Greenhealth
- Project Green Healthcare
- EnviroCentre
- Maillon Vert
- Create a green team (even informal), with 2–3 volunteers managing follow-ups, ideas, updates
- Set simple team goals per month or season (e.g., reduce printing by 15%, run a responsible decluttering blitz)
- Highlight green successes in internal communications: newsletters, break room boards, meeting shout-outs
Every Action Counts to Shape Tomorrow’s Pharmacy!
These everyday actions are far from minor details—they shape your pharmacy’s overall environmental impact.
Choosing to focus on them leads to benefits beyond your carbon footprint. It’s about coherence and social responsibility, values your community cares deeply about.
Not sure where to start?
Find out how much impact your pharmacy could have just by switching to sustainable packaging.
ARTICLE SUMMARY / FAQ
5 simple steps to implement in pharmacies
- Cut down on overpackaging by choosing suitable containers and limiting bags
- Set up a clear drop-off for expired meds
- Reduce energy use with LEDs, certified fridges, and daily best practices
- Optimize delivery routes and explore low-impact transport options
- Engage your team with simple training and shared objectives
Why it matters
Every action contributes to a more responsible pharmacy—aligned with values of health and sustainability.
Take Action Now
Looking for a first easy win?
Discover our sustainable prescription packaging solutions.
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