South Middlesex Times

As Earth Day approaches, the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association has a proposal from Rutgers Health researchers to help reduce a large but little-discussed contributor to climate change: the pharmaceutical industry. Rutgers Today discussed the problem and some potential solutions with two contributors: lead author Catherine Chen, an assistant professor at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, and senior author Mary Bridgeman, a clinical professor at the Rutgers Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy.

Mary Bridgeman highlighted the significant environmental impact of the pharmaceutical industry, stating, "It’s estimated the global pharmaceutical industry accounts for approximately 52 megatons of carbon dioxide equivalents annually – roughly 4.5 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions." Chen added that while some medications may inherently produce high emissions, efforts can be made to reduce their carbon impact without compromising efficacy.

Chen further explained, "The contribution is more than you’d see from other industries making products of similar size and weight." She emphasized the need for improvements in manufacturing processes that currently utilize single-use, unrecycled plastics, contributing to the industry's high environmental impact.

Bridgeman pointed out a significant opportunity for reducing both costs and greenhouse gas emissions by addressing medication waste. She suggested that enhancing medication adherence among individuals with chronic conditions and implementing strategies to reduce waste generation could lead to substantial savings. Bridgeman also mentioned the potential benefits of extending drug expiration dates to minimize unnecessary medication disposal.

Regarding future plans for improvement, Chen highlighted the importance of education in raising awareness about the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals. She mentioned, "We’re trying to make education about the environmental impact a standard part of education for both pharmacists and physicians here." Additionally, the researchers aim to foster interprofessional collaborations to collectively reduce the healthcare industry's environmental footprint.

Through their research and advocacy efforts, the Rutgers Health researchers are striving to address the environmental challenges posed by the pharmaceutical industry and promote sustainable practices within the healthcare sector.