One of the issues in my business that I have felt uneasy about for a long time is the amount of plastic waste. I use the suction tubes all day to remove ear wax so for the safety of my clients they have to be pre- sterilised and single use. Until now, I have had to throw each item away and as the handles are plastic, this generates a huge amount of plastic waste. I have always bought equipment from a company called Hearing Lab Store and have found them to be a forward thinking company sympathetic to the needs of the audiology industry. I am delighted that they have developed new environmentally friendly suction tubes that I can now recycle. Here is a statement from the company on how this idea was developed:
" The goal was to develop suction tubes of equal or better quality that were significantly more environmentally friendly. Single use is fantastic in that it's 100% clean, saves time and is pre sterilised. However, we knew it could be done better. We discussed environmental concerns with the manufacturer repeatedly and there seemed little attitude to change. Therefore, we have designed our own tubes made completely from aluminium and steel ( two of the most recycled products on the planet). Together with the packaging, they will have approximately 95% less environmental impact than any other suction tubes on the market"
Each item is still pre packaged and pre sterilised for single use. I am so pleased that the item I use day in, day out, can now be recycled and I feel I am making a small contribution to the reduction of environmental waste.