Disposable versus reusable linen: back to the future.

Decisions regarding health care practices and technology are never static. As new information becomes available, and internal and external forces shift, new decisions may have to be made. Such is the decision regarding reusable versus disposable linen. Until very recently, reusable linens were not comparable with disposable linen in the quality characteristics that directly impact patient and staff safety and health. Given the current test results on the latest generation of reusable fabrics, it is time to go back to reconsider this decision for the future.

Analysis of an organization's waste stream.

The steps involved in conducting a waste stream analysis for a health care organization have been described. The development of a corporate position on the organization's stewardship of its environment can be the major result of such an analysis. This position would communicate to the community the organization's commitment to the environment and would be used as policy guiding corporate decisions that affect the environment. As a result of the corporate policy, a health system waste management program could be developed. This program would consist of standardized policies and procedures, educational requirements for employees, roles and responsibilities' defined in job descriptions, public education programs, recycling programs, and capital equipment acquisition. Additionally, such a program would promote economies of scale. A waste stream analysis is only as good as the information it contains. Making it of sufficient priority within the organization ensures that adequate time and personnel are allocated to complete the analysis in a precise manner. A well completed analysis is a major component of the larger issue of an organization's responsibility to its environment.