We stand at a pivotal moment in healthcare. While the climate crisis is widely recognised as a major threat to human health, another critical issue often goes overlooked: the prevalence of endocrine disruptors in healthcare environments. Found in plastics, medical devices, and everyday products, these harmful chemicals have been linked to serious health problems such as hormone imbalances, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory conditions. A study of over 2,000 cases found young children’s exposure to phthalates, a common plastic additive, increased childhood cancer rates by 20%.
These toxic substances don’t just originate from obvious sources like medical plastics; they are also introduced into our environments through everyday items that many consider harmless. For example, disinfectant floor and surface cleaners, often used in hospitals and homes, can release harmful chemicals into the air and onto surfaces. Disposable wipes, widely used in maternity and pediatric care settings, combine plastics with harsh chemical formulations that linger on skin and surfaces. Even common items like plastic baby bottles can leach chemicals such as BPA, particularly when exposed to heat. In healthcare settings, single-use plastics in syringes, IV bags, and medical tubing frequently contain phthalates, adding another layer of exposure risk. Packaging materials in both home and hospital environments further contribute to these challenges.
Endocrine disruptors pose a particular danger to vulnerable populations like infants and pregnant women. During the first 1,000 days—from conception to age 2—babies’ developing immune and hormonal systems make them especially susceptible to long-term health issues. The Babies vs. Plastics report (November 2023) revealed links between plastic exposure and risks such as cancer, ADHD, and other endocrine-related conditions.
As one of the largest consumers of single-use plastics and chemicals, the healthcare sector has a crucial role to play. While efforts to reduce carbon footprints are growing, addressing the immediate health risks of toxic exposure in healthcare settings remains an urgent priority.
A healthier, greener future starting from healthcare
This is where the Born Green Generation project steps in. Led by Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) Europe, this collaborative initiative is working to eliminate toxic exposures in maternity and pediatric care, protecting babies, parents, healthcare professionals, and the planet for generations to come.
Our mission is clear: to create healthcare environments free from unnecessary plastics and harmful chemicals by empowering healthcare professionals, parents, and communities with the knowledge and tools to phase out toxic substances.
James Dixon, Associate Director of Sustainability at Newcastle Hospitals and Vice Chair of Health Care Without Harm Europe“So far, we have made progress in switching from single-use plastic to reusable alternatives and educating staff and patients on how to avoid exposure to plastics and harmful chemicals. It’s inspiring to see how some of these early interventions can be both simple and impactful—not only in reducing plastics and chemicals in our maternity department but also in minimising the waste we generate”
Transforming healthcare for future generations
At the heart of Born Green Generation is a commitment to transforming healthcare systems, guided by three transformational pillars:
1. Innovating practice
We are demonstrating how maternity and pediatric care can transition to being toxic-free through pilot Born Green Wards in partner hospitals. These wards eliminate unnecessary plastics and toxic chemicals, creating safer environments for mothers and babies. By integrating innovative solutions like reusable alternatives and non-toxic materials, we are proving that sustainability and patient safety go hand in hand.
Dominique Licaud, Coordonnatrice en Maïeutique at CH Angoulême“At the Centre Hospitalier d’Angoulême, we believe that all babies should be born in healthcare environments as free as possible from these toxic substances. The initial results in our departments are very promising”
2. Shifting culture
Beyond creating new practices, we aim to ignite a societal desire for change. By sharing best practices and results from our partners, we strive to make toxic-free healthcare a widely recognised standard. Awareness campaigns and education initiatives will build momentum among healthcare professionals, parents, and communities to demand safer, more sustainable care.
3. Transforming Policy
Sustainable change requires bold policy frameworks. By leveraging insights from our collaborations, we advocate for policies prioritising patient safety and environmental sustainability. Local, national, and European policies must institutionalise practices that protect both current and future generations.
Mark Wilson, Executive Director of Health Care Without Harm Europe“Born Green Generation is more than a movement – it’s a call to action for individuals, organisations, and communities to prioritise health in everything we do. Together, we can move beyond awareness into impactful action”
What’s next?
In the coming months, Born Green Generation will launch impactful initiatives, including:
- Online educational content and digital modules for healthcare students to ensure the next generation of professionals is equipped to lead sustainable care.
- Hospital-based pilot projects to demonstrate how healthcare settings can reduce unnecessary plastics and chemicals while maintaining patient safety.
- A Europe-wide Pledge to engage healthcare providers, parents, and advocates in creating the first generation of babies born in environments free from harmful substances by 2030. Learn more and sign up for the Pledge.
James Dixon“At this stage, we’re just a few hospitals. Real change needs momentum across our profession and the wider healthcare sector. I encourage my healthcare colleagues across Europe to protect vulnerable babies in their care by calling for an urgent and significant reduction in harmful plastics and chemicals in hospitals”
We are on a mission to transform healthcare. Through innovation, awareness, and advocacy, we are building a future where all babies are born into safe, sustainable environments.
Take Action Today
Join the Born Green Generation movement to create a healthier, safer future for babies and families.
1. Take the Pledge: Commit to reducing harmful plastics and chemicals in healthcare.
2. Sign up to the newsletter: Not ready to take the pledge? Stay updated with the latest news and resources.
We are inspired by the growing support for this initiative and look forward to sharing more progress as the project unfolds. Together, we can create lasting change and protect the most vulnerable while safeguarding the planet.
