BVA launches #GreenTeamVet campaign to support sustainability
A 2019 BVA survey found that 89 per cent of vets would like to play a more active role in the UK sustainability agenda.
A new campaign which aims to inspire veterinary teams to work in a more environmentally-friendly way has been launched by the British Veterinary Association (BVA).
Launched on One Health Day (3 November), the #GreenTeamVet campaign aims to promote resources and initiatives that show how veterinary professionals can use their knowledge and expertise towards a more sustainable future.
It comes after a 2019 BVA survey found that 89 per cent of vets would like to play a more active role in the UK sustainability agenda. The new #GreenTeamVet webpage aims to inspire those at the start of their journey.
It includes:
- links to Vet Sustain resources
- BVA’s Sustainable Animal Agriculture policy and checklist for veterinary teams
- information on BVA’s ‘Choose Assured’ campaign
- BVA’s One Health in Action Report
- a range of blogs
- BVA’s environmental policy
- more information on an upcoming Free ‘Green Team Vet’ session at BVA’s ‘Autumn Series’ by Vet Sustain on Tuesday 10 November.
Commenting on the campaign, BVA junior president Justine Shotton said: “We know that our members are passionate about protecting the environment and are deeply concerned about high extinction rates of wild animals, biodiversity loss, climate change, and plastic pollution.
“As champions of animal health and welfare, vets have influence across a range of sectors such as government and agriculture and are key in the One Health agenda. Our expertise means that we have a unique and important voice that can be part of conversations on the environment and sustainability.
“Our #GreenTeamVet campaign page can be used as a starting point for vets and their teams who want to get involved and do their bit. We hope to elevate the individual and collective actions of our members and would love to hear more about what you are doing in your practice. Don’t forget to share any examples of how you are working or living more sustainably by tweeting us using #GreenTeamVet to get involved.”
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
