Profession urged to make sustainability a priority in 2022
"We know that, when it comes to sustainability, even simple changes can really make a difference" - Justine Shotton, BVA president.
Veterinary professionals are being urged to kickstart the new year by promising to make sustainability a priority.
The BVA says the profession has ‘a vital part to play’ in reducing its environmental impact and is calling on as many veterinary professionals as possible to commit to positive change.
Dozens of individuals signed up to the #GreenTeamVet pledges announced at London Vet Show in November, which include:
- To practise responsible resource use
- To be more sustainable in my operation
- To use medicines responsibly
- To empower my team.
BVA’s president Justine Shotton stressed that while pledging to sustainability may sound daunting, there are many simple ways to make an impact.
“We know how busy veterinary professionals are on a day-to-day basis and that the workforce is more stretched than ever before. But we also know that, when it comes to sustainability, even simple changes can really make a difference, and of course, the more people who take part, the greater the impact will be,” she said.
“You may decide to give yourself more of a challenge, but something as simple as promising to always recycle or to save resources by printing fewer hard copies really does make a difference. Even just telling your colleagues about your pledge and reasons for signing up helps to spread the word and encourages more people to do their part.”
Figures from BVA's 2021 July Voice of the Veterinary Profession Mini Survey found that 97 per cent of vets feel environmental sustainability is important, with 62 per cent saying it is very important to them. Despite this, fewer than half (47%) of vets said their workplace currently had any sustainability policies in place.
“Our research shows sustainability is already important to veterinary professionals, and the start of a new year is a great opportunity to put plans into action,” said Dr Shotton. “We urge everyone to take the time to talk about the issue within your practices – with your colleagues and with clients too - and to start 2022 off on a good note by promising to make positive changes, and then actioning them.”
To find out more and to sign the pledge, visit bva.co.uk/greenteamvet
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. 
