Frugal innovation: could local food systems reduce hospital food waste?

As Brown and colleagues imply, the healthcare system has effects on the environment.1 During the pandemic, the production of disposable medical equipment peaked, increasing solid and potentially infectious landfill waste. This has lasting environmental consequences.2Food waste from hospitals also has a major environmental impact. Hospitals contribute to each food waste stage, from primary production to distribution and preparation, but mainly consumption. Evidence indicates that hospitals generate three times more plate waste (food served but not eaten) than cafes and restaurants.34As culture affects dietary intake, adopting a local healthcare food system has been considered a frugal innovation. Like other such innovations, local food systems are often adopted in low and middle income countries to provide affordable, nutritious food sources. But, as suggested by the authors, frugal innovation might not consistently align with environmental sustainability. As the idea of local food systems has gained political and medical attention, concerns have been raised…
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