Vets make sustainability pledge at London Vet Show
Research by the BVA found that 97 per cent of vets consider sustainability to be important to them.
Dozens of veterinary professionals have signed a pledge to make their workplace more sustainable.
The BVA initiative, launched at London Vet Show (11-12 November), calls on members of the profession to take action now to reduce their impact, and that of their workplace, on the environment.
It follows research by the Organisation that found almost all vets (97 per cent) consider sustainability to be important to them.
During London Vet Show, members of the profession shared ways to improve their workplaces, use resources responsibly and pledged to do what they can to protect the planet. The pledges were:
"To practise responsible resource use"
"To be sustainable in my operation"
"To use medicines responsibly"
"To empower my team".
Reducing printing documents and moving away from single-use plastics were just some of the suggestions made by vets to achieve these pledges. Professionals also suggested sharing knowledge with colleagues and friends and setting up a 'green group' in their practice.
BVA President Justine Shotton pledged to promote the BVA’s new policy on the responsible use of small animal parasiticides and to work with vets and industry to achieve collaborative progress in this area.
She also called on more members to sign up for the pledge and to take action now in their day-to-day working lives.
She said: “I’m so proud to be part of a profession which recognises the importance of sustainability and doing its bit to protect the planet. But it is vital that these words now translate into actions and for us all to reduce our impact on the environment.
"It may sound daunting, but small steps in the right direction are positive ones. We hope the LVS pledges inspire those who signed up to act and that the Greener Veterinary Practice Checklist and BVA’s #GreenTeamResources will support you to do so. "
She added: “Not only will becoming more sustainable be good for the environment but becoming environmentally friendly could also benefit workplaces by helping to saving money and resources, reducing waste, improving staff engagement and helping to attract and retain staff."
Veterinary professionals can sign the pledge at bva.co.uk/greenteamvet.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
