What can you do to Improve the Environment?

Abstract

Medicine has a dual obligation concerning the environment: (1) to supply laboratory and clinical research to document harmful effects on the environment, and (2) to encourage changes in the environment to reduce or eliminate adverse health effects. This article presents individual and group actions for the improvement of the environment. The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery has developed a medical office pledge, “The Greening of Our Office for Improvement of Our Environment.” Physicians are encouraged to agree to certain principles for environmental improvement.