Environmental Health and Sustainable Nursing Practice

Abstract

Environmental health has become an essential component of modern healthcare systems due to increasing climate change, pollution, and ecological degradation. Healthcare institutions themselves contribute significantly to environmental burden through waste generation, energy consumption, and use of hazardous materials. Nurses, being the largest workforce in healthcare, play a crucial role in promoting sustainable healthcare practices and environmental responsibility. This review paper explores the relationship between environmental health and nursing practice, highlighting climate change impacts, healthcare-related pollution, sustainable hospital initiatives, waste management strategies, green nursing interventions, and policy implications. The paper also discusses the role of nurses in community education, environmental advocacy, and sustainable leadership. Sustainable nursing practice not only improves patient outcomes but also ensures long-term ecological balance. Integrating environmental health principles into nursing education, hospital policy, and community programs is necessary for future healthcare systems.

KEYWORDS: Environmental health, sustainable nursing, climate change, green healthcare, healthcare waste management, public health nursing, sustainable hospitals