In an effort to help reduce plastic waste, Royal North Shore Hospital has transitioned to using paper bags for patients’ belongings, replacing the former pink plastic versions.

The bags were implemented across the hospital with the help of the clinical products team and are provided to patients to place their belongings in when visiting or staying at the hospital.

RNSH Director of Corporate Services Amanda Harriss said the transition will reduce plastic usage considerably across the hospital.

“In the past we were using 55,000 pink plastic bags per year for patients’ belongings,” she said.

“The new paper bags are just as sturdy and will help reduce our plastic usage considerably, which is something we are proud of.”

This transition comes as NSLHD has been actively working on its sustainability efforts, committing to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2035, with most of the reduction – 70 to 80 per cent – to be achieved by 2030.