Sustainability

Question 1

How does sustainability relate to veterinary practice?

Answer 1

It includes improving animal health and welfare, conserving biodiversity, reducing the carbon footprint, and ensuring sustainable use of resources.

Question 2

What are VetSustain’s six Veterinary Sustainability Goals?

Answer 2

1. Diverse and abundant wildlife: Conserve biodiversity.
2. A good life for animals: Advocate for animal health and welfare.
3. Net zero warming: Promote decarbonization.
4. Health and happiness: Enhance physical and mental wellbeing.
5. A no-waste society: Transition to a circular economy.
6. Enough clean water for all: Conserve freshwater resources.

Question 3

Name interventions to make veterinary practices more sustainable.

Answer 3

Reduce single-use plastics.

Implement recycling programs.

Promote telemedicine to reduce travel.

Source local and sustainable products.

Improve energy efficiency in clinics.

Question 4

What is the difference between carbon offsetting and carbon insetting?

Answer 4

Offsetting: Compensating for emissions by funding external projects (e.g., tree planting).

Insetting: Reducing emissions within one’s own operations (e.g., renewable energy)