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Project title

Developing frameworks for evaluation and mitigation of environmental impacts of infant-feeding-decisions on healthcare and society

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University of Limerick (UL)

Lead Applicant

Bernadette O'Regan

Project Abstract

This research will examine the environmental impacts of infant feeding decisions; the extent of these impacts is currently unknown in both healthcare and society. The environmental effects of infant feeding actions can be most readily observed at hospital level in terms of resource efficiency and waste prevention. This research hypothesises that there is considerable scope to develop environmental guidance, solutions, policy recommendations and best practice for policies on infant feeding decisions which would have significant environmental impact at the consumption level both in healthcare, home and community settings. The research sets about establishing the environmental impacts of infant feeding actions in the maternity unit, and developing solutions to improve resource efficiency at the healthcare level. Environmental education and empowerment of healthcare professionals to take the initiative and contribute meaningfully is a powerful tool in initiating and maintaining behaviour change. With this in mind a training module will be developed for healthcare professionals and procurement staff. The research will then examine environmental impacts at the societal and community level through various methodologies to establish a framework to firstly evaluate and secondly mitigate such dispersed and unaccounted impacts. This project will determine quantifiable environmental impacts resulting from infant feeding decisions in Ireland together with methodologies, guidance, policy recommendations and mitigation measures. Environmental reviews, awareness raising and environmental education opportunities will provide immediate wins in terms of resource efficiency and waste prevention for participant maternity units in the study. All data will be made available on SAFER and findings will be published as final reports and in open access peer reviewed journals. Best practice guides, methodologies and tools will contribute to National Policy on resource efficiency and waste prevention and are especially relevant to EPA BeGreen Programmes.

Grant Approved

�214,534.74

Research Hub

Sustainability

Research Theme

Socio-Economic Considerations

Start Date

12/01/2015

Initial Projected Completion Date

11/01/2017