Alfredo Álvarez, a project manager with CSL Vifor in Gijón, Spain, is helping create and execute a vision for how Patient Blood Management (PBM) can be implemented in health care.
PBM acknowledges the risks of anemia, blood loss and bleeding disorders. As the World Health Organization describes, it’s “a systematic, multidisciplinary, multiprofessional concept to routinely minimize for these risk factors,” which places the patient at the center of care.
An indirect benefit of PBM is that it reduces the demand for donated blood which is often in short supply. In fact, the World Health Organization says PBM supports several of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more about the 17 sustainable development goals.
While Álvarez’s work as a project manager isn’t officially a “green” job, he says he feels good knowing that his work contributes to sustainability and has positive impacts on the global blood supply. Outside of work, Álvarez believes it’s important to find ways in your everyday life to make green decisions – and it doesn’t have to be complicated.
“There are lots of small daily gestures within our reach, meaning little or no effort at all, to contribute to making this planet, our home, a better place,” he said. “You don’t need to be an activist, or have ambitious plans to change the world, you just need to start thinking, seeking, asking about the best ways to go about living sustainably and you’ll already be on the right path.”
Álvarez shared these small actions he takes to reduce his carbon footprint:
- Layer up: While you’re working at home in the winter, consider putting on a sweater instead of keeping the heating system running all day. You might find that you’re just as comfortable as you were before – saving energy and money in the process.
- Travel responsibly: When travelling for work, consider the best way to do it and if you could minimize your carbon footprint. Ultimately, decide whether you need to travel for a meeting and be face to face, or if a virtual call is sufficient.
- Power down, when you can: Turn off your computer if you think you will not be using it for over two hours. If you must have it on, try turning down the brightness on your device. Brightness at 70% percent reduces energy consumption by 20%.
