Keeping Diabetes Green for Earth Day

Happy Earth Day!  We all know that diabetes management comes with a lot of supplies, and the waste from those supplies can really add up.  Some diabetes waste, like the boxes and paper inserts, can be recycled, but things like CGM insertion devices and insulin pump infusion sets can’t be tossed into a recycling bin.

It’s time to get creative with those used diabetes supplies!

The diabetes community is not short on imaginative and resourceful people, and there are a lot of ideas for keeping diabetes paraphernalia out of the landfill (and please keep in mind that these links will take you to a website that’s not monitored by CWD):

• The team at Myabetic put together a “Diabetes Craft Corner with Mary Lucas” on Instagram a few weeks back.  You can watch the Instagram video here: DIY Unicorn from Diabetes Supplies.
• Folks thinking ahead to the holidays can craft up holiday ornaments or even wreaths using old Omnipod pods.  (Check out this example!)
• This write up from T1 Everyday Magic includes ideas on making a diabetes robot out of old supplies, and other ways to repurpose device supplies.
• Insulin bottles as lights are as brilliant as they are poignant.  (This example on Reddit is clever.)
• They also make lovely, miniature planters.

  

• Some artists, like Danielle Newett, take diabetes supplies and create insightful pieces.  We love her Dexcom sensor “bugs!”

Companies are working to develop eco-friendly options for their devices. Tandem Diabetes Care has several Earth-focused features: their t:slim X2 insulin that can be updated with new software instead of replacing the entire pump housing, and their pump is also rechargeable, eliminating the need to replace removable batteries.  Dexcom, according to their website FAQ, is “exploring options that allow us to adhere to the guidelines for blood contacting components, meanwhile providing an environmentally friendly method for the disposal of our applicator,”  but nothing is in play yet.

And if you are looking to donate unused, unexpired supplies, there are homes for those items, too.

Whether you’re recycling your supplies to put your advocacy front-and-center, decorate a room, or just plain make cool things, you’re helping make a difference by contributing to less waste and making diabetes a little more fun.   Keep your diabetes green and your BGs in range!