Over the past few months, sustainability has become a quiet but deliberate focus at Ōhope Beach Medical Centre.

Rather than large-scale projects, the focus has been on practical, achievable changes that fit naturally into everyday healthcare.

Owner Jasper Heijtel said the process began with a simple question shared among the team: what can we do better, right now? From there, small ideas turned into meaningful action.

“One of the most noticeable changes has been a significant reduction in paper use.

“By reviewing long-standing processes and adjusting internal systems, the medical centre has reduced printing by approximately 60 percent.

“Moving to more digital workflows has helped minimise waste while also improving efficiency for staff and patients,” he said.

Waste reduction has extended beyond paper.

“Coffee cups are now recycled, and a dedicated collection point has been created for bottle lids, inhalers, plastic pill bottles, and aluminium lids, items commonly used in healthcare that often end up in landfill.

“Empty printer toner cartridges are also collected and recycled rather than disposed of, further reducing waste from day-to-day operations.”

Mr Heijtel said inhalers, in particular, presented a challenge because of the materials and propellants they contained.

“To address this, Ōhope Beach Medical Centre works closely with Adamsons Pharmacy to ensure used inhalers are collected and recycled responsibly through appropriate programmes, helping prevent them from entering general waste streams.”

The medical centre initiatives have been supported by Kate Lively from Waste Zero Whakatāne, who has provided guidance on recycling options and helped ensure materials are being handled responsibly and correctly.

Energy use has also been addressed through simple behaviour changes.

“By switching off computers and monitors when not in use, the medical centre has reduced its power consumption by around 15 percent,” he said. “These small daily actions have made a measurable difference over time.”

Sustainability has not been limited to the building itself. Several team members now regularly cycle to work, choosing bikes over cars, when possible, an approach that reflects both environmental awareness and personal wellbeing.

As the practice continues to grow and open for new patients, the team will soon be welcoming a new doctor, Dr Connie Vreugdenhil, who joins the medical centre next month.

Mr Heijtel said her arrival would ensure patients could continue to access timely care, with no wait times to see a GP.

He invites the community to support the centre’s efforts by using the in-centre recycling collection points for aluminium lids, plastic lids, empty plastic pill bottles, and inhalers.