As part of a project for the German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), the Ecologic Institute, in collaboration with the University and University Medical Center of Kiel, developed teaching and informational materials addressing the environmental aspects of pharmaceuticals. All materials can be ordered or downloaded free of charge from the UBA portal "Pharmaceuticals and the Environment", which was also created during the project.

Free and Editable Teaching Materials on Pharmaceuticals in the Environment

The teaching materials provide current and future medical professionals and pharmacists with valuable insights into the environmental impacts of pharmaceuticals. They are designed to help educators at universities, vocational schools, and in continuing education programs integrate environmental considerations into their lessons. Using the basic slide set and accompanying comprehensive texts, the topic can be effectively and engagingly communicated, even within tight curricula. The materials cover the entire pharmaceutical lifecycle, from societal handling of pharmaceuticals to pathways and effects in the environment, and measures to prevent environmental contamination. They also include discipline-specific solutions for daily practices in medical and pharmacy settings. These scientifically validated materials are editable and freely available, allowing flexible adaptation to different audiences and educational content.

Informational Materials for Environmentally Conscious Use and Disposal of Pharmaceuticals

A variety of free and partly multilingual informational materials support efforts to raise awareness about the environmental aspects of pharmaceuticals. These resources are primarily targeted at patients and can be ordered and used free of charge by pharmacies, medical practices, hospitals, health insurance companies, or waste management advisory services.

Overview of Informational Materials

•    Poster "Correct Disposal of Leftover Medicines in: ..."
  This customizable poster can be used in pharmacies, medical practices, or other facilities to educate about regional disposal options. It also serves as a reminder that leftover medications should never be disposed of via the toilet or sink. In addition to the German-language version, an international version with translations in English, French, Polish, Turkish, Russian, and Arabic is available.
•    Brochure "Do NOT Dispose of Drugs in the Toilet or Sink"
  This handy brochure explains the importance of proper medication disposal and provides a map showing regionally recommended disposal options. It is available in several languages and includes space for customizations, such as stamps or logos, making it particularly practical.
•    Postcards "Domestic Trash Instead of Glass Recycling" & "Wipe First… Then Wash!" 
  These postcards are ideal for providing additional information to pharmacy customers. They address topics such as the proper disposal of liquid medication residues and practical tips for reducing environmental contamination when using medication-based creams and gels. The postcards can be handed out when dispensing corresponding medications.
•    Birthday Calendar "Pharmaceuticals and the Environment" 
  This decorative A4 wall calendar shares monthly insights into pharmaceuticals and the environment, making it a great gift. Additional information and QR codes on extra calendar pages make it particularly informative. Pharmacies can order the calendar free of charge.
•    Fact Sheet "Info package for Pharmacies" 
  This 12-page information package offers pharmacy staff background knowledge and conversation tips on environmentally conscious medication use and disposal
•    Free Texts and Images
  Ready-to-use texts and images for websites, newsletters, or social media are available for easy implementation and customization. These resources are partially multilingual and distributed under a Creative Commons license.