Pharmaceutical substances from creams and gels can enter wastewater when washed off after application. However, this can be reduced by first wiping your hands with a paper towel, disposing of it in the household waste, and only then washing your hands. To raise awareness, Ecologic Institute created a short animated video that highlights this simple but effective step. 

The video is designed for pharmacies to display on info screens and share on their websites and social media channels. It encourages patients to use pharmaceutical creams and gels responsibly – following package instructions or professional advice and applying only the prescribed amount. The video is based on a German-language informational postcard we developed on the same topic.  

This video was produced as part of a project for the Federal Environment Agency. In this project, Ecologic Institute developed teaching and information materials on the environmental aspects of pharmaceuticals together with Kiel University and Kiel University Hospital. All materials can be ordered or downloaded free of charge via the UBA portal 'Pharmaceuticals and the Environment', which was also created as part of the project.