A call for sustainability: Why unused drugs should be redistributed to pharmacy schools for simulated pharmacy practice learning activities.

INTRODUCTION: Pharmaceutical waste from unused or expired medications and supplies has environmental, economic, and social implications. Redistribution of these items from institutions to schools of pharmacy may contribute to global sustainability efforts. PERSPECTIVE: This commentary outlines the proposed call to action through the United Nation's five dimensions of sustainability: planet, prosperity, people, partnerships, and peace. Reuse of medications by schools of pharmacy ensures the lifespan of a product is expanded, thereby reducing the amount of waste in landfills. Forming partnerships between institutions and schools of pharmacy lends to economic prosperity due to cost-avoidance and cost-recovery. This repurposing also prioritizes people by limiting the impact on supply chains and medication shortages, while also resource sharing in times of need. These efforts lead to increased peace through waste mitigation, mutually beneficial business, social responsibility, and community outreach. IMPLICATIONS: Collaborations between institutions and schools of pharmacy can reduce pharmaceutical waste, which in turn will enhance the economic stability of both parties, while positively impacting the environment and society in which these partnerships reside.

How Should Responsibility for Proper Medication Disposal Be Shared?

Pharmaceutical companies' capital, influence, and labor force well equip them to assume responsibility for public medication disposal programs. Government- and industry-funded campaigns for medication disposal do work, but responsibility often falls on local health care organizations to provide education and services. Lack of public awareness about how to dispose of medications and the ramifications of contaminating our natural resources and ecosystems with pharmaceuticals suggest a need for collaboration among pharmaceutical companies, government officials, clinicians, and patients.