Promoção da sustentabilidade ambiental em unidades de alimentação e nutrição hospitalar do município de Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais

Abstract

Although the Food and Nutrition Units (UAN) have high potential for environmental sustainability, knowledge about the practices currently adopted is incipient. In view of the above, this study analyzed the actions performed by hospital UANs to promote environmental sustainability. All UANs from hospitals in the Municipality of Governador Valadares (n = 6) were invited to participate in the study. The data collection was performed online using a questionnaire composed of seventy-three questions. A total of 66.6% (n = 4) of the hospital units participated in the study, which were small (100%) and private (75%). The adoption of UANs to actions related to physical structure and menu planning was, on average, 41.4% and 93.4%, respectively. Only 29.1% of the shares during the acquisition and reception of inputs were carried out by the units. During preparation, distribution and consumption of meals, adherence to actions to promote environmental sustainability was 75.0%. Regarding the generation, collection, storage and disposal of waste, on average, 52.2% of the shares were adopted by UANs. It is concluded that the UANs of the hospitals of Governador Valadares adopt measures to promote environmental sustainability, however, these should be intensified, especially those related to staff training, physical structure, acquisition and reception of inputs and waste management.