ZerOctober kicks off today
ZerOctober: the veterinary profession's month of sustainable action begins today, 1 October!
Vets for Climate Action is proud to launch this initiative and build a movement towards a sustainable future, for the animals we love and care for.
Throughout ZerOctober, we'll be raising awareness about the importance of working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, at home and in practice.
Whether you're an individual, or a team, we'll be sharing activities and steps you can take through the month. Together, as a profession, we can take action towards a sustainable, thriving planet: pawfect for us and the animals we love.
From simple everyday changes to larger community initiatives, everyone can play a part in ZerOctober - it's easy to participate!
What is ZerOctober?
ZerOctober is a Vets for Climate Action initiative to promote more sustainable veterinary care, and celebrate the benefits of moving the veterinary profession towards Zero.
August is well established as dental care month in the veterinary profession, so let’s put the same energy into making October the month of veterinary sustainability: ZerOctober
This is an opportunity for veterinary teams and industry professionals to share ideas, celebrate success and promote the benefits of sustainability and a path to Zero in order to ensure a better future for animal health.
What is Net Zero?
The United Nations defines sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Sustainability in veterinary practice refers to strategies and actions that reduce the profession’s environmental impact and greenhouse gas emissions, conserve resources, and support long-term ecological balance.
Net zero means balancing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted with the amount removed from the atmosphere, effectively reducing our carbon footprint to zero. Picture a set of scales with greenhouse gas emissions on one side, and our actions to reduce these seeking to balance it on the other.
By integrating these principles, ZerOctober will drive meaningful change across our industry.
Why is ZerOctober good for your practice?
The benefits to you and your team participating in ZerOctober are many, including:
- It reinforces your team's purpose: ZerOctober is about positive action for a better future for animal health
- By setting goals your team can work towards, you build team engagement
- You can unlock the benefits and savings of cheaper, more environmentally-friendly technologies
- It is an opportunity to undertake a systems review and make improvements
- Reducing waste and energy use will deliver savings, and
- You will build client value not just caring for their pets, but the future of all animals.
We know veterinary teams are committed to animal welfare, animal and human health, and the community. Climate change is the biggest threat to all of these.
Climate change impacts animal health and welfare, global food supply, biosecurity, One Health, biodiversity; and extinctions (just to name a few). Animals are already experiencing the consequences of extreme weather events and climate pollution, and vet teams are on the front line.
ZerOctober is our opportunity to lead by example.As one of the most trusted professions in Australia, the community looks to veterinarians on issues of animal health. With two thirds of the Australian public owning or caring for animals, by using our voice, and leading by example through our actions, we have a huge opportunity to educate the Australian public about the impact of climate change on the animals we love and care for, and show how we can be part of the solution.
How can you get involved?
We are inviting you, and your practice, to choose at least ONE activity in each of the categories below.
Or, choose your own!
We've shared a number of activities you could take: from doing a FREE energy assessment with our new partners, ReSINC Solar or Thurri Energy, cleaning your solar panels (if you have them!), organising an E-Waste clinic collection, to printing up posters for your waiting room.
Plus, if you're already a Climate Care Practice, ZerOctober is the perfect time to complete your carbon calculator!
And, please share your activity with us by using the tag #zeroctobervetsustainabilitymonth and @VetsforClimateAction - we're happy to reshare, tag and promote your steps towards a more sustainable future.
We also ask if you can please complete this 5 minute Q&A:
Join us this October and Zero in on a sustainable future
We invite all veterinary professionals and animal carers to join us this ZerOctober!
ZerOctober is a chance for us to leave a lasting legacy. By embracing this initiative, we can drive meaningful change and set a precedent for future generations. Together, we can ensure a thriving planet for the animals we cherish and for the generations to come.
Wishing you all a Sustainable ZerOctober!
