Empowering the Next Generation: How Youth Are Driving Sustainable Healthcare This International Youth Day

International Youth Day is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the transformative power of youth and digital innovation. This year’s theme, From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development, highlights how young minds leverage technology to create sustainable solutions.

At PEACH Health Ontario, we continually work with youth who embody this theme by using digital tools to advance sustainable healthcare initiatives. Their innovative efforts drive progress within the healthcare sector and highlight the indispensable contributions of youth in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future. As such, PEACH Health Ontario is celebrating today by showcasing the incredible commitment of youth volunteers.

Casey Qian

Meet Casey Qian, an advocate for sustainability and healthcare. Currently a second-year medicine student at McMaster University, Casey completed their undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto and earned a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree at Columbia University, specializing in Climate Change and Health. She has also worked at Health Canada’s Climate Change and Innovation Bureau.

As a volunteer at PEACH Health Ontario, Casey is involved in developing the Climate Emergency Jumpstart Kit, a guide outlining key actions healthcare leaders can implement within a year to create a climate-resilient, carbon-neutral, and environmentally sustainable health system. This complements existing hospital sustainability guides and roadmaps, providing practical steps. She is also on the PEACH Food Committee, working on building a business case for hospitals to move towards plant-based menus.

Casey’s educational background has always directed her towards healthcare and sustainability from a broad scale, such as a “planetary health perspective and policies tied up in geopolitical challenges.” “While important, it can take years or even decades to invoke change at these higher-levels,” she says. “Volunteering with PEACH showed me what types of actions we can take at a more local level, pushing change forward one step at a time.”

“Youth offer a unique perspective from the ‘outside looking in’,” shares Casey. “We haven’t quite gotten sucked into the status quo yet, and armed with our own values and hopes for the future of the planet, we can more readily point out what’s wrong with how things are currently being done, then begin thinking about ways to change them for the better.” This allows today’s youth to assess current practices and envision innovative solutions critically. “Climate isn’t always the most popular topic with policymakers, but healthcare and the youth opinion certainly are, so I think combining these together can make climate change a greater priority on many decision-makers’ radars.”

Casey shares a message inspired by singer-songwriter Charli XCX’s lyric: “I think the apple’s rotten right to the core / From all the things passed down / From all the apples coming before / I split the apple down symmetrical lines / And what I find is kinda scary / Makes me just wanna drive.” Casey shares how it’s essential not to shy away from the daunting challenges but to confront them head-on. “The apple can still fall very far from the tree, and youth have the power to change that.”

Isaac Begun

Isaac Begun, a PEACH volunteer and Founder of the ReCoat project, is a third-year student in the Integrated Science program at McMaster University.

Partnering with PEACH, the Recoat project collects lightly used lab coats, often in excellent condition, and recirculates them for free to students. The goal is establishing a circular economy at McMaster University while reducing textile waste. “Unfortunately, instead of being passed on to a new owner, they end up in the back of a closet or the garbage,” he says. ReCoat supports the healthcare sector’s sustainability goals and alleviates students’ financial burdens when purchasing new items.

As a PEACH Knowledge Mobilization Team member, Isaac focuses on improving the accessibility and readability of various resources, making crucial information more available to a broader audience. His passion for integrating sustainable practices into everyday life fuels their dedication to these initiatives. “I’ve always had a passion towards implementing sustainable practices into our everyday lives, and it has been incredible to learn from and work with the team at PEACH,” Isaac says.

Volunteering with PEACH Health Ontario has impacted Isaac’s perspective on healthcare and sustainability. “Through volunteering at PEACH, I have come to realize that implementing small changes can have monumental impacts on our carbon footprint and our overall well-being,” he expresses. “It is crucial for all of us to continue to ask ourselves, ‘what else can I do that will help us reach our climate goals?’,”

Isaac also shares how youth uniquely can address climate change in the healthcare sector. His involvement with ReCoat illustrates this belief, demonstrating how young people can implement innovative solutions and promote sustainable practices. Isaac continues to emphasize that youth can use their fresh perspectives and willingness to challenge the status quo to make significant progress toward sustainability. “Once you begin to look for ways to implement sustainable practices into your everyday life, you will begin to see opportunities everywhere!

Maggie Markus

Maggie Markus, a dedicated PEACH Health Ontario volunteer, is a Life Sciences student at McMaster University entering her third year. Originally from Mississauga, Ontario, with family roots in Lithuania, Maggie now lives in Hamilton. She joined PEACH in her second year of undergrad. As an active member of the Knowledge Mobilization Team, Maggie collaborates with students, educators, and doctors to develop comprehensive toolkits based on PEACH’s guidebooks. These are designed to help medical residents engage with environmental sustainability topics.

“My motivation to volunteer with PEACH stems from a deep passion for combating climate change, and I believe the healthcare sector has a significant role to play in addressing this global challenge,” shares Maggie. “Through my work at an endoscopy clinic, I observed firsthand the significant amount of waste generated by standard medical practices. Volunteering with PEACH gives me the opportunity to contribute to meaningful change and to advocate for practices that support both public health and environmental sustainability.”

Volunteering with PEACH has strengthened Maggie’s commitment to sustainable healthcare. “I’ve learned that everyone has the capability to make a strong and positive impact, regardless of their role. Even seemingly “low-stakes” actions can collectively benefit us all in the long run,” she says. “It’s not just CEOs and corporations who can drive change; individuals and smaller organizations also play a vital role in promoting sustainability.”

Maggie highlights the youth’s ability to learn about environmental issues and make sustainable changes. “Youth can contribute uniquely by bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table. Our passion and energy can drive advocacy and raise awareness about the importance of integrating sustainability into healthcare practices,” she expresses. With access to a wide range of information at youth’s fingertips, youth “have access to an abundance of both information and disinformation, which further emphasizes the importance of knowledge mobilization and the sharing of valuable data that helps to push for changes in healthcare systems.” A healthcare system that prioritizes patient and planetary health can be created “by making informed choices and pushing for change at both individual and systemic levels.”

The youth have the power to make a difference. “Every action, no matter how small, contributes to a better future. Let’s use our energy and passion to advocate for sustainability, accessibility, and inclusivity. Together, we can make a real difference and build a more compassionate and sustainable world.”

Danish Zahid

Passionate about blending healthcare with environmental stewardship, Danish Zahid is a medical student based in Ontario, Canada, with a bachelor’s in medical bioinformatics.

Danish is an active member of PEACH Health Ontario, as he has volunteered for several tree-planting events with PEACH and has been involved in various green health research initiatives. “My motivation to volunteer comes from a desire to integrate my passion for healthcare with environmental stewardship,” he shares.

Danish’s involvement with PEACH has positively impacted his view on healthcare and sustainability. “It has highlighted the interconnectedness of environmental health and patient outcomes, reinforcing the need for sustainable practices in medical settings,” he says. “This experience has also taught me the importance of preventive measures and community education in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on health.”

As such, Danish is aware of the pivotal role that youth play in addressing climate change within the healthcare system. He shares that the youth “bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a sense of urgency to the table.” “By leveraging skills in technology, communication, and advocacy, they can drive significant changes in policy and practice. Youth involvement can spur the adoption of greener technologies, influence policy decisions, and lead community-based initiatives that promote sustainability,” Danish says.

Danish recommends that others find ways to engage in sustainable healthcare and environmental projects within their communities and education institutions. Volunteering in local initiatives is a powerful method to create real change. “My message is to get involved with your community! Collective efforts can create a healthier, more sustainable world for future generations.”

Mikayla Robinson

Mikayla Robinson, a recent McMaster University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Sensory Motor Systems, actively volunteers with the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care (CCGHC). During her undergrad, she also completed minors in Sustainability and Community Engagement. Throughout her studies, Mikayla led experiential learning projects promoting sustainability at McMaster and Hamilton, focusing on food accessibility, environmental issues, and women’s health. She is now pursuing a Master of Global Health at McMaster University.

After seeing an ad, Mikayla began volunteering with the CCGHC last January, quickly finding it a perfect fit. She initially helped with social media and knowledge translation projects, which led to a full-time position this summer. There, she developed skills in campaign management, guidebook creation, and website design, along with working closely with PEACH Health Ontario. Her role blends her passion for science and sustainability, offering invaluable experience for her future career as a healthcare provider.

“Volunteering with CCGHC has opened my eyes to the rapidly growing field of sustainability in healthcare,” Mikayla says. “While I always wanted to work in a hospital, I had never considered the environmental impacts associated with it. I learned that sustainability in healthcare is a multi-faceted issue with many aspects I was previously unaware of.” She emphasizes that significant, positive changes are necessary and achievable in this field.

Youth play an essential role in tackling climate change in healthcare. “This can start with conversations with family doctors and introducing the idea to parents. Spreading awareness on social media, taking relevant classes, and even pursuing careers in this field are all ways youth can make a significant impact,” she shares.

Mikayla encourages fellow youth to discover and advocate for their passion. “It only takes one leader to spark change. Find something you’re passionate about, champion it, and see where it leads you. Your enthusiasm and dedication can inspire others, creating a ripple effect that can make a significant impact. Remember, every great movement starts with a single step—take yours today and lead the way toward a brighter, more sustainable future.”