Transforming Diabetes Supplies in the Prison System: An Example of Environmental Social Innovation

Pedro Henrique Macedo Moura, Deise Maria Rego Rodrigues Silva, Eloia Emanuelly Dias Silva, Jessiane Bispo de Souza, Marina dos Santos Barreto, Ronaldy Santana Santos, Pamela Chaves de Jesus, Leticia Milena Machado dos Santos, Lucas Alves da Mota Santana, Adriana Gibara Guimarães and Lysandro Pinto Borges ()
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Pedro Henrique Macedo Moura: Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, SE, Brazil
Deise Maria Rego Rodrigues Silva: Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, SE, Brazil
Eloia Emanuelly Dias Silva: Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, SE, Brazil
Jessiane Bispo de Souza: Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, SE, Brazil
Marina dos Santos Barreto: Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, SE, Brazil
Ronaldy Santana Santos: Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, SE, Brazil
Pamela Chaves de Jesus: Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, SE, Brazil
Leticia Milena Machado dos Santos: Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, SE, Brazil
Lucas Alves da Mota Santana: Graduate Program in Dentistry, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, SE, Brazil
Adriana Gibara Guimarães: Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, SE, Brazil
Lysandro Pinto Borges: Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, SE, Brazil

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Background: The disposal of plastic material has been gaining negative attention due to its impact on the environment and people’s health. Insulin pens used by people living with diabetes are disposed of through landfills or incineration, negatively impacting the environment and generating costs for the state. Methods: In an attempt to reduce the disposal of plastic in the environment and reduce disposal costs, the “Insulinadiamor” project was created, which uses handicrafts as a means of re-socializing women deprived of their liberty. In this project, female inmates in the state of Sergipe turn insulin pens into ballpoint pens. Results: During the year 2022, 2000 insulin pens were transformed into ballpoint pens. We estimate a loss of around USD 37,150.28 for the state due to the inappropriate use of medicines, which was reflected in the return of complete insulins. In addition, by avoiding landfill or incineration of the plastic content collected, we contributed to an estimated saving of almost USD 603.91 for the state and more than 80 kg of CO 2 -equivalent emissions. Conclusions: This project brings a sustainable and transformative approach involving financial savings, rehabilitation of inmates, and contribution to the environment. It also raises the importance of creating more sustainable initiatives to reduce plastic waste in the health sector and other areas.

Keywords: recycling; insulin pens; ballpoint pens; diabetes mellitus; prison system; resocialization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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