From November 2010, I will take over from Andy Connor as the next Green Nephrology Fellow, I am both excited by the tremendous developments that have occurred in little over a year and slightly daunted at the prospect of taking on the mantle of "Fellow".

Children from Hippo and Victoria wards at Great Ormond Street Hospital have created an almost life-size polar bear from discarded haemodialysis packaging with the help of artist Darcy Turner. The project coincides with other initiatives across the UK, as renal departments challenge medical equipment manufacturers to reduce waste and increase recycling opportunities.

A carbon footprint study of a UK renal service, undertaken by Green Nephrology Fellow, Dr Andy Connor, and published in the Quarterly Journal of Medicinethis month, confirms the importance of tackling supply chain emissions, revealing that the procurement of goods and services accounts for 72% of the carbon impact of kidney care. Within procurement, the majority of emissions are attributable to pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and waste services.