ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the connection between waste and the impact of the health of the environment and the health of its population. It explains attitudes and perceptions toward issues related to environmental sustainability within the athletic training profession using the transtheoretical model as a conceptual framework. The chapter illustrates steps athletic trainers can take to reduce their environmental footprint within their professional practice. The environmental impact on health is a significant global issue. Despite the known health effects caused by environmental change, the healthcare industry is one of the largest contributors to environmental waste. The health of the population is closely linked to the health of the environment. The foundation of all conservation efforts is to reduce, reuse, and recycle. With these steps in mind, there are several ways athletic trainers can apply conservation concepts to their clinical practice in the attempt to decrease their environmental impact.
