Health Sciences Sustainability Film Festival: Healthy Planet. Healthy People.
The Office of Sustainability in the Health Sciences hosted the first Health Sciences Sustainability Film Festival on April 3, 2026!
The Pitt community was asked to submit videos to the sustainable healthcare film challenge. Finalist videos were played at the festival and winners were announced. View all finalist videos below!
Winners
First Place
“Waste on Campus”
Christian Waronsky, School of Dental Medicine
By using futuristic technology, this video aims to help viewers visualize the true magnitude of healthcare waste in the United States.
Second Place
“A Rabbit’s Four Lessons for Sustainable Healthcare”
Lauren Phillips, School of Pharmacy
This film follows my pet rabbit, Rocky, as he teaches viewers how healthcare can be more sustainable. He shares four reasons why he believes he is the most sustainable pet and connects those ideas to ways hospitals and healthcare systems can apply similar values in practice. The film is cute and lighthearted, but also educational, and includes statistics that highlight how significant the environmental impact of healthcare has become. In the end, Rocky wraps things up with a reminder that we all have a role in making healthcare more sustainable to help protect our future. He especially encourages improving the environmental impact of healthcare because he wants to be around long enough to keep enjoying the simple luxuries of his rabbit lifestyle.
Third Place
“Dental Waste Project”
Ean Maxwell & Kiley Pesce, School of Dental Medicine
This short film presents a dental hygiene clinic, inspired by The Office, to highlight the importance of sustainability in clinical practice. The story follows two dental hygiene students with contrasting perspectives: one who is highly passionate and knowledgeable about sustainable practices, and another who is initially unaware of the environmental impact of everyday clinical procedures. Through a series of humorous and relatable interactions, the sustainability focused student introduces practical ways to reduce waste in the clinic, such as minimizing single use materials, being mindful of resource consumption, and adopting more environmentally responsible habits. As the film progresses, the previously uneducated student begins to recognize the extent of waste generated in a typical dental setting and becomes increasingly engaged in learning how to make more sustainable choices. The transformation of this student reflects a broader message about awareness and education, emphasizing that small, intentional changes can collectively lead to meaningful environmental impact. By combining humor with real world application, the film aims to make sustainability approachable and relevant for future dental professionals. Ultimately, this project encourages viewers to reflect on their own clinical habits and consider how they can contribute to reducing waste while maintaining high standards of patient care. It reinforces the idea that sustainability in dental hygiene is not only achievable but essential for the future of healthcare.
Finalists
“Drops”
Gabriel Cisneros, Pediatrician
A pediatrician’s story of healthcare professionals in Pittsburgh working together toward a more sustainable healthcare system to protect their patients’ health.
“Worm Composting 101”
Ainsley Lederer, School of Pharmacy
This video details my worm composting farm, aka wormery. I share how I set up this worm farm, how the worms work to turn food into compost, and more.
“Native habitat resoration for a sustainable planet”
Sanford Leuba, Department of Cell Biology
“Pitt to the Point: Nutrition Cooking Class”
Natalie Fogel, Noah Dann, Zack Hankins, Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences
This was a feature by our “Pitt to the Point” Pitt Beat Reporter Natalie Fogel to highlight the amazing opportunities provided to faculty and students in the new SHRS building.