Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted significant environmental challenges within healthcare. 3 million disposable masks were discarded globally every minute each taking 450 years to biodegrade while releasing microplastics. This environmental impact is projected to contribute to 250,000 additional annual deaths by 2050. Our commitment as healthcare professionals to protecting life, is constrained by the necessity to use environmentally harmful single-use PPE.

Main Body: The discovery of our industry’s waste problem led me, a ‘normal’ nurse, to create Australia's first TGA-approved, compostable facemask which breaks down in 180 days and leaves zero microplastics. The mask has healthcare worker’s wellbeing in mind, addressing issues like headaches, brain fog, mask-induced acne, and spectacle fogging. The project led me to learn about sustainable medically suitable materials and regulatory frameworks, and to discover the problematic established waste management systems. I identified significant systemic barriers, including corporate monopolies in waste disposal and compostable material production. My initial mission has now expanded beyond product development to include advocacy for policy reform, resulting in successful changes to waste disposal legislation in Tasmania. Building on this success, development is underway in more initiatives that demonstrate the potential for the future of a sustainable healthcare industry.

Conclusion: This project exemplifies how courage to question and challenge the status quo, combined with a compassion for environmental and human wellbeing can empower nurses to create change. My small decision to step up forced me to evolve from an introverted nurse with little self-belief, to confidently connecting with governments and organisations, and lead conversations across healthcare, waste, and environment sectors. It demonstrates how individual nurses can transform from simply frontline observers. When nurses choose courage and connect with others who share their vision, they can create sustainable solutions that benefit both healthcare workers and the planet.