In an era where both sustainability and cost-effectiveness hold
great importance, laboratories can find a balance. From Scientific Laboratory
Supplies (SLS), here are ten options to go green without financial strain,
seamlessly aligning environmental responsibility without straining your budget.
The year is 2023. Sustainability has never been more vital, and
yet in many labs, budget constraints make it a difficult priority. The alarming
statistic that scientists contribute approximately 2% of plastic waste
worldwide, despite making up just 0.1% of the population, highlights the need
for change. But change is indeed possible, and sometimes, even cost-saving.
In this feature, we explore ten notable products and practices,
that could be part of an eco-friendly laboratory transformation.
1. Embrace Green Solvents: Traditional
solvents are notorious for their environmental impact. Merck’s Bioethanol,
produced from corn, represents an eco-friendly alternative that doesn’t
compromise laboratory performance.
2. Opt for Concentrated Disinfectants: Reducing
CO2 from transport can be as simple as switching to concentrated disinfectants.
Tristel’s chlorine dioxide-based systems are both innovative and efficient.
3. Turn to Biobased Plastics: With
Eppendorf’s ‘Biobased’ range made from 90% renewable resources, the transition
from single-use plastics to sustainable alternatives has never been more
promising.
4. Choose Biodegradable Gloves: A
creative solution for labs not requiring incineration, these gloves degrade
within five years instead of the typical century.
5. Use Arvensis Bio-composite PCR Plates: Innovatively
made from plant-based materials, these plates cut single-use plastic
consumption in half.
6. Implement Corning CoolCells: CoolCells
offer a superior and eco-friendly solution for freezing cells/samples uniformly
without Isopropanol.
7. Optimize Freezer Temperature and Maintenance: ‘My
Green Lab’ study highlights the potential to reduce energy consumption in ULTs
by 30-40% without losing sample quality.
8. Initiate Recycling of Pipette Tip Boxes and PPE: Starting
a recycling program for pipette tip boxes and PPE will significantly diminish
your lab’s plastic waste.
9. Switch to Duran Silicone Lids: A
reusable and vibrant alternative to single-use plastic lids, without
sacrificing the integrity of your experiments.
10. Consider Smarter Pack Sizes: Thoughtful
purchasing can reduce deliveries and the associated transport CO2, saving both
budget and the environment.
The path to a sustainable laboratory need not be filled with
expensive roadblocks. By adopting these ten choices, labs can reduce their
environmental footprint without compromising quality or increasing costs.
To find out how you can achieve your sustainability goals
get in touch with SLS today!
slsinfo@scientific-labs.com
Tel: 01159 821111