{"id":37335,"date":"2025-06-27T07:27:33","date_gmt":"2025-06-27T14:27:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mygreenlab.org\/?page_id=37335"},"modified":"2025-10-02T14:34:35","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T21:34:35","slug":"how-to-green-lab","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/mygreenlab.org\/ja\/how-to-green-lab\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Green Lab"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n \n\n \n

Through our ‘How to Green Lab’ monthly series, we share useful tips and hacks to help make your lab more sustainable!<\/strong>
\nFollow us on\u00a0Twitter<\/a>\u00a0&\u00a0LinkedIn<\/a>\u00a0to receive a #HowToGreenLab tip every month!<\/p>\n\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n \n\n <\/sc-section-header>\n \n\n \n \n September 2025\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n

This month’s #HowToGreenLab is to save energy by eliminating screensavers.<\/div>\n
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Sounds simple? It is! Replace energy-consuming screensavers with sleep mode settings on laboratory computers to save energy during idle periods.<\/div>\n\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n \t \"september<\/picture>\n \n <\/sc-image>\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n <\/sc-card> \n \n August 2025\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n
This month’s #HowToGreenLab tip is to switch to LED lighting in all lab spaces, which use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.<\/div>\n
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Lighting is easy to overlook yet can have a significant impact on lab energy consumption.<\/div>\n
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Make the switch to LEDs today!<\/div>\n\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n \t \"how<\/picture>\n \n <\/sc-image>\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n <\/sc-card> \n \n July 2025\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n
This month’s #HowToGreenLab is to buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste!<\/div>\n
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Labs go through an incredible amount of consumables, and all that single-use packaging adds up fast. Purchasing supplies in larger quantities not only reduces the amount of plastic, cardboard, and foam entering the waste stream, but it can also cut costs and reduce the carbon footprint associated with shipping.\u2060<\/div>\n
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When possible, coordinate with your labmates or neighboring labs to place joint orders and avoid duplicate purchases. Just make sure to track inventory to prevent overstocking or expiration.\u2060<\/div>\n\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n \t \"how<\/picture>\n \n <\/sc-image>\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n <\/sc-card> \n \n June 2025\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n

This month’s #HowToGreenLab is to find lab products with lower environmental impact through the ACT Ecolabel database!<\/p>\n

Designed for scientists and procurement pros, this searchable tool gives you clear, third-party verified info on the environmental impact of lab products so you can make smarter choices without the guesswork.<\/p>\n

With a recent upgrade to the ACT\u00a0Ecolabel program, products in the database undergo a science-based, third-party reviewed framework for assessing and communicating the environmental impact of laboratory products.<\/p>\n\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n \t \"brown<\/picture>\n \n <\/sc-image>\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n <\/sc-card> \n \n May 2025\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n

Don\u2019t let water sources run when they don\u2019t need to be running!<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re washing glassware or filling up your flasks with water, a common practice may be to walk away while the faucet is running. This can lead to unnecessary overflow. Instead, always keep your eyes on a running water source.<\/p>\n

Alternatively, consider a timed water valve that runs for a certain amount of time or only discharges a certain amount of water. Or, install foot petals so you\u2019re only pumping water when needed.<\/p>\n\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n \t \"HTGL<\/picture>\n \n <\/sc-image>\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n <\/sc-card> \n \n April 2025\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n

Looking for a simple way to keep sustainability top of mind in the lab? Try kicking off team meetings with a \u201cGreen Minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

Use this time to share a quick tip, spotlight a sustainable action someone took, or introduce a new eco-friendly practice. It\u2019s a small habit that builds awareness, encourages conversation, and keeps momentum going, one minute at a time.\u00a0Because sustainability isn\u2019t a side task, it\u2019s a shared mindset.<\/p>\n\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n \t \"group<\/picture>\n \n <\/sc-image>\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n <\/sc-card> \n \n March 2025\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n

This month’s #HowToGreenLab is to provide clearly labeled, accessible bins for each waste stream, including recycling. This ensures materials are disposed of correctly. Proper waste sorting is essential for a sustainable lab.<\/p>\n\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n \t \"recycling<\/picture>\n \n <\/sc-image>\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n <\/sc-card> \n \n February 2025\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n

Ever noticed that a particular product in your lab generates a significant amount of waste? Instead of accepting it as the norm, consider reaching out to your supplier. A quick conversation could reveal alternative products with less packaging, reusable options, or even take-back programs you didn\u2019t know existed.<\/p>\n

By communicating your concerns and sustainability goals, you\u2019re not just reducing waste\u2014you\u2019re signaling to suppliers that demand for more sustainable solutions exists. Over time, these conversations can drive industry-wide changes, making lower-waste options more available to everyone.<\/p>\n\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n \t \"lab<\/picture>\n \n <\/sc-image>\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n <\/sc-card> \n \n January 2025\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n

This month’s\u00a0#HowToGreenLab\u00a0is to\u00a0place freezers on a scheduled defrost rotation\u00a0to optimize efficiency. Freezers can accumulate ice buildup over time, which makes them work harder to maintain low temperatures. This excess ice can lead to\u00a0higher energy consumption, longer operating times, and the risk of overworking\u00a0the compressor. By implementing a scheduled defrosting routine, you can minimize ice buildup, ensuring that the\u00a0freezer runs more efficiently.<\/p>\n

If you’re wondering “How do I make my lab more sustainable?” Then sign up for the\u00a0International Laboratory Freezer Challenge<\/a>, a free, friendly competition that teaches you how to be more energy efficient with your lab’s cold storage!<\/p>\n\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n \t \"freezer\"<\/picture>\n \n <\/sc-image>\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n <\/sc-card> \n \n December 2024\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n

This month’s\u00a0#HowToGreenLab\u00a0tip is to be\u00a0clear on capacity requirements and space\u00a0when selecting an Ultra-Low Temperature (ULT) Freezer. Know exactly\u00a0how much storage is needed and how much floor space is available\u00a0within your lab to house ULT units. No matter how good your ULT freezer is,\u00a0if it can\u2019t fit in your lab\u00a0or store all the necessary inventory, then it won\u2019t be much help.<\/p>\n

Additionally, keep in mind that\u00a0many ULT freezers need a certain amount of clearance\u00a0at the front and back of the unit to allow for adequate ventilation, which may catch some people off guard when planning how units fit into their lab space. Be sure to\u00a0plan for ventilation requirements\u00a0from the start.<\/p>\n\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n \t \"freezer\"<\/picture>\n \n <\/sc-image>\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n <\/sc-card> \n \n November 2024\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n

This month’s\u00a0#HowToGreenLab\u00a0tip is to label energy-intensive equipment.\u00a0Help your lab save energy by\u00a0labeling energy-intensive equipment with reminders to turn it off when not in use. Start by identifying equipment such as\u00a0biosafety cabinets, centrifuges, and spectrometers\u00a0that consume high amounts of energy.<\/p>\n

Add simple, clear instructions like \u201cTurn Off When Not in Use\u201d or \u201cShut Down Overnight\u201d directly on the equipment. To make it engaging, consider using\u00a0creative designs or mascots\u00a0to make the labels more memorable.<\/p>\n\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n \t \"lab<\/picture>\n \n <\/sc-image>\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n <\/sc-card> \n \n October 2024\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n

This month’s\u00a0#HowToGreenLab\u00a0is to share printers among colleagues and default to double-sided, black-and-white mode. While it may sound simple, this not only reduces paper waste but also contributes to a cleaner laboratory environment by minimizing clutter.<\/p>\n

Every little bit helps to make your lab more sustainable!<\/p>\n\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n \t \"printer<\/picture>\n \n <\/sc-image>\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n <\/sc-card> \n \n September 2024\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n

This month’s #HowToGreenLab tip is to organize a sharing system among labs. Sharing equipment is an excellent opportunity to reduce the environmental impact of research. By sharing resources, labs can avoid unnecessary utility loads, reduce energy-intensive lab space to house duplicative instrumentation, and prevent the need for expanding ventilation and utilities for extra equipment. Not only does this save energy, but it also minimizes the production, transportation, and disposal of redundant tools. While sharing is often organized for high-cost or utility-heavy instruments, there’s untapped potential to expand these efforts for more everyday equipment, leading to greater efficiency in science.<\/p>\n\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n \t \"person<\/picture>\n \n <\/sc-image>\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n <\/sc-card> \n \n August 2024\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n

This month’s #HowToGreenLab is to use digital reminders to help colleagues remember to engage in sustainable activities. For example, sending automated emails or calendar notifications to remind lab members to turn off equipment overnight.<\/p>\n\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n \t \"person<\/picture>\n \n <\/sc-image>\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n <\/sc-card> \n \n July 2024\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n

This month’s\u00a0#HowToGreenLab\u00a0tip is reuse packaging like coolers and gel packs when shipping samples to your collaborators. Labs receive a lot of packaging items, and finding alternative ways to reuse these items is a great way to cut back on waste.<\/p>\n\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n \t \"recycle\"<\/picture>\n \n <\/sc-image>\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n <\/sc-card> \n \n June 2024\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n

This month’s #HowToGreenLab is to shut down biosafety cabinets (BSCs) when not in use.<\/p>\n

Did you know that BSCs can consume 15 kWh\/day \u2013 about half as much as a house? Turning this equipment off when it\u2019s not in use, or on nights and weekends, can have a big impact on energy usage.<\/p>\n

Ready to become an energy expert? Start our AP Program module on energy efficiency today by clicking\u00a0here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n \t \"lab<\/picture>\n \n <\/sc-image>\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n <\/sc-card> \n \n May 2024 \n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n

This month’s #HowToGreenLab tip is to optimize your lab’s cold storage with racking systems. Proper inventory and sample management can be challenging, but using racks helps maximize vertical space, improving storage efficiency and reducing the need for additional freezers. This low-cost solution is essential for making the most of your space while ensuring proper storage conditions.<\/p>\n

Interested in more tips on how to\u00a0become more energy efficient with your lab’s cold storage? Check out the #FreezerChallenge, a fun, FREE competition that will teach your lab how to improve sample accessibility, reduce risk, and save costs for your institutions\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n \t \"ice<\/picture>\n \n <\/sc-image>\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n <\/sc-card> \n \n April 2024\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n

This month’s #HowToGreenLab is to form a “Green Team” at your organization! Formalizing a group who can explore ways in which your lab’s carbon footprint can be reduced is a great first step in towards sustainability.<\/p>\n

Have you formed a green or sustainability team at your organization? Share your experience with us in the comments below.<\/p>\n

Learn how to empower and inspire scientists to successfully modify long held habits in the lab through our AP Course Engagement Module\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n \t \"coworkers<\/picture>\n \n <\/sc-image>\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n <\/sc-card> \n \n March 2024\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n

This month’s\u00a0#HowToGreenLab\u00a0tip is to implement smart sensors for equipment monitoring. Consider implementing smart sensors on lab equipment for real-time monitoring of temperature, humidity, energy consumption, and\u00a0equipment usage. This real-time information helps in understanding the
\noperational conditions of lab equipment and identifying opportunities for\u00a0energy optimization.<\/p>\n

Thanks to\u00a0Renovo Solutions Life Sciences<\/a>\u00a0for this month’s tip! Learn more about saving energy by downloading their recent white paper, “10 Ways to Increase Energy Efficiency,”\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n \t \"science<\/picture>\n \n <\/sc-image>\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n <\/sc-card> \n \n February 2024\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n

This month’s #HowToGreenLab tip is to make sustainability in the lab a social norm! People pay attention to what their peers do, especially friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors. Create norming your sustainability efforts in the lab and within your building by advertising what you’re doing to be more sustainable. And lead by example!<\/p>\n\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n \t \"women<\/picture>\n \n <\/sc-image>\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n <\/sc-card> \n \n January 2024\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n

This month’s #HowToGreenLab tip is to use and maintain a chemical inventory. The easiest way to avoid over-purchasing chemicals, and to reduce the amount of chemical waste in your lab, is to keep an up-to-date chemical inventory log of all of the chemicals in the lab.<\/p>\n\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n \t \"computer<\/picture>\n \n <\/sc-image>\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n <\/sc-card> \n \n December 2023\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n

This month’s #HowToGreenLab is to implement Freezer Fridays! Organize a collaborative effort to clear out freezers with the entire lab group over a few weeks. Implementing “Freezer Fridays” for a month can result in improved order, enhanced sample accessibility, and a potential 30% increase in freezer space.<\/p>\n

Learn more cold storage sustainability tips by joining the 2024 Freezer Challenge\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n \t \"person<\/picture>\n \n <\/sc-image>\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n <\/sc-card> \n \n November 2023\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n

This month’s #HowToGreenLab tip is to conduct a waste audit. When it comes to lab waste, one of the most important things to understand is exactly what you\u2019re discarding. To do that, we recommend conducting a waste audit. Start by taking note of what it is that you throw away – not just in your waste bin, but in your recycle bins and solvent waste containers, as well. If you\u2019re able to get an understanding of what you\u2019re throwing away, and how you\u2019re throwing it away, it will help prioritize what you can change.<\/p>\n\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n \t \"grey<\/picture>\n \n <\/sc-image>\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n <\/sc-card> \n \n October 2023\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n

This month’s #HowToGreenLap tip is to check for leaky faucets. It may sound simple, but leaky faucets that drip once per second can waste 3,000 gallons of water per year. According to the US EPA, that\u2019s enough water for more than 180 showers!<\/p>\n

Check for leaks anywhere you have a line that constantly maintains water. You can find leaks on autoclaves, ice machines, and water cooled equipment. Once found, promptly report leaks, and make it a common practice to keep an eye out.<\/p>\n

Learn more ways to save water by taking our AP Program course on water. This newly released module discusses the drivers of water consumption in labs and provides practical knowledge and strategies to improve the water efficiency of your lab.<\/p>\n\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n \t \"water<\/picture>\n \n <\/sc-image>\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n <\/sc-card> \n \n September 2023\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n

This month’s #HowToGreenLab tip is to only use purified water when needed.<\/p>\n

In order to make purified water, you have to clean and filter it in a process that is not 100% efficient. For instance, it takes about 3 liters of water to make 1 liter of deionized water. If you\u2019re using purified water systems, make sure that you’re only using purified water when needed.<\/p>\n\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n \t \"person<\/picture>\n \n <\/sc-image>\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n <\/sc-card> \n \n August 2023\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n

This month’s\u00a0#HowToGreenLab\u00a0is to put autoclaves in standby mode when not in use and only run them when full.<\/p>\n

Autoclaves consume 84 kWh per day. Specifically, large, steam-jacketed or medical grade autoclaves are massive energy consumers. Ensure you\u2019re putting them into an energy conserving or stand-by mode when not in use, and only run them when they are full.<\/p>\n

Stay tuned for My Green Lab’s AP Program energy module to learn more about how you can reduce energy in the lab \u2013 launching soon!<\/p>\n\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n \t \"person<\/picture>\n \n <\/sc-image>\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n <\/sc-card> \n \n July 2023\n <\/sc-rich-text>\n\n \n

This month’s #HowToGreenLab is to reduce your use! The best way to impact waste is to reduce its production from the start. Here are some tips to reduce you lab’s contribution to the landfill:<\/p>\n