Revolutionise Your Lab with SLS: Ten Sustainable Choices for the Eco-Conscious Scientist

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. See more here

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. See more here

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. See more here

4. Choose Biodegradable Gloves: A creative solution for labs not requiring incineration, these gloves degrade within five years instead of the typical century. See more here

5. Use Arvensis Bio-composite PCR Plates: Innovatively made from plant-based materials, these plates cut single-use plastic consumption in half. See more here

6. Implement Corning CoolCells: CoolCells offer a superior and eco-friendly solution for freezing cells/samples uniformly without Isopropanol. See more here

7. Optimise 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. See more here

10. Consider Smarter Pack Sizes: Thoughtful purchasing can reduce deliveries and the associated transport CO₂, saving both budget and the environment.

Conclusion: 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.