My Green Lab is fundamentally and permanently improving the sustainability of scientific research. As a non-profit, we were formed to unify and lead scientists, vendors, designers, energy providers, and others in a common drive toward a world in which all research reflects the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility. Run “for scientists, by scientists,” we leverage our credibility and track record to develop standards, oversee their implementation, and inspire the many behavioral changes that are needed throughout the scientific community. Though My Green Lab focuses solely on laboratory environments, we believe our activities will excite similar changes across other industries, and in the private lives of the millions of people who spend their time in labs.
Our work has been featured in Science, Nature, Women in Science, Medium, and Sustainable Brands. Our efforts have been celebrated by the Department of Human Health and Services, the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council, and the International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL).
Our work has been featured in Science, Nature, Women in Science, Medium, and Sustainable Brands. Our efforts have been celebrated by the Department of Human Health and Services, the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council, and the International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL).
FAQs
Why do we need green labs?
Laboratories are resource-intensive spaces.
But they don't need to be. The outsized consumption of labs is mostly out of habit rather than intention.
Laboratories also comprise a market that is just over half the size of the automotive industry - we're a huge industry! If we were to divert just 2% of lab plastics from landfill it would be the equivalent to saving 100 million metric tons of CO2.
Laboratories also comprise a market that is just over half the size of the automotive industry - we're a huge industry! If we were to divert just 2% of lab plastics from landfill it would be the equivalent to saving 100 million metric tons of CO2.
What does my green lab do?
My Green Lab is a non-profit organization with a mission to build a culture of sustainability through science. We approach this mission in two ways:
1) Through our programs, we help people rethink the 'way things have always been done' to identify new approaches that also reduce the environmental impact of their work. This new way of thinking changes the culture in the lab from 'follow the protocol' to 'does this make sense/is there a better, more sustainable approach?' People who participate in our programs are often inspired to implement changes in their personal lives as well, thus creating a culture of sustainability in all aspects of our lives.
2) It's important that we have data to support the recommendations we make. My Green Lab gathers data on sustainable best practices and shares it with our community. In this way, we provide the scientific basis for making a change to the culture in the lab.
1) Through our programs, we help people rethink the 'way things have always been done' to identify new approaches that also reduce the environmental impact of their work. This new way of thinking changes the culture in the lab from 'follow the protocol' to 'does this make sense/is there a better, more sustainable approach?' People who participate in our programs are often inspired to implement changes in their personal lives as well, thus creating a culture of sustainability in all aspects of our lives.
2) It's important that we have data to support the recommendations we make. My Green Lab gathers data on sustainable best practices and shares it with our community. In this way, we provide the scientific basis for making a change to the culture in the lab.
how has my green lab impacted lab culture?
When My Green Lab first started in 2013, there were fewer than 10 organizations with a program dedicated to laboratory sustainability. Today there are over 100 worldwide, and that number is quickly growing. We have certified over 400 lab groups and have worked with tens of thousands of scientists.
Not only is the culture changing in the lab, but it's also changing in the companies that support labs. Companies are designing and packaging their products with sustainability in mind. Over 250 products have been labeled with our ACT eco-label, and that number is quickly growing.
We're well on our way towards our goal of having every lab be a green lab by 2030!
Not only is the culture changing in the lab, but it's also changing in the companies that support labs. Companies are designing and packaging their products with sustainability in mind. Over 250 products have been labeled with our ACT eco-label, and that number is quickly growing.
We're well on our way towards our goal of having every lab be a green lab by 2030!
how is My Green lab funded?
As a non-profit, we rely on the support of our community to fund the organization. We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors, whose generous donations help us fund our programs and outreach activities.
Our Leadership Team
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Allison Paradise, CEO and Founder
Allison Paradise is the CEO and founder of My Green Lab. Under her leadership My Green Lab has established itself as a pioneer in laboratory sustainability. The organization developed the first nationally recognized standard for laboratory operations, established the first ENERGY STAR category for laboratory equipment, and recently released the first eco-label for laboratory products. Allison regularly speaks at industry meetings and scientific conferences on laboratory sustainability. She holds degrees in neuroscience from Brown and Harvard. |
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Rachael Relph, Chief Sustainability Officer
Rachael Relph is the Chief Sustainability Officer at My Green Lab. Working with educational and research institutions across North America, Rachael helps scientists adopt greener laboratory practices through our My Green Lab Certification Program, as well as educational and outreach activities. Rachael holds a PhD in Chemistry from Yale University, and previously led sustainability and Design for Environment programs for major life-science companies. |
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Ritika Singh, Green Labs Program Manager
Ritika Singh is the Green Labs Program Manager at My Green Lab. Ritika organizes outreach events, conducts assessment analysis, and provides support for lab sustainability efforts and initiatives. Ritika holds a Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Irvine. Prior to joining My Green Lab, Ritika worked as a researcher in a marine biology laboratory and as an outdoor educator with a focus on environmental and ecological sciences. |