My Green Lab is fundamentally and permanently improving the sustainability of scientific research. As a non-profit organization, 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?
Labs are among the most expensive to operate & environmentally intensive buildings of any kind.
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 global culture of sustainability in 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 900 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 1000 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 1000 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.