Greening Research Work: Practical Tips for Minimizing Waste and Promoting Sustainability

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Sadia Khalid, early-stage researcher (ESRs), medical writer and research engineer at Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), Estonia. She is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

Much research involving animals or human subjects fails to deliver commensurate social and scientific value for the costs incurred. Factors such as poor planning, inappropriate study design, and lack of coordination among studies contribute to this problem. It is estimated that a substantial portion, possibly up to 85%, of research may be wasteful, although even a fraction of this figure is concerning. To address this issue, research ethics committees can play a role in assessing the value and potential waste of proposed studies. However, practical challenges must be addressed for these committees to effectively carry out this task. Strategies for overcoming these challenges should be explored to ensure that research involving human subjects maximizes its value while minimizing waste.

Minimizing waste in research work is an important step toward playing a role in combating climate change and promoting sustainability. Here are some practical tips for reducing waste in your research activities:

1. Digital Documentation: Move away from paper-based documentation and note-taking. Use digital tools, such as tablets, laptops, or smartphones, to record your research notes, data, and observations. This reduces the need for paper and minimizes waste.

2. Electronic Journals and Articles: Access research journals, articles, and publications online rather than subscribing to print versions. Many academic institutions offer online access to a wide range of journals. Opt for electronic formats whenever possible.

3. Electronic Lab Notebooks: Consider using electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) instead of traditional paper lab notebooks. ELNs allow you to document experiments, results, and protocols digitally, reducing paper waste.

4. Print Sparingly: If you need to print documents or research papers, do so sparingly and print double-sided whenever possible. Set your printer default to black and white to save on colour ink, which is more resource intensive.

5. Recycle: Establish a recycling system in your lab or research workspace. Ensure that paper, plastic, glass, and other recyclable materials are separated and disposed of correctly. Label recycling bins clearly.

6. Reduce Single-Use Plastics: Avoid single-use plastics like disposable pipettes and tubes in your experiments. Opt for reusable alternatives or products with minimal packaging.

7. Share Equipment and Resources: Collaborate with colleagues to share equipment, chemicals, and resources to minimize redundant purchases and reduce waste.

8. Proper Chemical Disposal: Follow proper procedures for disposing of chemicals and hazardous materials. Consult with your institution’s environmental health and safety team for guidelines on chemical waste disposal.

9. Optimize Experiments: Plan experiments carefully to minimize resource consumption. Optimize protocols to reduce the use of reagents, energy, and materials.

10. Green Chemistry: Explore green chemistry practices that aim to reduce the environmental impact of chemical processes. Use eco-friendly solvents and reagents whenever possible.

11. Energy Efficiency: Turn off lights, equipment, and instruments when not in use. Adjust temperature settings in labs to reduce energy consumption. Consider energy-efficient appliances and lighting.

12. Sample Management: Efficiently manage samples to reduce sample loss and waste. Properly label and store samples to avoid duplication.

13. Sustainable Lab Supplies: Choose lab supplies and consumables that are labelled as environmentally friendly or sustainable. Look for products with minimal packaging or packaging made from recycled materials.

14. Data Sharing: Share data and research findings electronically instead of printing and distributing hard copies. Collaborate with colleagues to create a paperless research environment.

15. Green Transportation: Reduce your carbon footprint by carpooling, biking, walking, or using public transportation when commuting to your research site or lab.

16. Sustainable Conferences: When attending conferences or research meetings, consider virtual attendance options to reduce travel-related emissions. If you do attend in person, make eco-friendly choices in terms of transportation, accommodations, and waste disposal.

17. Advocate for Change: Encourage your research institution or laboratory to adopt sustainability practices and policies. Advocate for the reduction of single-use plastics, increased recycling, and energy-efficient measures.

18. Continuous Education: Stay informed about sustainable research practices and actively seek ways to improve your environmental footprint. Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences on sustainability in research.

About the author

Sadia Khalid, early-stage researcher (ESRs), medical writer and research engineer at Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), Estonia. She has been working on her PhD research project  “The role of Helicobacter pylori intestinal microbiota in the development of liver diseases. under supervision of Dr. Pirjo Spuul at Faculty of Science, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology.,TalTech. Her current research interests include Molecular Medicine, cell biology, infectious diseases, bacteriology, hepatology, and gastroenterology. I believe in the mission of public health, safety, and awareness.