Chad Jenkins (PulpFixin), Chair
The Sustainability in Science TIG provides a forum for discussing ways to incorporate new products, technologies, tips, tricks, ideas or other to enhance the sustainability of automated laboratory operations. One initial focus is how to reduce the impact of plastics in our world as generated during the normal part of current laboratory operations. We will explore the array of new technologies that could be employed to replace traditional fossil fuel based plastics with other materials that are more sustainably sourced, supplied, manufactured and their end of life through reuse, recycling, composting and alternatives to landfill. Further exploration into the potential use of bioplastics for certain applications where they may have a place as viable alternatives. The goal is to provide actionable information that can be utilized to change the current mindset, protocols and habits of current laboratory operations that is so tremendously dependent on plastics derived from fossil fuels. Other meaningful ideas around enhancing the sustainability of labs will also be discussed.