The problem with polymers: plastic waste in scientific research Sophie Byrne highlights the actions that researchers can take to reduce their contribution to the plastic waste crisis.
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lastic waste has become a bit of a buzzword in recent years, and for good reason; it harms wildlife, and microplastics (small plastic particles produced when plastic breaks down) are found throughout the food chain. Scientists are often motivated by the positive impacts of their research, including improved human and environmental wellbeing. Many are therefore troubled by the eye-watering 5.5 million tons of plastic waste that are estimated to be produced each year by research labs. The Sars-CoV-2 pandemic is likely to have increased this due to heavy use of PPE and other extra precautions taken to reduce infection. In 2015, scientists from the University of Exeter published a commentary in Nature on how researchers should reduce plastic waste. They highlighted the need for increased sustainability in scientific research, particularly the life and medical sciences. But what has changed since then? I followed up with one of these researchers, Professor Mauricio A. Urbina, over email. Now based at the Universidad de Concepcion in Chile, Prof. Urbina studies animal physiology, particularly in the context of environmental pollutants. He said that becoming completely plastic-free isn’t currently feasible, however reducing our waste wherever possible is key:
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“All solutions will have a footprint (plastic, water, power, carbon, and so on), but at least we are now open to explore these options”.
prevents recycling.
Packaging
It’s not just lab equipment and consumables which contribute to the huge quantities of plastic waste produced by Research materials Funding in research labs doesn’t go scientific research – packaging also very far when you have to budget for plays a significant role, according to every pipette tip! Being more mindful Prof. Urbina. Unsustainable packaging of laboratory waste disposal and using is an issue raised by Green Labs Birmreusable options when possible can ingham (a group of researchers based in therefore help save precious grant the School of Medical and Dental Scimoney while also helping the environ- ences who highlight sustainability isment. Most research council funding sues in research). An example of ex“...we need innovative solutions to cessive packaging can be allow more plastic waste to be seen here (a tiny bottle recycled and prevent its use in the containing antibodies next to a large box). The first place.” good news is that the comes from public money, so spending amount of packaging used for lab materials can be reduced, and where that it responsibly is important. A lot of laboratory plasticware is is not possible (for example where made of polypropylene, a thermo- sealed plastic is required to keep equipplastic polymer which is generally re- ment sterile) packaging can sometimes cyclable. However, contamination by be recycled. Companies swapping to laboratory chemicals and biological plant-based insulation (such as recycmaterial such as microorganisms often lable/biodegradable paper or maize pieces) for temperature-sensitive
