Green Labs

As scientists, we are challenged to protect our environment and advocate for sustainable practices, as those actions protect the very thing many of us study: life on Earth. Caltech Green Labs aims to meet this challenge by proposing sustainable laboratory practices that do not compromise research objectives. Green Labs aims to create an equitable and inclusive space where we can incentivize discussion utilizing the talents of staff, students, and faculty to promote innovation and normalization of sustainable practices. These resources strengthen the Caltech community and further the Institute's goal to positively impact the community at large.

Green Labs is a volunteer driven group working towards making our labs more sustainable. If you are interested in volunteering with us, or if you have any questions, let us know by emailing us at [email protected], sign up for our meetings, check out Caltech's Sustainability website, subscribe to our email listserv [email protected], or follow us on Instagram!

Caltech recently hired a full-time Green Labs Coordinator!

Each Quarter we are challenging labs to try something new! Our first challenge was the "straw challenge" - refusing to use single-use straws/napkins at restaurants OR refusing (or reducing!) single-use plastics in our labs! Our winner was Albert Zhou from the Parker Lab, who did a waste audit of their lab plastics recycling bins and found ways to reuse and reduce lab plastics throughout multiple workflows! Well done, Albert!

Spring Quarter (from April 1 - July 1): Energy conservation!

Ever wonder how much energy your lab uses? Want to find out? Sign up here to receive at least one Govee plug and plug in your equipment. We'll collect baseline and ask questions about which item you chose, then suggest ways you can reduce energy consumption (for example: we could recommend turning off the equipment overnight). We can measure the energy savings from any actions you take and let you now how much you save annually! Easy, right?!