The article discusses the alarming plastic waste generated by research labs, particularly within the conservation field. A PhD student at McGill University highlights the contradiction of using single-use plastics while researching fish biology aimed at conservation. Furthermore, the piece recounts an initiative by two students to quantify plastic waste produced in laboratories, addressing the broader issue of environmental sustainability in scientific research. The authors emphasize the need for awareness and actionable change regarding laboratory practices to protect biodiversity and water bodies.
On completing my first day of preparing genetic libraries, we confronted the stark plastic waste issue in research—highlighting a disconnect between conservation and lab practices.
In a conservation-focused field, the staggering amount of plastic waste produced in laboratories prompts urgent calls to reassess our reliance on single-use plastics.
Our project quantified plastic waste generation in labs, aiming to bridge the gap between scientific practices and our conservation values, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions.
There is a troubling mismatch between the reliance on single-use plastic in scientific research and our mission to conserve the environment and protect biodiversity.
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