How to reduce your lab's carbon footprint DOI Creative Commons
Julie P. I. Welburn

Journal of Cell Science, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 137(24)

Published: Dec. 15, 2024

Although we are all dedicated to conducting high-quality, cutting-edge research in the basic and applied biomedical sciences, it is important acknowledge environmental impact of our work. The sector a significant contributor production non-degradable plastics, as well toxic chemical waste (Urbina et al., 2015). Additionally, this demands substantial energy, not only for experimental work but also computing, communication data science activities. We now facing emerging health climate challenges, including increased pollution, pervasive presence microplastics rise climate-related issues that stem, part, from research. In recognition responsibility future generations, imperative actively minimize footprint (Freese 2024). Efforts need be made sectors, sector, meet UK's net zero CO2 emissions target by 2050. With mind, UK Research Innovation (UKRI; one major funding agencies UK) recently co-produced concordat Environmental Sustainability Practice (https://wellcome.org/what-we-do/our-work/environmental-sustainability-concordat), hosted Wellcome. A number bodies, such Cancer (CRUK) Wellcome, universities signatories. Some Wellcome CRUK, have started asking labs grant holders reduce their research, will likely see other bodies following suit.Until very recently, most sustainability efforts been driven grassroots actions few (Dobbelaere 2022). However, best practices often widely adopted because they remain individual develop implement. This requires considerable amount time knowledge researchers. addition, exchange largely through word-of-mouth between interested labs, although online forums websites appearing (Box 1). new methods might raise suspicion resistance if tested up exacting specifications required high-quality science.Box 1. Online blogsThe Company Biologists' initiative. Launched 2020, initiative provides blog posts on topic sustainability. Biologists offers grants support sustainable conferencing events tree-planting scheme every paper published. https://www.biologists.com/sustainability-hub/The 'lab concious' blog. site advice tips sustainability, recycling reuse, information environmentally friendly lab supplies. It has list useful green groups. https://www.labconscious.com/blogThe Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF). Developed UCL, framework implement with criteria associated three levels labs. https://www.ucl.ac.uk/sustainable/take-action/staff-action/leaf/take-part-leafMy Green Lab. US-based organization blog, podcast, program certification become more sustainable. https://www.mygreenlab.org/Lab award EMBO. EBMO launched recognize pioneering progress EMBO publishes articles https://www.embo.org/the-embo-communities/embo-lab-sustainability-award/University Edinburgh website. University comprehensive website offering information, training topics context education https://www.ed.ac.uk/sustainabilityThe Sustainable European Laboratories network. Europe. aims establishment initiatives influence policymakers key stakeholders make positive practices. https://sels-network.orgIt becoming clear successful involved supported (Woolston, 2024; Winter 2023). institutions, funders an role play here advising supporting workforce, whether office or based, how can carbon footprint. At moment, any making workflows usually come top current existing workload staff. upfront cost needs met funders: example, reuse consumables (such glass pipettes flasks) considered than using disposable recyclable consumables, costs washing reusing flasks higher those use counterparts (owing staff running washing-up facility). highlights crucial continued core facilities within institutions. consume energy offices, due particular requirements ventilation, negative pressure temperature control. institutions therefore forward thinking when designing buildings them efficient (https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy08osti/29413.pdf) mindful environment. Overall, – working providing infrastructure play.The users postdocs, PhD students, who day-to-day good idea what changed used generated. There could discussions group and/or committee setup representing groups institute department. decision-making implementation process works relevant parties feel engaged. goals targets must clear, measurable achievable everyone. Setting targets, monitoring reduction plastics having reward system helps people's contributions. motivate people further footprint.Collective action sense towards common goal provide focal point department institution, bringing together. Websites noticeboards unit ways communicate both locally at institutions.Although sustainable, there regular turnover get lost. principal investigator, however, overview lab's history deeper understanding safety measures place compatible Even though spend less lab, notice improved. Waste should done expense safety, instead together programs friendly.Additionally, some researchers early-career scientists joining suffer eco-anxiety, which cause mental (Pearson, Lawrance, 2024) affect laboratory negatively. Supporting individuals channel anxiety turn into goals, department, local community powerful way look after everyone's health.Changing habits difficult. For engaged, workflow easy Ideally, long-term cost-benefits clear. training, system, explicit vision mobilizes staff.Of course, you think your doing this, then negligible. many worldwide start adopting ecological workflows, significant. Below, help started: 1.Plan experiment! carry out experiment design well, so first time.2.Switch ULT freezer −80°C −70°C. saves around 28% consumption (https://www.ed.ac.uk/files/atoms/files/efficient_ult_freezer_storage.pdf). Organize freezers inventory contents open searching reagent. Not save frustration! Regularly defrost energy.3.Put equipment timer, switches off automatically possible, switch non-sensitive evening. Ensure members non-essential finished it.4.Label bottles (e.g. solutions) contents, date person it. Record chemicals ordered received. managing lab/institution facilitates correct disposal. Work accessible about Make commonly disposal routes easily cannot disposed via sink posted lab. substances, small volumes these sinks diluted.5.Use rather plastic where possible. significantly reduces equivalent (Farley Nicolet, 2023), lower single-use plastic, once place.6.Share fix Take steps multi-users. benefits maintenance repair shared. booking facilitate coordination tracking users.7.Inactivate biological material autoclave All incinerated biosafety reasons, autoclaving unnecessary. Replacing inactivation possible energy.8.Reuse always choice, second option. Much packaging life reused, providers allowing returns polystyrene (Winter 2023) packages purpose. Distributors moving away packing, thanks community's biodegradable packaging. Insulated increasingly eco-friendly. hemp, straw sheep wool recycled projects.9.Offer induction students newcomers explain laboratory's Ideally institution offer basis fast academia.10.Adopt climate-conscious approach travel collaborations travel, mode transport use; find networks low-carbon travel. These able discuss frequently same zone discussions. Local transfer expertise early career interactions spontaneous.The lockdowns during COVID showed us social humans. taught power discussion meetings. During lockdowns, participated virtual meetings enabled connected, exchange. Since then, hybrid commonplace. shift highlighted limitations seminars compared in-person counterparts. When attending online, distractions challenging maintain focus. engaging does replicate valuable spontaneous occur coffee breaks while queuing lunch events. spark innovative ideas foster collaborations, underscoring irreplaceable nature face-to-face Attending essential keeping advancements field attendance particularly build networks. Nonetheless, organizing conference event, aspects improved its footprint.For meeting organizers select food respecting dietary requirements. To waste, ask caterers fruit, biscuits cakes freshly made, snacks wrapping. Food sourced proportion vegetarian food. minimally processed food, highly items non-conventional ingredients intolerant allergic (for pea, soya buckwheat allergens) tending footprint.In terms scientific program, invite keynote speaker speak remotely. One encourage participants transport, ideally train. alternatives traditional Multi-hub meetings, interesting model, whereby run remotely different countries hubs real (Lowell incentives, awards participants; funds greener conferences Further support, opportunities, found hub 1).Improving substantially potential greater inclusivity enhance engagement communities. By involving national standards, transform discipline positively

Language: Английский

Promoting Youth Mental Health in Spiritual Tourism Through Service Design DOI Open Access
Haoyu Dong, Jun Zhang, Tang Tang

et al.

Sustainability, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 17(2), P. 498 - 498

Published: Jan. 10, 2025

Youth are society’s vital asset, and their mental health is a priority for global public health. Spiritual tourism, through the integration of cultural spiritual elements, promotes travelers’ has emerged as new model service that complements traditional treatments; however, this lacks focus on specific characteristics needs youth demographic, well design perspective, which may contribute to inability provide long-term support due insufficient social support. Therefore, paper explores ways in can foster tourism services. The begins with theoretical analysis identify key limitations current services while also addressing principles rationale incorporating suburban experiential lodging case. Subsequently, qualitative methods, including ethnographic observations, demographic surveys, in-depth interviews, were employed eleven participants three staff members gather insights into experiences needs. findings indicate hindered by issues such low accessibility, inadequate follow-up support, shortcomings. Furthermore, be designed systematically integrate natural environments, psychological identification, interaction, enhancing youth.

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Associations of Grandparenting Dimensions/Styles with Mental Health in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis DOI Creative Commons
Zhao Lifen,

Maoye Tian,

Zhiyou Wang

et al.

Behavioral Sciences, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(2), P. 180 - 180

Published: Feb. 8, 2025

In recent decades, grandparents’ increased involvement in child-rearing around the world has accelerated research on grandparenting. However, findings have remained inconsistent, and no reviews examined how grandparenting dimensions styles affect child adolescent mental health. our systematic review meta-analysis, we synthesized evidence relationship between of children’s adolescents’ nine databases, identified 3197 studies health, 20 which ultimately reviewed. To better integrate results, performed a meta-analysis addressing same health outcomes (i.e., depression, anxiety, internalizing symptoms). Moreover, to synthesize from studies, conducted both random- common-effects meta-analyses. The reviewed involved 11,434 children overall. Among findings, associations positive depression anxiety were moderately significant (depression: r = −0.33; anxiety: −0.12), as correlations negative all three 0.15; symptoms: 0.25). general, are negatively associated with conditions, whereas ones positively associated. this article, discuss those other propose directions for future studies.

Language: Английский

Citations

0
How to reduce your lab's carbon footprint DOI Creative Commons
Julie P. I. Welburn

Journal of Cell Science, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 137(24)

Published: Dec. 15, 2024

Although we are all dedicated to conducting high-quality, cutting-edge research in the basic and applied biomedical sciences, it is important acknowledge environmental impact of our work. The sector a significant contributor production non-degradable plastics, as well toxic chemical waste (Urbina et al., 2015). Additionally, this demands substantial energy, not only for experimental work but also computing, communication data science activities. We now facing emerging health climate challenges, including increased pollution, pervasive presence microplastics rise climate-related issues that stem, part, from research. In recognition responsibility future generations, imperative actively minimize footprint (Freese 2024). Efforts need be made sectors, sector, meet UK's net zero CO2 emissions target by 2050. With mind, UK Research Innovation (UKRI; one major funding agencies UK) recently co-produced concordat Environmental Sustainability Practice (https://wellcome.org/what-we-do/our-work/environmental-sustainability-concordat), hosted Wellcome. A number bodies, such Cancer (CRUK) Wellcome, universities signatories. Some Wellcome CRUK, have started asking labs grant holders reduce their research, will likely see other bodies following suit.Until very recently, most sustainability efforts been driven grassroots actions few (Dobbelaere 2022). However, best practices often widely adopted because they remain individual develop implement. This requires considerable amount time knowledge researchers. addition, exchange largely through word-of-mouth between interested labs, although online forums websites appearing (Box 1). new methods might raise suspicion resistance if tested up exacting specifications required high-quality science.Box 1. Online blogsThe Company Biologists' initiative. Launched 2020, initiative provides blog posts on topic sustainability. Biologists offers grants support sustainable conferencing events tree-planting scheme every paper published. https://www.biologists.com/sustainability-hub/The 'lab concious' blog. site advice tips sustainability, recycling reuse, information environmentally friendly lab supplies. It has list useful green groups. https://www.labconscious.com/blogThe Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF). Developed UCL, framework implement with criteria associated three levels labs. https://www.ucl.ac.uk/sustainable/take-action/staff-action/leaf/take-part-leafMy Green Lab. US-based organization blog, podcast, program certification become more sustainable. https://www.mygreenlab.org/Lab award EMBO. EBMO launched recognize pioneering progress EMBO publishes articles https://www.embo.org/the-embo-communities/embo-lab-sustainability-award/University Edinburgh website. University comprehensive website offering information, training topics context education https://www.ed.ac.uk/sustainabilityThe Sustainable European Laboratories network. Europe. aims establishment initiatives influence policymakers key stakeholders make positive practices. https://sels-network.orgIt becoming clear successful involved supported (Woolston, 2024; Winter 2023). institutions, funders an role play here advising supporting workforce, whether office or based, how can carbon footprint. At moment, any making workflows usually come top current existing workload staff. upfront cost needs met funders: example, reuse consumables (such glass pipettes flasks) considered than using disposable recyclable consumables, costs washing reusing flasks higher those use counterparts (owing staff running washing-up facility). highlights crucial continued core facilities within institutions. consume energy offices, due particular requirements ventilation, negative pressure temperature control. institutions therefore forward thinking when designing buildings them efficient (https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy08osti/29413.pdf) mindful environment. Overall, – working providing infrastructure play.The users postdocs, PhD students, who day-to-day good idea what changed used generated. There could discussions group and/or committee setup representing groups institute department. decision-making implementation process works relevant parties feel engaged. goals targets must clear, measurable achievable everyone. Setting targets, monitoring reduction plastics having reward system helps people's contributions. motivate people further footprint.Collective action sense towards common goal provide focal point department institution, bringing together. Websites noticeboards unit ways communicate both locally at institutions.Although sustainable, there regular turnover get lost. principal investigator, however, overview lab's history deeper understanding safety measures place compatible Even though spend less lab, notice improved. Waste should done expense safety, instead together programs friendly.Additionally, some researchers early-career scientists joining suffer eco-anxiety, which cause mental (Pearson, Lawrance, 2024) affect laboratory negatively. Supporting individuals channel anxiety turn into goals, department, local community powerful way look after everyone's health.Changing habits difficult. For engaged, workflow easy Ideally, long-term cost-benefits clear. training, system, explicit vision mobilizes staff.Of course, you think your doing this, then negligible. many worldwide start adopting ecological workflows, significant. Below, help started: 1.Plan experiment! carry out experiment design well, so first time.2.Switch ULT freezer −80°C −70°C. saves around 28% consumption (https://www.ed.ac.uk/files/atoms/files/efficient_ult_freezer_storage.pdf). Organize freezers inventory contents open searching reagent. Not save frustration! Regularly defrost energy.3.Put equipment timer, switches off automatically possible, switch non-sensitive evening. Ensure members non-essential finished it.4.Label bottles (e.g. solutions) contents, date person it. Record chemicals ordered received. managing lab/institution facilitates correct disposal. Work accessible about Make commonly disposal routes easily cannot disposed via sink posted lab. substances, small volumes these sinks diluted.5.Use rather plastic where possible. significantly reduces equivalent (Farley Nicolet, 2023), lower single-use plastic, once place.6.Share fix Take steps multi-users. benefits maintenance repair shared. booking facilitate coordination tracking users.7.Inactivate biological material autoclave All incinerated biosafety reasons, autoclaving unnecessary. Replacing inactivation possible energy.8.Reuse always choice, second option. Much packaging life reused, providers allowing returns polystyrene (Winter 2023) packages purpose. Distributors moving away packing, thanks community's biodegradable packaging. Insulated increasingly eco-friendly. hemp, straw sheep wool recycled projects.9.Offer induction students newcomers explain laboratory's Ideally institution offer basis fast academia.10.Adopt climate-conscious approach travel collaborations travel, mode transport use; find networks low-carbon travel. These able discuss frequently same zone discussions. Local transfer expertise early career interactions spontaneous.The lockdowns during COVID showed us social humans. taught power discussion meetings. During lockdowns, participated virtual meetings enabled connected, exchange. Since then, hybrid commonplace. shift highlighted limitations seminars compared in-person counterparts. When attending online, distractions challenging maintain focus. engaging does replicate valuable spontaneous occur coffee breaks while queuing lunch events. spark innovative ideas foster collaborations, underscoring irreplaceable nature face-to-face Attending essential keeping advancements field attendance particularly build networks. Nonetheless, organizing conference event, aspects improved its footprint.For meeting organizers select food respecting dietary requirements. To waste, ask caterers fruit, biscuits cakes freshly made, snacks wrapping. Food sourced proportion vegetarian food. minimally processed food, highly items non-conventional ingredients intolerant allergic (for pea, soya buckwheat allergens) tending footprint.In terms scientific program, invite keynote speaker speak remotely. One encourage participants transport, ideally train. alternatives traditional Multi-hub meetings, interesting model, whereby run remotely different countries hubs real (Lowell incentives, awards participants; funds greener conferences Further support, opportunities, found hub 1).Improving substantially potential greater inclusivity enhance engagement communities. By involving national standards, transform discipline positively

Language: Английский

Citations

0