Greener Labs

I had an interesting conversation with an organic chem graduate student, where we were talking about integrating green chemistry into research. They mentioned that the one thing they have a hard time with is that "using greener solvents" or "greener reagents" is typically more expensive than traditional methods, and the...

Looking for ways to green up labs but not sure where to start? Microscale and small-scale chemistry lab experiments and activities offer accessible ways to reduce waste and improve safety while covering the same learning objectives and core concepts from the standard chemistry curriculum.

To get started, check out...

Hi everyone,

If you’re looking to slash lab waste without redesigning your entire curriculum, you need to check out this resource in our library:

A Guide to Green Chemistry Experiments for Undergraduate Organic Chemistry Labs.

It’s essentially a "catalyst" for adopting greener labs, but we also want to know...

Hi All,

I've got a CEM MARS 12-vial carousel microwave reactor that I am now playing with for making green for organic and inorganic labs. We tried out a Diels-Alder on water and it worked like a charm! Does anyone else have a MARS or similar multi-vial microwave reactor...

Energy losses, idle instruments, dry ice use, data storage—what non-chemical lab practices quietly drive your carbon footprint, and how can we redesign them?

I'm not a biochemist but have been trying to help my colleagues with some ideas for "greening" the biochemistry lecture and lab at USF. Many undergrad biochemistry experiments are already pretty green in the reagents they use, but we are specifically looking for some that clearly illustrate the principles of...

Hi All,

I was thinking about green esterification reactions for both research and teaching. David Vosburg has this paper: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.orglett.3c01611

I also saw this one: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acssuschemeng.1c01140

It's a bit long for a lab setting, but I wonder if it can be done in a microwave? 

Has anyone...

As labs around the world face growing pressure to integrate sustainability, many of us are left asking:
How do we actually know that our methods, materials, or products are truly green?

Are we relying on checklists, internal guidelines, life cycle assessments, or external certifications?

👥 Let’s talk...

How can we make our research more sustainable without compromising innovation?
 

Here, we share practical solutions to cut emissions, reduce waste, and save energy,  while maintaining cutting edge research performance or smooth teaching processes.
 

Whether it's behavioral change, greener lab equipment, smarter workflows, or industry-wide shifts, this...

How can we make scientific research more sustainable without compromising innovation? From cutting lab energy waste to reducing research-related emissions, let’s share real solutions, success stories, and challenges. Whether it’s greener lab equipment, smarter workflows, or industry shifts like AI’s energy impact and sustainable publishing, this is the space to...

Has anyone worked with photothermal nanomaterials that dissolve in deep eutectic solvents? Got tips, challenges, or cool applications to share? Drop your insights below!

Interesting review here that takes stock of alternative technologies currently available in laboratories that facilitate the synthesis of organometallic complexes. 

Might be of interest to those looking to (re)develop new experiments or just learn more about synthesis using either mechanochemistry, microwave activation, ultrasonic activation, photochemistry, or continuous flow chemistry!

Hi Everyone!

We're considering replacing our water-cooled condensers with waterless - I'm curious if anyone has experiences or input on this? 

We're specifically looking at these Asynt CondenSyn® Waterless Air Condensers.

Another avenue is building water-recirculators like that described here by @Jason Cooke .

Interested in the communities thoughts and experiences! 

Thanks so much,

John 

Welcome to My Green Lab®! 🌱

Imagine turning your lab into a hub of sustainability without compromising the groundbreaking work you do. Labs are resource-heavy, but small shifts in perspective can make a huge impact. Join tens of thousands who've already transformed their workspaces and created a greener lab...

On April 30th, 2024, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) finalized a ban on most uses of methylene chloride (dichloromethane, or DCM). With this ban in effect, many researchers, educators and teachers will be looking to phase out the use of DCM in their labs and find appropriate...

Hi Everyone!

Have you come across a recent or old publication in the literature that highlights green chemistry principles in the undergraduate teaching laboratory?! If so, you can add these resources to the GCTLC by linking out to the article like I've done here. 

While we can't...

Hello, Does anyone have a lab that they like to teach but they would either like to assess the hazards of the chemicals in use and substitute to safer alternative chemicals or switch to another lab with similar learning objectives? If so, please share what you are looking for.