Stack of red biohazardous waste bins

Manage Waste

  • Divert uncontaminated plastics away from incineration with easy-access recycling bins.
  • Preferentially order products packaged with minimal packaging.
  • Recycle single-use products such as rinsed culture media containers.
  • Encourage the University of Iowa recycling program to begin accepting polypropylene.
Scientist setting temperatures in an ultra-low temperature freezer bay

Decrease Power Usage

  • Increase ULT freezer temperatures to -70°C, and close doors as quickly as possible.
  • Dedicate finite footprint for ULT sample storage.
  • Shut down large equipment like cell culture hoods when not in use, especially overnight and on weekends.
  • Optimize autoclave load size for full loads, decrease cycle length when possible.
Collection of blood sample tubes

Promote Efficiency

  • Encourage equipment and space sharing for frequent assays.
  • Implement thorough sample labeling practices to reduce unnecessary long-term storage.
  • Ask departing students and staff to clean out cold storage, and only keep required samples/reagents.

About Us

We are a growing group of University of Iowa scientists, clinicians, and students looking to promote sustainable biomedical research practices in our campus laboratories.

Biomedical Sustainability Initiative Group Members
Energy Savings Table 6th Floor PBDB
Pappajohn Biomedical Discovery Building Exterior

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