Reducing Plastic in School Science Labs

 

Reducing Plastic in School Science Labs

Our Going Green Podcast and Blog explore ways to make everyday science more sustainable, and one of the most practical places to start is in the school laboratory. Science teaching has traditionally relied heavily on plastic — from disposable pipettes and sample bottles to trays and storage boxes. But with a little planning, we can reuse, repurpose, and replace much of it.

Why It Matters

Plastic waste adds up quickly in busy school labs. Many single-use items can’t be recycled once contaminated, meaning they end up as landfill or incinerated waste. By cutting down on disposables and investing in reusable alternatives, schools can both reduce their environmental impact and save money over time.

Practical Steps for Greener Labs

• Reuse where possible: old reagent bottles can be washed, relabelled, and reused for storage or display.

• Switch to glassware: glass beakers, test tubes, and flasks last for years with proper care.

• Repurpose packaging: plastic trays, lids, and even yoghurt pots can serve as weighing boats or sample holders.

• Repair and re-seal: instead of discarding cracked plastic lids, use silicone bands or cork stoppers.

• Buy smarter: choose bulk supplies with minimal packaging and suppliers who take back containers.

The Role of Education

Encouraging students to think about lab sustainability turns every practical session into an environmental lesson. Small changes in classroom habits can foster lifelong awareness of waste reduction and resource management.

The Takeaway

Greener science doesn’t require huge investment — just creativity and care. By linking our Philip M Russell Ltd projects with the Going Green Podcast, we’re showing that practical sustainability is possible in every school lab.