From the Editor
The first issue of Green Research was launched July 2008 and readers quickly followed up with comments and suggestions for future editions, some of which are included in this newest release.
I appreciate receiving feedback and will continue to focus the publication on providing information, ideas and examples that will help you perform your research activities in a safe and environmentally sustainable manner.
Please e-mail me at
levit@hse.ubc.ca with your experiences or questions regarding greener research.
Sincerely,
Noga Levit, HSE Advisor (Environment)
UBC Department of Health, Safety and Environment
Tel: 604-822-9280
Experimental Design With Waste Minimization in Mind
Waste minimization in the laboratory begins at the stage of experiment planning.
Measures may range from (a) implementing basic efforts to be more efficient with experimental procedures, to (b) completely re-designing the way experiments are performed.
Here are some ways to set up your experiments with waste minimization in mind:
- Think about the environmental consequences of your laboratory activities.
- Design your experiments to use and generate substances that possess little or no toxicity to human health and the environment.
- Consider the kind and quantity of waste that will be generated and adjust the experimental design to minimize it.
- When possible replace chemicals with less hazardous materials.
- Use solvents and other hazardous materials sparingly.
- Monitor experimental reactions closely and add additional chemicals only as necessary.
- Conserve water by reducing rinse times where possible.
- Be alert for opportunities to save electricity (e.g. don’t leave equipment running when it’s not being used).
- Where feasible, include - as part of the experiment - a step that destroys or inactivates any hazardous products.
- If your experiment is designed at a macro scale level, try to scale it down to 1/100th to 1/1000th of the original quantities. This will result in less waste, less exposure and fewer chemical purchases. For more information refer to:
Potentially Explosive Materials
Most chemicals that are used in research and teaching laboratories are stable and non-explosive at the time of purchase.
Over time, some chemicals can oxidize, become contaminated, dry out, or otherwise destabilize to become Potentially Explosive Chemicals (PEC) (e.g. isopropyl ether, sodium amide and picric acid).
PECs are particularly dangerous as they may explode if subjected to heat, light, friction or mechanical shock.
The special care and procedures required for these chemicals result in high disposal costs ($425 for each container).
What can you do to minimize this waste stream? Before ordering new chemical, review the chemical's
MSDS.
If the material you are about to purchase is a potentially explosive material:
- consider substituting it with less hazardous material.
- purchase the smallest amount possible.
- Check-Test-Timely Dispose
- Observe expiration dates - certain chemicals deteriorate to a dangerous condition with age.
- Routinely test peroxide forming chemicals for peroxide levels.
- Inspect containers - certain chemicals may explode due to over-pressurized container.
- contact UBC's Environmental Services Facility (ESF) at 604-822-6306 to arrange for special disposal.
Green Chemical Alternatives
One option for reducing the intrinsic hazard of the chemicals you use is to look for environmentally-friendly chemical alternatives.
Unsure where to find them?
Try one of the following databases to identify greener chemicals and chemical processes.
These two web-based tools guide users through searching, identifying and selecting less hazardous and more environmentally benign chemicals and/or processes.
UBC Solvent Recovery Program
UBC's Solvent Recovery Program recovers acetone, methanol and other large volume organic solvents.
The Solvent Recovery Laboratory consists of two spinning band distillation units which are capable of distilling up to 60 litres of solvents per day.
Acetone Recycling
The Environmental Services Facility (ESF) is looking to expand the volume of acetone recycling taking place at UBC Point Grey.
If you are generating waste solvents with at least 60% acetone - with not more than 2 other contaminants - and would like to have it recycled for lab reuse, contact
Bang Dang ESF Technician (pictured left) at 604-822-1285.
Methanol
Free technical grade methanol is also available to those at UBC Point Grey Campus.
Contact
Bang Dang ESF Technician at 604-822-1285 for details.
Upcoming Events
Greening Research Labs at UBC - workshop
Want to “GREEN” your research? Join the Department of Health, Safety and Environment, the Sustainability Office and Supply Management on October 22, 12 – 3 pm to find out how.
All UBC faculty and lab personnel are invited to learn about the practices, products and services available that are geared to help your research go green. The Greening Research Labs at UBC workshop features talks on numerous low cost, high impact pollution prevention and waste reduction strategies that you can implement right here at UBC.
Make a difference and “See One, Be One, Teach One”. A light lunch will be served to those who register by October 15, 2008. Sponsored by Fisher Scientific.
To register visit:
www.hse.ubc.ca/crs_reg/coursedetails.asp?which=100.The event is organized by the Department of Health, Safety and Environment, the UBC Sustainability Office, and UBC Supply Management.
Waste Reduction Week
October 19 -25, 2008 is Waste Reduction Week (WRW) in Canada. Visit the following web site for more information
http://www.wrwcanada.com/06enviroprod.htm.
In honour of WRW 2008, the Recycling Council of BC will be hosting
Zero Waste Wednesday, on October 22 at UBC Robson Square.
Green Research is a publication from UBC's
Department of Health, Safety and Environment providing green research information to UBC faculty and staff on a quarterly basis.
University of British ColumbiaDepartment of Health, Safety and Environment
#50, 2075 Wesbrook Mall
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1
Content: Noga Levit, HSE Environmental Advisor
Production: Erin Creak, HSE Coordinator (Communications)