Moving from Bangladesh to England to further my education and career in science has been a transformative journey. As an MSc graduate from the University of Dhaka and a dedicated lab scientist, my experiences in both countries have profoundly shaped my views on environmental sustainability within laboratory settings. This blog aims to share insights from my personal journey, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices in scientific research and how they can be implemented effectively.
The Early Days: Environmental Awareness in Bangladesh
Growing up in Bangladesh, environmental sustainability was an integral part of daily life. In a country often facing environmental challenges, the importance of conserving resources was always emphasized. However, in academic and research settings, the implementation of sustainable practices was often constrained by limited resources and infrastructure.
In the labs in Bangladesh, we used to wash and reuse glass petri plates and flasks. Planning and executing only essential experiments was crucial. Labour was cheap, but machines were expensive, so we had the time and manpower to wash equipment, but not the funds to import new kits and instruments. We shared equipment and kits, arranged pooled shipments to save funds, and recycled and reused as much as possible.
Transition to England: A New Perspective
In 2023, my wife (Nadira Naznin Rakhi) and I moved to England as she pursued her DPhil at the University of Oxford. Currently, I am gaining work experience in the Raff Lab at the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford. Here, I work closely with Saroj Saurya, the Raff lab manager and the chair of the Dunn School Green Group.
Upon moving to England and joining the Raff Lab, I was introduced to a more structured approach to sustainability. The stark contrast between the two countries' approaches to lab practices offered me a unique perspective on how resource availability and policy frameworks can influence environmental practices.
Key Differences in Lab Practices
Waste Management: In Bangladesh, managing waste efficiently was a constant challenge due to inadequate facilities. We washed and reused glass petri plates, shared equipment, and pooled resources to save costs. In contrast, English labs have well-established protocols for segregating and disposing of hazardous and non-hazardous waste, ensuring minimal environmental impact and promoting recycling and safe disposal methods.
Energy Efficiency: English labs are often high energy-intensive and use loads of single-use plastic. Many unnecessary experiments are conducted due to the abundance of funds, with a focus on data and publication. However, working in the Raff lab has taught me that even well-funded labs can be environmentally sustainable. We wash and reuse fly vials, bottles, embryo collection plates, and DNA preparation columns. We recycle gloves, set our ULT freezers to -70°C, keep all unused instruments shut off, and share freezer spaces. We also order in bulk to reduce shipment and packaging waste. Almost 80% of our lab plastic waste is reduced either by reusing or recycling.
Resource Utilization: In Bangladesh, maximizing the utility of available resources was essential. We focused on essential experiments due to limited funds. When I worked in the industry, I found micro-pipette tips were discarded after a single use, whereas, when I was at university, I was reusing these tips by autoclaving due to resource limitations. These two opposite scenarios in industry and academia were shocking for me. In England, while there is a tendency to use more resources, the Raff lab's practices have shown me that careful planning and resource management can lead to significant waste reduction.
Food Rescue Initiative
An additional aspect of sustainability in the Dunn School is the food rescue initiative by the Dunn School Green Group. As a volunteer, I help pick and distribute surplus food collected from various supermarkets and bring it to the Dunn School for students and staff. This food, which would otherwise go to waste, greatly benefits me and my family and helps prevent good quality food from ending up in the bin.
Conclusion: A Vision for the Future
My journey from Bangladesh to England has shown me that while the challenges may differ, the commitment to environmental sustainability must remain unwavering. As scientists, we have a responsibility to conduct our research in ways that minimize our ecological footprint. By integrating sustainable practices into our daily routines and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship, we can contribute to a greener future for all.
I am proud to be learning and making significant contributions to the Raff lab's scientific discoveries and environmental sustainability. Together with Saroj Saurya and the rest of the team, we are reducing the carbon footprint of the Raff lab and the Dunn School at the University of Oxford.
In the end, sustainability is not just about adopting new practices but also about changing mindsets. It's about understanding that every small step counts and that together, we can make a significant impact. Whether in Bangladesh, England, or anywhere else in the world, the goal remains the same: to create a sustainable, healthy environment for future generations.
Mehadi Hasan and his wife (Nadira Naznin Rakhi) receiving the Student Sustainability Trailblazer Award from Monika Gullerova. Photo by Sarah Langhorne.
Comments