Life sciences research improves our understanding of life on the planet, helps us to understand how environmental impacts affect organisms, and improves and saves human lives through biomedical innovation. The paradox is that, at the same time, life sciences research profoundly and negatively impacts environmental health by producing approximately 5.5 million metric tons of laboratory plastic waste annually [1] and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions with tens of thousands of labs around the world each using 5-10 times more energy per square meter than office buildings [2].
