December 19, 2024- Ansell has partnered with California Life Sciences, an advocacy organization in the U.S., to launch a new program designed to educate and inspire the scientific community to adopt more sustainable choices. “Scientists for Sustainability” aims to build a network of scientists focused on sustainable practices, with particular focus on reducing PPE waste that goes to landfill. The first event was held on Tuesday, 3 December, at the Birch Aquarium in San Diego, California, and included a private aquarium tour, networking opportunities, and an education fair about the impact of PPE and other plastic waste on ocean ecosystems.
Guests at the first “Scientists for Sustainability” event included scientists, laboratory managers, and other life science professionals. The evening’s activities were sponsored by Ansell’s RightCycle™ Program, which is Ansell’s innovative PPE recycling program helping customers recycle used, non-hazardous Kimtech™ and KleenGuard™ PPE. Guest speakers included representatives from My Green Lab and San Diego Coastkeeper, who shared best practices on how the life science community can help reduce plastic waste from reaching landfills or waterways.
In addition, RightCycle™ held a fundraising activity at the event to support San Diego Coastkeeper, an organization dedicated to protecting and restoring San Diego County’s waterways. Attendees participated by applying a handprint to Chelsea’s Tree, symbolizing their commitment to sustainability. For each handprint collected, $50 was donated by The RightCycle™ Program to San Diego Coastkeeper. Thanks to enthusiastic participation, the event raised $7,250 for this worthy cause.
The event in San Diego served as a pilot on which Ansell intends to build a business case for expanding similar sustainability-focused events to other scientific associations and higher education institutions in the future.