Join others with implementing green chemistry in common bio-lab procedures

Scientific research at CU Boulder is growing and so is our opportunity to reduce its environmental footprint. As we train the next generation of scientists, integrating green chemistry practices into everyday lab work ensures these sustainable habits extend far beyond CU Boulder. It’s time to rethink the way we’ve “always done things” and adopt safer, more efficient alternatives.  

Join the 2025 Green Chemistry Initiative!  

This project is encouraging biological labs to consider two opportunities for simple but impactful changes to common procedures: 

#1: We're offering free samples of these alternatives: 

- SYBR Safe and GelRed as replacements for Ethidium Bromide (EtBr) in DNA/RNA staining. Please fill out the survey at the link below to request a free sample. 

#2: We're also encouraging: 

- Ethanol as a less toxic substitute for methanol in protein gel staining/destaining and in Western Blot transfer buffers.  (Note: Ethanol is priced similarly to methanol and available through ChemStores.) 

Ready to take action?  Or is your lab already taking either of these actions?  Please tell us by filling out the form here.  

Questions? Email us at greenlabs@colorado.edu.