LabRATS Best Practices
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Communication
Learn about what you can do to help establish regular conservation practices and open communication lines across academic and operations staff!
Inform colleagues of conservation techniques:
Many faculty, post docs, and grad students are not aware of their peers efforts and successes with conservation, such as buying and washing glassware to avoid using disposable plastic. Discuss both your commitment and techniques in your group meetings and socially with people in your department!
Speak with your department and UCSB administration: Many conservation techniques have no guidelines or policies, so most people in a department may be unaware of opportunities or other researchers willingness to participate. Request that your department develop sustainability guidelines optimized for your equipment, staff, and techniques. Nominate or request volunteers for a committee of interested faculty, students, and staff. Check out Ellison Hall Sustainability Committee and Bren Student Sustainability Committee for examples.
Clarify management issues in your lab and get training: Who is responsible for making sure the lab follows sustainability purchasing guidelines? Who is in charge of maintenance? Scientists rarely get training in leadership or management, especially in academia, yet are faced with a myriad of personnel and budget issues. Where some laboratories have assigned lab managers to deal with these kinds of problems, others might rely on a post doc or a grad student to handle these issues. Clarify who is handling lab management so that they may receive the proper training and support needed to make sure the lab continues to run smoothly and efficiently.
Communicate with operations staff: Operations staff members have many opportunities to conserve materials and energy and they provide vital support to laboratories. Problem solving with operations staff can help get to the root of difficulties before they escalate, coming to simple solutions such as small repairs or training and awareness of lab workers.
Develop cordial relationships with custodians, ventilation, and electrical maintenance staff: Many support staff feel disconnected from research staff and cannot help each other with conserving resources. Introduce yourself to staff and build relationships to create a network of like-minded individuals in pursuit of a more sustainable campus!
Keep an open ear for colleagues' personal needs: Some people face chronic illness, family tragedies, financial difficulties, or relationship issues, yet feel they cannot share any of this at work, leaving them feeling isolated, afraid, or angry. Pay attention to your colleagues' moods and support them when they are up or down, and check in now and then. Your caring will help others deal with their challenges and know they have allies at work, causing an increase in job satisfaction and productivity!