Balancing The Future

• Inside the Green Lab: How Scientists Are Cutting Carbon Without Compromising Discovery

  Laboratories are the engines of scientific discovery, but they’re also a very resource-intensive workplace. In fact, the average lab produces around 20 tons of carbon emissions every year. Yet the same scientists driving innovation also hold the keys to making their work more sustainable. In this episode of Balancing the Future, Micah and Chai speak with Raj Patey, Business Development Director at My Green Lab, an organization on a mission to turn laboratories worldwide into environmental leaders. Together, they unpack the hidden environmental cost of modern science and explore how labs across academia, pharma, and healthcare are working to reduce their footprint without compromising research quality or safety. The conversation dives into the three pillars of lab sustainability: energy, water, and waste, and reveals the surprising scale of lab-related emissions. Small tweaks, such as raising freezer temperatures from –80°C to –70°C (-159°F), can save the equivalent energy of an entire household. From major case studies like GSK’s pilot program saving 150 tons of CO₂ and $226,000 annually, to university initiatives achieving full sustainability accreditation, this episode highlights that going green isn’t just ethical, it’s economical. Raj also shares insights into how My Green Lab’s certification programs and ambassador training empower scientists to make tangible change, and how a new generation of researchers is rethinking everything from procurement to protocol design with sustainability in mind. LINKS Raj Patey on LinkedIn My Green Lab Website METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions Website METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions on LinkedIn Balancing The Future Podcast Website Micah Schweizer on LinkedIn Chai Nussbaumer on LinkedIn SOURCES The relevance of sustainable laboratory practices – PubMed Re-use of laboratory utensils reduces CO2 equivalent footprint and running costs – PLOS One Greener and smarter: Positive post-pandemic effects in the laboratory sector – Starlab Act now to prevent uncontrolled rise in carbon footprint of computational science – University of Cambridge King's amongst first to achieve 100% lab sustainability accreditation – Kings College London Considering sustainability when purchasing for labs – University of Bristol The Great Laboratory Greenwash – The Pathologist The Cost of Greenwashing: Why Verified Transparency Is Your Best Investment – My Green Lab New Survey Assesses Attitudes and Actions toward Lab Sustainability – Lab Manager  ABOUT BALANCING THE FUTURE:  Join Micah Schweizer and new host Chai Nussbaumer on Balancing the Future as they dive into the innovations shaping our world. From the potential of hydrogen in powering a greener planet, to the rise of GLP-1s in weight loss, and the frontier of microbiome-based treatments, they explore the science that's transforming our lives. Each episode features in-depth conversations with scientists, communicators, and thought leaders who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. They also explore the impact these breakthroughs will have on a world in desperate need of sustainable solutions today. ABOUT METTLER TOLEDO LAB SOLUTIONS: In the fast-paced world of laboratory science, precision and efficiency are everything. That’s why METTLER TOLEDO is committed to delivering cutting-edge laboratory solutions that streamline workflows and enhance productivity. Our comprehensive portfolio includes high-performance instruments, intuitive software, automation technologies, consumables, accessories, and expert services—each engineered to meet the unique needs of industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, chemicals, biotechnology, and both QA/QC and R&D laboratories. From precision and analytical balances to advanced titrators, pH meters, density meters, refractometers, melting point instruments, and more, METTLER TOLEDO products are designed for accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. Our solutions empower laboratories to generate trusted results, maintain compliance, and ensure maximum uptime with our robust lifecycle services and automation capabilities.

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• Forever Chemicals: How PFAS Took Over the World

  Rainwater around the world now contains detectable levels of PFAS or ‘forever chemicals.’ Found in everything from waterproof mascara to firefighting foam, PFAS now accumulates in our bodies, soils, and water systems. In this episode of Balancing the Future, Micah and Chai speak with Dr. Alissa Cordner, Professor of Sociology at Whitman College and Co-Director of the PFAS Project Lab, and Dr. Kimberly Garrett, Assistant Professor and Environmental Health Researcher at the City University of New York. Together, they unpack the science, policy, and human stories behind one of the world’s most persistent environmental crises.  The conversation explores what PFAS are and why their carbon–fluorine bond makes them so resistant to breakdown, how exposure happens through drinking water, food, clothing, and cosmetics, and the health impacts linked to PFAS, including cancers, developmental issues, and immune system effects. They discuss what governments and communities are doing to regulate and reduce PFAS use and highlight promising alternatives like bioplastics and fluoride-free firefighting foams. Alissa and Kimberly also share how interdisciplinary collaboration between chemists, social scientists, policymakers, and local communities is reshaping how we study and respond to chemical contamination. From mapping contamination sites to building databases that empower citizens, their work at the PFAS Project Lab highlights a research model that is grounded in justice, accessibility, and collective action. They leave us with a powerful reminder: turning off the PFAS tap starts with informed choices, stronger regulations, and scientists who see themselves as part of the communities they serve.  LINKS Dr. Alissa Cordner on LinkedIn Dr. Kimberly Garrett on LinkedIn PFAS Project Lab Website METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions Website METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions on LinkedIn Balancing The Future Podcast Website Micah Schweizer on LinkedIn Chai Nussbaumer on LinkedIn SOURCES PFAS Explained – United States Environmental Protection Agency New Chemicals Program Review of Alternatives for PFOA and Related Chemicals – United States Environmental Protection Agency Engineering a Future Without PFAS: The Path to Sustainable Alternatives – The Chemical Engineer Alternatives to PFAS are available for many applications – Food Packaging Forum Foam's Next Phase – National Fire Protection Association Global performance and trends of research on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) between 2001 and 2018 using bibliometric analysis – PubMed  ABOUT BALANCING THE FUTURE: Join Micah Schweizer and new host Chai Nussbaumer on Balancing the Future as they dive into the innovations shaping our world. From the potential of hydrogen in powering a greener planet, to the rise of GLP-1s in weight loss, and the frontier of microbiome-based treatments, they explore the science that's transforming our lives. Each episode features in-depth conversations with scientists, communicators, and thought leaders who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. They also explore the impact these breakthroughs will have on a world in desperate need of sustainable solutions today. ABOUT METTLER TOLEDO LAB SOLUTIONS: In the fast-paced world of laboratory science, precision and efficiency are everything. That’s why METTLER TOLEDO is committed to delivering cutting-edge laboratory solutions that streamline workflows and enhance productivity. Our comprehensive portfolio includes high-performance instruments, intuitive software, automation technologies, consumables, accessories, and expert services—each engineered to meet the unique needs of industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, chemicals, biotechnology, and both QA/QC and R&D laboratories. From precision and analytical balances to advanced titrators, pH meters, density meters, refractometers, melting point instruments, and more, METTLER TOLEDO products are designed for accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. Our solutions empower laboratories to generate trusted results, maintain compliance, and ensure maximum uptime with our robust lifecycle services and automation capabilities.

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• From COVID to Cancer: The Extraordinary Potential of mRNA

  What happens when you volunteer to be the first human injected with mRNA? For Dr. Steve Pascolo, it meant glowing skin, but it took many years for this technology to hit the mainstream. In this episode of Balancing the Future, Micah and Chai speak with Dr. Steve Pascolo, a senior scientist in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Zurich and co-founder of CureVac, about his groundbreaking role in testing mRNA back in 2003. They explore why the scientific community was sceptical for so long, how COVID-19 changed everything, and why mRNA could hold the key to treating not just infectious diseases, but also cancer, autoimmune conditions, and even aging. They also dig into the technical and practical realities of working with mRNA: the challenges of stability, the role of lipid nanoparticles, and the lessons learned from scaling production during the pandemic. Steve shares how chemical synthesis, AI, and cross-disciplinary collaboration could accelerate the next wave of mRNA therapies. His advice for young scientists is simple but powerful: true breakthroughs require teamwork across fields, from chemistry and biology to medicine and computer science. The future of mRNA is not just vaccines; it is a platform for reimagining medicine itself. LINKS Dr. Steve Pascolo on LinkedIn CureVac Website METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions Website METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions on LinkedIn Balancing The Future Podcast Website Micah Schweizer on LinkedIn Chai Nussbaumer on LinkedIn SOURCES The tangled history of mRNA vaccines – Nature.com The Long History of mRNA Vaccines – Johns Hopkins: Bloomberg School of Public Health Webinar: PAT and Model-Based Approach to Accelerate Biopharma Process Development - Merck KGaA and METTLER TOLEDO Scaling Up the Global COVID-19 Vaccination Program: Production, Allocation, and Distribution with an Emphasis on Equity - PubMed Central  ABOUT BALANCING THE FUTURE: Join Micah Schweizer and new host Chai Nussbaumer on Balancing the Future as they dive into the innovations shaping our world. From the potential of hydrogen in powering a greener planet, to the rise of GLP-1s in weight loss, and the frontier of microbiome-based treatments, they explore the science that's transforming our lives. Each episode features in-depth conversations with scientists, communicators, and thought leaders who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. They also explore the impact these breakthroughs will have on a world in desperate need of sustainable solutions today. ABOUT METTLER TOLEDO LAB SOLUTIONS: In the fast-paced world of laboratory science, precision and efficiency are everything. That’s why METTLER TOLEDO is committed to delivering cutting-edge laboratory solutions that streamline workflows and enhance productivity. Our comprehensive portfolio includes high-performance instruments, intuitive software, automation technologies, consumables, accessories, and expert services—each engineered to meet the unique needs of industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, chemicals, biotechnology, and both QA/QC and R&D laboratories. From precision and analytical balances to advanced titrators, pH meters, density meters, refractometers, melting point instruments, and more, METTLER TOLEDO products are designed for accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. Our solutions empower laboratories to generate trusted results, maintain compliance, and ensure maximum uptime with our robust lifecycle services and automation capabilities.

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• Distilling Change: What Carbon Negative Rum Can Teach Us About Planet, Profit and Scale

  What happens when you build sustainability into a business from day one? For Russ Wakeham, co-founder of Two Drifters Distillery, the answer is a rum that’s not just delicious but also carbon negative. His approach could help rewrite the rules for how companies think about profit, planet, and scale. In this episode of Balancing the Future, Micah and Chai speak with Russ about how his background in chemistry and carbon capture research led to a distillery powered by renewable energy. They explore how Two Drifters measures and reduces its emissions across every stage of the supply chain, from sugarcane fields to bottle packaging, and why Russ treats carbon removal costs like any other line item in the business. They also dig into the practical realities of tackling Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, from shipping and distribution to the hidden carbon costs of glass bottles. Russ’s advice for other business owners is clear – if you implement sustainability right from the beginning, it becomes easier to maintain and grow that practice later on. LINKS Russ Wakeham on LinkedIn Two Drifters Distillery Website METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions Website METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions on LinkedIn Balancing The Future Podcast Website Micah Schweizer on LinkedIn Chai Nussbaumer on LinkedIn SOURCES Scope 1,2 and 3 Emissions Standards and Guidance: GHG Protocol Climate impact of shipping: European Federation for Transport and Environment 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships: IMO The road to net zero – the emissions targets of the world’s drinks giants: Just Drinks  ABOUT BALANCING THE FUTURE: Join Micah Schweizer and new host Chai Nussbaumer on Balancing the Future as they dive into the innovations shaping our world. From the potential of hydrogen in powering a greener planet, to the rise of GLP-1s in weight loss, and the frontier of microbiome-based treatments, they explore the science that's transforming our lives. Each episode features in-depth conversations with scientists, communicators, and thought leaders who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. They also explore the impact these breakthroughs will have on a world in desperate need of sustainable solutions today. ABOUT METTLER TOLEDO LAB SOLUTIONS: In the fast-paced world of laboratory science, precision and efficiency are everything. That’s why METTLER TOLEDO is committed to delivering cutting-edge laboratory solutions that streamline workflows and enhance productivity. Our comprehensive portfolio includes high-performance instruments, intuitive software, automation technologies, consumables, accessories, and expert services—each engineered to meet the unique needs of industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, chemicals, biotechnology, and both QA/QC and R&D laboratories. From precision and analytical balances to advanced titrators, pH meters, density meters, refractometers, melting point instruments, and more, METTLER TOLEDO products are designed for accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. Our solutions empower laboratories to generate trusted results, maintain compliance, and ensure maximum uptime with our robust lifecycle services and automation capabilities.

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• Iron Nails and Citizen Scientists: How Researchers are Fighting Back Against Arsenic Contamination

  An estimated 220 million people worldwide are affected by arsenic exposure. So how can communities be empowered to create and implement solutions themselves? In this episode of Balancing the Future, Micah and Chai speak with Jagannath Biswakarma, Senior Research Associate at the University of Bristol, about the global threat of arsenic contamination in groundwater and food. The conversation unpacks why arsenic exposure is so dangerous, how it spreads through soil, crops, and water, and what communities can do to fight back. From simple iron-nail filters that anyone can build, to advanced monitoring systems and international policy shifts, they highlight solutions that save lives today while pointing toward a safer future. They also explore the surprising potential of arsenic recovery to fuel a circular economy, transforming pollutants into valuable resources for industries such as semiconductors. Jagannath also shares how citizen scientists, interdisciplinary collaboration, and stronger communication between researchers and policymakers can turn a toxic crisis into an opportunity for innovation and justice. LINKS Jagannath Biswakarma on LinkedIn METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions Website METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions on LinkedIn Balancing The Future Podcast Website Micah Schweizer on LinkedIn Chai Nussbaumer on LinkedIn SOURCES Arsenic in drinking water: An analysis of global drinking water regulations and recommendations for updates to protect public health – PubMed Arsenic reduction to <1 µg/L in Dutch drinking water – ScienceDirect Algal Logistics – U.S. Department of Energy Pollution and Circular Economy – EU Environment Program Three ways pollution can be turned into something useful – World Economic Forum Lead toxicity in plants: Impacts and remediation – PubMed Cadmium toxicity in plants: Impacts and remediation strategies - ScienceDirect The ocean – the world’s greatest ally against climate change – United Nations  ABOUT BALANCING THE FUTURE:  Join Micah Schweizer and new host Chai Nussbaumer on Balancing the Future as they dive into the innovations shaping our world. From the potential of hydrogen in powering a greener planet, to the rise of GLP-1s in weight loss, and the frontier of microbiome-based treatments, they explore the science that's transforming our lives. Each episode features in-depth conversations with scientists, communicators, and thought leaders who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. They also explore the impact these breakthroughs will have on a world in desperate need of sustainable solutions today. ABOUT METTLER TOLEDO LAB SOLUTIONS: In the fast-paced world of laboratory science, precision and efficiency are everything. That’s why METTLER TOLEDO is committed to delivering cutting-edge laboratory solutions that streamline workflows and enhance productivity. Our comprehensive portfolio includes high-performance instruments, intuitive software, automation technologies, consumables, accessories, and expert services—each engineered to meet the unique needs of industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, chemicals, biotechnology, and both QA/QC and R&D laboratories. From precision and analytical balances to advanced titrators, pH meters, density meters, refractometers, melting point instruments, and more, METTLER TOLEDO products are designed for accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. Our solutions empower laboratories to generate trusted results, maintain compliance, and ensure maximum uptime with our robust lifecycle services and automation capabilities.

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