Thank you for bringing up this matter. I have spent the past couple of years researching more sustainable alternatives for disposable nitrile gloves and have come up with a couple of solutions:
Kimberly Clark offers the RightCycle program which recycles used gloves. We use this program at the University of Amsterdam. The caveat is that you must use Kimberly Clark gloves to be eligible. If you already use Kimtech* gloves you can enroll and start recycling right away. https://www2.kcprofessional.com/rightcycle http://www.kimtech.eu/sustainability/rightcycle TerraCycle recycles all brands of nitrile gloves, but only in North America. This program has nominal fees associated with participation. United States: https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/zero_waste_boxes/disposable-gloves Canada: https://www.terracycle.ca/en-CA/zero_waste_boxes/nitrile-and-latex-gloves TerraCycle internationally offers recycling programs for all kinds of other waste as well: https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/ (or google TerraCycle to find your local division) There are biodegradable gloves from Showabest: the GreeN-Dex Biodegradable nitrile glove. Some testing has been done with good results in the US and the UK. These gloves are slightly more expensive than standard nitrile gloves. https://www.showagroup.com/en/products/search/product/6110pf http://www.fieldtechsoln.com/Products/Greendex.html For more ideas on sustainable alternatives and programs, see Sustainability in Conservation and follow SiC on social media for tips and discussions on being more environmentally responsible in your lab: https://www.sustainabilityinconservation.com/ https://www.facebook.com/SIConservation/ @SiConserve -- Caitlin Southwick University of Amsterdam Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage Stone ****** Unsubscribe by sending a message to [email protected] Searchable archives: http://cool.conservation-us.org/byform/mailing-lists/cdl/
