Make simple requests by email to your department


Problem: Many people are reluctant to seek free equipment or supplies on an occasional basis.

Solution: Use your list server frequently for reasonable requests. Specialized equipment is often available during slack periods, and small quantities of reagents or disposable items are often available. Remember that many scientists often squirrel away exotic equipment for a rainy day.

Benefits: Your research group may save hundreds to thousands of dollars if you don’t have to purchase new instrumentation. The wastes associated with this purchase can be tons of CO2 and many other associated effluents.

Costs: None unless requests are excessive. Avoid departmental spam. (Example emails: link)