Sustainability Champions: Sonia Jaidka at Addition Therapeutics
At Addition Therapeutics, tackling the sustainability challenge is as crucial as advancing scientific inquiry. Under Lab Manager Sonia Jaidka's leadership, Addition Therapeutics has advanced its scientific endeavors and championed significant sustainability initiatives, setting a standard for labs worldwide.
Sonia sat down with us to share her journey toward making Addition Therapeutics a beacon of sustainability in the scientific community. Here's what we learned.
—--
Q: Can you tell us about yourself and your role at Addition Therapeutics?
A: My name is Sonia Jaidka, and I’m the Lab Manager here at Addition Therapeutics. I started my career as a Research Associate at the bench and then transitioned into lab management. I’m happy with the transition because lab management has given me a broader perspective and ability to implement system-wide improvements.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my current role has been incorporating my passion for sustainability into lab operations. So, I’m excited to talk with you today.
—--
Q: We’re excited, too! How did you first get involved in lab sustainability?
A: The turning point for me was realizing just how much plastic waste a single lab can generate. As a Research Associate, I emptied my bench-top trash container multiple times a day, and I couldn’t help but think—there has to be a better way.
I started researching and came across My Green Lab, which opened my eyes to existing sustainability solutions. That led me to initiatives like nitrile glove and plastics recycling programs through companies like Kimberly-Clark and Polycarbin. I also launched a Green Committee to encourage my colleagues to discuss ideas and implement solutions.
—----
Q: Can you share the steps you’ve taken to build a culture of sustainability at Addition Therapeutics?
A: The first major step was implementing recycling programs for nitrile gloves and pipette tip boxes with Polycarbin. I brought these ideas to my manager, and we worked together with company leadership to get approval and roll out the programs.
One thing I’ve learned along the way is that leadership buy-in is crucial. If I could go back, I would have involved company executives sooner. Today’s investors and business leaders recognize the importance of sustainability, and their support can make a huge difference in getting resources and accountability in place.
—----
Q: What advice would you give to labs looking to start their own sustainability initiatives?
A: My biggest piece of advice is not to get overwhelmed! It’s easy to look at all the ways a lab could be more sustainable and feel paralyzed by the enormity of it. But any step in the right direction is better than doing nothing.
Also, don’t go at it alone—find a colleague who shares your passion. Having someone to collaborate with makes a big difference in staying motivated and accountable.
—---
Q: This is exciting! What impact has your partnership with Polycarbin had on Addition Therapeutics?
A: Since we started working with Polycarbin in July 2024, we’ve seen impressive progress. Our team has diverted 247 kg of plastic from landfills, conserved 2,310 cubic meters of water, and reduced our CO2 emissions by 1,510 kg. Seeing those numbers is incredibly rewarding—it reinforces the idea that small actions add up to real impact.
Beyond the environmental benefits, I’ve noticed an increase in team morale. People feel more empowered when they can see the tangible results of their efforts. The Polycarbin Carbin Counter™ dashboard makes it easy to track and share our progress, and I want to make a point of sharing them with the team more often.
—------
Q: What’s next for sustainability efforts at Addition Therapeutics?
A: We’re looking to expand our sustainability initiatives beyond just recycling. I’m always looking for new ways to improve efficiency and reduce waste in the lab. Sustainability is a continuous journey, and I’m excited to keep pushing forward.
—--
Q: This is great. Thank you for talking with us. Do you have any final thoughts you’d like to share?
A: The work Polycarbin is doing is incredible, and I’m grateful to be part of this movement toward greener science. I would absolutely encourage other labs to explore sustainability solutions—it’s easier to get started than you might think!
