M9.3 Blog: Green Chemistry

BLOG about your thoughts on green chemistry. Have you heard of or seen any examples of green chemistry in your work or in daily life? What are your thoughts on the 12 principles of green chemistry? 

I believe that we should have been practicing green chemistry to begin with. If we had been thinking long-term and about how to best protect future generations and the environment when creating products, such as plastic, we might not be in this current state of cleanup. It makes since to have a holistic approach when creating chemicals and to apply green chemistry throughout all areas of chemistry, not just to a single discipline. I applaud the fact that green chemistry works to apply scientific solutions to real-world environmental problems such as removing hazardous chemicals in products such as building materials. This kind of innovative thinking will help to prevent other Great Pacific Garbage Patches from occurring.

In terms of green chemistry, I am aware of solar water heaters being utilized in homes as a way to save on utility costs. Solar thermal technologies absorb the heat of the sun and transfer it to useful applications, such as heating water. Another example of green chemistry that I have encountered is within the pharmaceutical industry (Industry). The Industry is working to use less polluting organic solvents, such as methanol or dichloromethane, in their products as well as selecting less hazardous reagents. These are only just two of many other examples, and it will be exciting to see the further innovations that stem from green chemistry in the future.

The 12 principles of green chemistry are very similar to what I would want included into an ideal chemical policy. For example, the 4^th principle, “Design safer chemicals and products,” is an important element that should be included in an ideal chemical policy. This principle speaks to the core of what sound chemical production should seek to achieve. Although effective chemical products are needed, they should be created with little or no toxicity. Additionally, the 12^th principle, “Minimize the potential for accidents,” takes into account the idea that chemicals should be designed with minimal potential mishaps such as explosions, fires, and releases into the environment. This principle places safety as a priority when developing chemical products, which is an important element to include in a chemical policy. As we move forward with creating new legislation and working to better regulate the use of harmful chemicals, the 12 principles of green chemistry should absolutely be used as a guide for policy makers. 

References:

·       United States Protection Agency. Basics of Green Chemistry. Retrieved from: https://www.epa.gov/greenchemistry/basics-green-chemistry#ppa