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GREEN CHEMISTRY
Imagine a world where you could eat your computer. Though this seems like a sci-fi fantasy, who would have imagined the Internet 30 years ago? The field of green chemistry is undeveloped, but like high-tech, could potentially explode onto the market. Green examples, like bio-based plastics, are already here, demonstrating that it is possible to innovate safer substitutions for toxic chemicals. Click here for examples of green chemistry
Financial Incentives Are Pushing Green Chemistry Forward
- Rising oil prices - As the price of oil and other inputs to traditional chemicals rise, more and more companies are looking for alternative sources for materials and are looking to green chemistry for answers.
- High cost of compliance - When the cost of equipment and procedures needed for handling and using toxic chemicals and complying with chemical laws, companies seek less expensive solutions. Green chemistry can reduce the costs of proper storage, worker safety precautions and transportation.
- Cost of energy and resources - The chemical industry is resource and energy intensive. One of the principles of green chemistry is to reduce energy use which translates into economic savings. Green chemistry also calls for more efficient use of resources.
- Consumer demand - Consumer demand for safer and more sustainable products is an important driver of environmental change, including green chemistry.
Challenges to Moving Forward
- Investment in existing production techniques - In some cases, in order to use green chemistry, companies must change existing production techniques. This can temporarily increase expenses, but forward thinking companies recognize that in the long term going green will help their bottom line.
- Weaknesses and loopholes in regulation - Current U.S. chemical laws do not put enough emphasis on environmental and health testing before chemicals go to market. Stronger legislation could promote investment in green chemistry. Click here to learn more about current U.S. chemical laws.
- Lack of consumer awareness - If people don’t know about new possibilities, it’s difficult to demand them. As the public learns more about green chemistry, demand will increase.
More Resources on Green Chemistry
Green Chemistry Institute is the leading organization which promotes green chemistry.
The 12 Principles of Green Chemistry are the foundation of green chemistry. They were originally published by Paul Anastas and John Warner in Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice.
Clean Production Action is a nonprofit organization that works on green chemistry and many other issues. They are one of SVTC’s partners.
EPA Green Chemistry Program has the mission of promoting “innovative chemical technologies that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances in the design, manufacture, and use of chemical products.”
Green Chemistry Program at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell which includes the Toxics Use Reduction Institute are doing important work on green chemistry. |
