Principles of Green Chemistry

Green Chemistry is a revolutionary philosophy that seeks to unite government, academic and industrial communities by placing more focus on environmental impacts at the earliest stage of innovation and invention.

 This approach requires an open and interdisciplinary view of material and product design, applying the principle that it is better to consider waste prevention options during the design and development phase, rather than disposing or treating waste after a process or material has been developed. Environmentally benign alternatives to current materials and technologies must be systematically introduced across all types of manufacturing to promote a more environmental and economically sustainable future.

 

Environmentally benign alternative technologies have been proven to be economically superior and function as well or better than more toxic traditional options. When hazardous materials are removed from processes, all hazard-related costs are removed as well, significantly reducing hazardous materials handling, transportation, disposal and compliance concerns.

Given a choice between traditional options and green solutions, business leaders choose responsibly. Unfortunately, there is a significant shortage of more responsible green alternatives. Scientists and non-scientists alike can begin to address this technological gap by recognizing the interconnectivity between the construction of materials and environmental protection. There is tremendous untapped opportunity for ingenuity and reward at the chemical design stage; this is the central concern of Green Chemistry.

From "What is Green Chemistry?"