What is GREEN CHEMISTRY?

Chemistry is the study of matter and all its possible transformations. It is the science which has helped us change raw materials into all sorts of new and useful materials. Unfortunately, many modern products and processes rely on the use of quite hazardous compounds. Industry has been a source of environmental pollution for over a century, and toxicity in consumer products and waste is a recognised problem. It seems that everything we do in a modern society consumes energy and materials and creates waste and pollution. Does this need to be the case?

Green chemistry is a new branch of science focusing on the design of safe, non-toxic products via innovative chemical processes which are energy efficient, renewable and non polluting. As virtually everything we make and consume relies on some form of chemical processing, any effort we make to change the way we design and practice chemistry can lead to really positive changes in industry, society and the environment.

Our understanding of materials at the molecular level has advanced to the point where we are able to identify hazards in products before they are made, and by applying modern scientific knowledge and methods, we can reduce or eliminate the need for toxic chemistry more easily than you may realise.

There's still a way to go, however, as there is a great deal of the global economy invested in polluting manufacturing processes, but with a change in the way we teach and practice chemistry, and by embracing new green chemistry technology, we have the opportunity to create a much more sustainable future.