As a chemist educated in the 1980’s, I didn’t spend much time thinking about the toxicity of chemicals.

Nor did I give much consideration about the impact of those chemicals to human health and the environment. But this is changing, thanks to a growing movement towards safer products designed with more sustainable chemistry. Of particular interest to me is the Green Chemistry Commitment, a commitment that is transforming chemistry education and creating trained scientists with the skills needed to solve the huge issues we face around hazardous chemicals.

Beyond Benign, an NGO dedicated to integrate green chemistry at all levels of education is the supporting organization of the Green Chemistry Commitment. So far, 29 schools have adopted the Green Chemistry Commitment, which is designed to:

• Prepare chemists whose skills align with the needs of the planet and its inhabitants in the 21st century
• Develop world-class chemists who can design and develop efficient and environmentally sound solutions to the safety and effectiveness of chemical products and processes.

What is Green Chemistry?

Green Chemistry is defined by a set of 12 principles, written by John Warner and Paul Anastas.  These principles help scientists think about the design, development and implementation of chemical products and processes. The scope addresses toxicity, energy conservation, waste reduction, and life cycle considerations, such as the use of renewable feedstocks and designing for end of life of the product.

What value does the Green Chemistry Commitment provide to universities?

The Green Chemistry Commitment builds on the efforts of leaders in the field to systemically change chemistry education. It is a consortium program that unites the green chemistry community around shared goals and a common vision to:

• Expand the community of green chemists
• Grow departmental resources
• Improve connections to industry and job opportunities in green chemistry
• Affect systemic and lasting change in chemistry education

What do students learn?

There are some significant changes to the current chemistry curriculum including the addition of courses in toxicology. These changes include:

• Theory: A working knowledge of the twelve principles of Green Chemistry

• Toxicology: An understanding of the principles of toxicology

• Laboratory Skills: The ability to assess chemical products and processes and design greener alternatives

• Application: Serve society through the articulation, evaluation and employment of methods and chemicals that are benign for human health and the environment

Why should we care?

We should care because the health of our communities and the planet is at risk. There are too many hazardous chemicals in use today. Examples include last year’s exposé by CBS’s 60 Minutes about Lumber Liquidators, an American retailer who sells Chinese-made laminate wood flooring containing formaldehyde, a potential carcinogen. People living in homes furnished with these floors have high levels of exposure to hazardous chemicals. And of course the numerous work-place accidents involving chemicals such as the catastrophe in China’s southeastern Fujian province. 

Impact to your business

Questions to Consider:

• Does your company need to hire a scientist trained in green chemistry and sustainable design?
• Does your company work with, and track research collaborations?

For help with any issue associated with chemicals, contact Amanda Cattermole at (415) 412 8406 or Amanda@cattermoleconsulting.com. We can help you develop powerful solutions to protect your company and brand reputation that result in safer products manufactured in cleaner supply chains.

Tips and Insights contains information to help you make informed chemicals management decisions. Each post highlights a particular topic and includes questions for you to consider.