Green Chemistry: What is it and why do we need it?

While we may be used to traditional chemistry creating both many of the products we use everyday and the toxins we face everyday, we may not be familiar with green chemistry. According to the EPA, green chemistry "is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the generation of hazardous substances."

Photo taken from EPA

Green chemistry is presenting opportunities not only for a cleaner environment, but also for increased business opportunities and savings.  A 2011, Pike Research report stated that by the year 2020, green chemistry will save industry $65.5 billion in liability for social and environmental costs. The same report stated that in terms of market opportunity, green chemistry will represent $98.5 billion in market opportunity by 2020. 

One green chemist is already seizing the opportunity. Chemical engineering professor Richard Wool of the University of Delaware uses environmentally-friendly products like flaxseed, chicken feathers and vegetable oil to make a variety a products, including car parts, tape, shoes and roofing materials. 

Colleges and universities around the world are also now focuses efforts on green chemistry. The American Chemical Society, not to be confused with the toxic lobbying group the American Chemistry Council, even provides research grants for green chemistry. Green chemistry allows for continued progress without continued detriment to public and environmental health.