M9.3- Green Chemistry

To be completely honest, I had never heard of green chemistry and still can't think of any examples I see on a daily basis, because I think a lot of it happens behind the scenes. Green chemistry keeps hazardous materials out of the environment in the first place, and I think a lot more technology is involved than I am able to see in my every day life. I was able to break each of them down and relate them to steps I can take in my own home, such as Principle 1, which states "...leave no waste to treat or clean up." By doing my part to eliminate my own waste footprint, I would feel really good about my contribution to our future, especially after watching the video on the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

The 12 Principles of Green Chemistry were a little hard for me to follow. I agree with all their premises, which I think is the most important part. I understand that they're written for people who are well-versed in environmental health and policy, but perhaps they could re-write them or provide a second set of principles for those who want to help contribute to environmental health but can't follow long-winded and complexly-worded sets of steps they may be able to take or understand.

Comments

  1. You brought up a good point about green chemistry being behind the scene. I think it's interesting because many times when something is done right, the public isn't aware of it but when something goes wrong, we become aware of the problem that needs to be solved. I certainly wish/hope it's the case with green chemistry but I'm doubtful of it.

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