The Benefits Of Green Chemistry

As an inhabitant of the Earth, it is only natural to wonder what kind of effect we are having on our planet. Generally regarded as destructive and wasteful, our “footprint” as it is commonly referred to, points our world in the direction of exponential degeneration. The matter is not if, but when, we will exhaust our resources, and what can be done to reverse, or at least slow down the descent to our own demise. Things can be done on both the large and small scale to achieve such an end. Recent technological and scientific advancements have enabled scientists and engineers to protect and benefit the economy, people and the planet through implementation of Green Chemistry. The American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute describes green chemistry as a different perspective on how chemistry and chemical engineering should be done to reduce waste, conserve energy, and utilize replacements for hazardous substances. Through a series of twelve principles, the ideals of Green Chemistry attempt to lessen the negative effects scientific innovation and utilization tend to have on our environment (Pavia, et al 2007). …show more content…
The first principle of green chemistry, prevention, describes the basic purpose of green chemistry, which is to protect the environment. The remaining principles of green chemistry include: atom economy, energy efficiency, catalysis, use of less harmful chemical syntheses, designing safer chemicals, solvents and auxiliaries, use of renewable feedstocks, reduction of derivatives, design for degradation, real-time analysis for pollution prevention, and inherently safer chemistry for accident preventions. All the aforementioned principles demonstrate an attempt to waste less energy and keep chemical interactions safe and controlled (Wardencki, et al