9.3 Green Chemistry
I like the idea of green chemistry because it doesn’t just offer another bad chemical to replace the current bad chemical. It replaces known hazardous chemicals with scientifically designed chemicals or tools which help out at the “molecular level”. The idea is structured to be safe and is not just a remediation tool. Sort of like replacing a lead bullet with a rubber bullet. Both are built for the same purpose, but the rubber bullet is non-lethal. I also like the fact that green chemistry has environmental and health protection in mind. Of the 12 principles I like the following the best:
3. Design less hazardous chemical synthesis- which is the production of new non-toxic effective products. This goes along with principle 4 -Design safer chemicals and products
10. Design chemicals and products to degrade after use- I automatically thought of composting and it would be awesome if containers were made up of these types of chemicals.
I personally have never heard of green chemistry, but I do use Clorox green works wipes and sprays. However, upon further research I found that these wipes are basically ineffective and only one form of them are even biodegradable. Vinegar and baking soda is more effective and has less chemicals.
I think the degrade one is one of the most important too, thinking about the whole life cycle of the chemical and not just its initial impact.
ReplyDeleteI also really liked the concept and goals behind green chemistry. I also think it would be far more beneficial to create and design less hazardous chemicals synthesis along with products that degrade after use.
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