M9.3: Green Chemistry
Green chemistry is a great concept because it focuses on the stem of the problem rather than trying to remedy the impacts after the contaminants are in the environment. The 12 principles of green chemistry provide the basic guidelines people can follow to make change. The principle I find most important is "design safer chemicals and products." This emphases how important it is for companies to create products that are not harmful. I think the general public does have to push companies to change formulas and ask for safer products from the industry. The voice of the customer can make powerful changes and can lead towards the creation of safer products. If we start upstream, the population's health doesn't have to suffer the consequences downstream. Some examples of green chemistry that I have been able to identify are the solar panels installed in the parking lot roof at my job and the windmills in more rural areas that create energy when there are strong wind currents. Finding alternative forms of energy reduces our dependency of depletable feedstock of fossil fuels and encourages finding renewable forms of energy.
Hi Daisy,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that green chemistry is a great idea! I like what you said about finding alternative forms of energy helps reduce our need and dependability on fossil fuels and ultimately setting us up for a better future.
Great post!
Kera
Hi Daisy,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading and learning about green chemistry and it made me more hopeful for the future and that changes can be made. I agree with you regarding the importance of designing safer chemicals and products. I think that is the key to making a significant change and eliminating the most harmful chemicals we are exposed to in everyday life as well as in the workplace. Great post!