What is green chemistry?

Green chemistry illustrationGreen chemistry, also known as sustainable chemistry, is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances. Green chemistry applies across the life cycle of a chemical product, including its design, manufacture, and use.

There are some great curriculum and web tools on green chemistry you can use to educate yourself and your co-workers about green chemistry from Beyond Benign, and The Institute for Green Science. The Department of Ecology of the State of Washington also has a wonderful set of green chemistry resources for educators, schools, and academic and corporate researchers.