Sustainability, broadly speaking, prompts us to address the needs of the present in ways that do not compromise the ability of future generations to flourish. Sadly, the history of chemistry is replete with examples where well-meaning practioners of the chemical enterprise have caused harm to human health and the environment. Green Chemistry, the application and design of chemistry products and processes that are inherently safer for human health and the environment, is a paradigm for continuous improvement of all facets of chemistry. It is not a sub-discipline but instead it informs practitioners of every sub-discipline of chemistry. When environmentally-friendlier ways of practicing chemistry become broadly available, sustainability goals are simultaneously realized.<br/><br/>Green Chemistry principles emerged about 20 years ago and haven taken root in individual research groups and even entire institutions of higher education. In this presentation I will discuss actions that can empower students, faculty, and even entire chemistry departments to embrace the principles of green chemistry and serve as change agents within their spheres of influence, hastening the adoption of green chemistry, thus promoting the ultimate goal: sustainability.

Green chemistry commitment: Addressing sustainability from the molecular-level to institutional-scale

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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