Green Chemistry
I believe that green chemistry is a fantastic way to help innovate and create new methods of creating products with less harmful, chemical production and distribution methods. As a philosophy, I believe that it should be implemented with any manufacturer of consumer and other products. By using such a philosophy and such methods in the production of products, harm can be reduced to the environment, and as a consequence, all of us.
One method of green chemistry that I am aware of is the use and creation of non-BPA plastics. However, I understand through both this class and through other articles, that BPA free plastics may be just as unsafe as BPA containing plastics (as cited in LaMotte, 2016). However, in addition to BPA free plastics, I am aware of several efforts to create new sources of vehicle fuels. For instance, an engine has already been created which runs entirely on air, being able to go at least 111mph (as cited in Walters, 2015). Such a vehicle surely follows the principles of green chemistry, and should be in widespread use.
Overall, I feel that the 12 principles of green chemistry lay-out a great framework for the development of green products. At several different levels of production, there are several possibilities for the innovation of green chemicals. Using these principles as a guide in the production of chemical containing products would greatly reduce our negative environmental impact.
References:
http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/01/health/bpa-free-alternatives-may-not-be-safe/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3074298/The-car-runs-FRESH-AIR-hits-111mph-water-comes-exhaust-no-s-not-science-fiction-buy-soon-afford-it.html
One method of green chemistry that I am aware of is the use and creation of non-BPA plastics. However, I understand through both this class and through other articles, that BPA free plastics may be just as unsafe as BPA containing plastics (as cited in LaMotte, 2016). However, in addition to BPA free plastics, I am aware of several efforts to create new sources of vehicle fuels. For instance, an engine has already been created which runs entirely on air, being able to go at least 111mph (as cited in Walters, 2015). Such a vehicle surely follows the principles of green chemistry, and should be in widespread use.
Overall, I feel that the 12 principles of green chemistry lay-out a great framework for the development of green products. At several different levels of production, there are several possibilities for the innovation of green chemicals. Using these principles as a guide in the production of chemical containing products would greatly reduce our negative environmental impact.
References:
http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/01/health/bpa-free-alternatives-may-not-be-safe/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3074298/The-car-runs-FRESH-AIR-hits-111mph-water-comes-exhaust-no-s-not-science-fiction-buy-soon-afford-it.html
Hi Samuel,
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you that it is perfect way to have healthy environment. I didn’t know about the engine that runs on air and still able to go fast as you explained. That is awesome for people who like to drive fast car and still concern about environment! I am curious which principle you would consider as a priority among 12 principles. I know some of them are related each other, but I think we can prioritized them as well.
Hi Samuel,
ReplyDeleteI think one of the main issues with chemicals is that people jump too quickly to another "safer" alternative before it is adequately researched. You then have to deal with the consequences of these "regrettable substitutes." You showcased a prime example when discussing the issue of BPA-free products. As a consumer, it makes me hesitant and not sure what information to trust.