What, exactly, is green chemistry?

The media bombards us with all sorts of scary news about toxic chemicals in the environment, giving chemistry somewhat of a bad rep. Green chemistry, however, is a practice that works to fight against toxicity.

The term "green chemistry" could sound unappealing to those who aren't scientists, but green chem is simply the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous waste.

John Warner (right) began his college years immersed in music with his band "The Elements" before he even came near a Periodic Table. Through a college chemistry course, he stumbled into a career in chemistry -- and ended up synthesizing over 2,500 compounds. Yet after all that work, he realized he still had no idea what made a chemical toxic. And today, no American Ph.D. chemistry programs require any demonstration of knowledge regarding toxicity or environmental impact.

This concern led Warner to write 12 Principles of Green Chemistry and found the Warner Babcock Institute. Green chemistry, says Warner, is not the birth of ethics; scientists have always been advocates of health. But green chem is a safer, prevention-focused approach to chemistry.

Want to know more about Dr Warner's presentation this week and the global issue of toxicity?  Excellent insights from Ed Alexander of Social Climate:  Environmentally Benign Products: a Green Chemistry Mentor Speaks.   Check it out.

Green Chemistry: The Breakfast of the Year

If you hated chemistry in high school, you will not want to miss the next NSTC breakfast on July 27. In fact, hypothetically speaking, if you could attend only one NSTC breakfast a year, this  would have to be it.

It’s about Green Chemistry and if that sounds too “sciencey” for you, don’t despair.  You will be treated to some amazing insights from the very father of this critical field.  But take heart – Dr John Warner started college a few decades ago as a music major. He was acting like a free radical long before he was studying them.

Sure, John Warner is responsible for the 12 Principles of Green Chem, he’s been recognized by presidents and prime ministers, and he probably has more patents than pants…but we promise you will leave that breakfast inspired and informed, without the slightest nod to the Periodic table.

Of course, even you engineers and scientists out there will have a lot to think about.

See you Wednesday, July 27 at 7:30 am at the Peabody Marriott.  Be sure to sign-up here at NSTC.org.