Michigan
Green-Chemistry: Making Michigan Safer and More Prosperous
What is green chemistry?
Green chemistry is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the production and use of hazardous substances and reduce energy consumption.
What are the benefits of green chemistry?
Of the tens of thousands of chemicals being used in commerce today, only a small fraction have been thoroughly tested to determine potential impacts on human health, the environment and fish and wildlife. But we do know that many common chemicals can interfere with the healthy development of children, increase cancer risks, and have other health impacts. Green chemistry holds the promise of reducing health and environmental damage while promoting a flourishing economy. In the past we have focused on cleaning up toxic messes, instead of designing chemicals up front to be safer. Green Chemistry is a movement to design chemicals that are safer for children, workers, the environment and business.
What's a commonly used product that has benefited from green chemistry?
An improved process designed in 1991 to make the pain reliever ibuprofen is an example of green chemistry. In the original six-step process developed in the 1960s, only 40 percent of the reactant atoms ended up in the product (ibuprofen) and 60 percent ended up in unwanted byproducts or waste. The new process has three steps, and 77 percent of the reactant atoms end up in the ibuprofen. This green process eliminates tons of chemical byproducts every year and reduces by tons the amount of reactants needed to make ibuprofen. A similar process has also been developed for the pharmaceuticals Zoloft and Viagra.
What are examples of green chemistry?
- Solvents, inks and other chemicals made from plants instead of petroleum.
- Plastics made from sustainably grown corn, grasses, and other renewable plants.
- Water purification processes that remove chlorinated pollutants, antibiotics, and other contaminants without generating toxic byproducts.
- Laundry detergents that inhibit dye transfer while cleaning clothes and reducing problematic discharges.
- Plastics designed with enzymes to degrade after use for computer casings.
- The use of enzymes instead of toxic chemicals to make pharmaceuticals.
- Enzymatic reactions that can detoxify hard-to-degrade toxic chemicals.
Why is green chemistry not already common practice?
Green chemistry is so groundbreaking that it has not yet been widely adopted by industry or academia, which have focused on traditional chemical synthesis, processes and products. But with growing demands for reduced toxicity, those aware of the discipline's potential are expecting to see it become more taught and practiced used over time. In fact, Michigan has recently taken great initiative on green chemistry!
How is green chemistry being promoted in Michigan?
There is great news! On October 17, 2006, Governor Granholm signed the Executive Directive entitled "Promotion of Green Chemistry for Sustainable Economic Development and Protection of Public Health." Governor Granholm knows that there is an inseparable link between Michigan's environment, public health, and economy. Michigan is now poised to be a global leader in preventing pollution and we are positioned at the forefront of the fast-growing field of chemical reforms.
The Green Chemistry Executive Directive will do several things:
- Encourage companies in Michigan who produce chemical products and processes to use bio-based or plant-based materials, chemicals, and catalysts that reduce or eliminate pollution and toxicity right from the start.
- Move Michigan into a leadership position for the most innovative and safest technologies.
- Drive future growth, create jobs, and protect our health and natural resources in Michigan.
How can I get more involved with green chemistry?
Clean Water Action is currently working with the Michigan Network for Children's Environmental Health on a green chemistry outreach campaign! To get more involved contact Katie Kelly, Environmental Health Organizer.
Where can I find out more about green chemistry?
Green Chemistry at the Environmental Protection Agency
Green Chemistry Takes Root, Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY
