Green Chemistry

From our everyday experience, we know that one of the most efficient ways of reducing the amount of waste in our planet is to practice “recycling”. For examples, it is now very convenient for individuals to recycle aluminum cans, plastic materials as well as used motor oils. Another example of our efforts in preserving our planet is to reduce the emission of air pollutants that contribute to the formation of acid rain and Global Warming (also known as the Green House Effect). Many states including California has mandatory smog check on automobiles. It is one of the major efforts in improving air quality in California especially in Los Angeles. People wearing gas masks on the streets of Los Angeles due to the polluted air during 1950s are terrifying images that should never be repeated. Furthermore, many industrial corporations also actively engage in recycling efforts to reduce industrial waste. For example, IBM Corporation has long been known for its effort in creating programs to recycle industrial materials. Dell Corporation has also engaged in environmental protections and has won numerous awards for its long time efforts. In the academic community, there is no exception to environmental protection policy. In fact, teaching students the fundamental ideas on how to protect our planet should be taught at all levels. Members in the academic community have the moral responsibility to teach our students how to prevent pollution; how to protect our planet and how to prolong the beauty of our plant. Thus, how well we teach our students today to be environmental conscious will reflect in our society’s future track record on environmental protection.

Green Chemistry (1-4) is a relatively new discipline that has begun to gain tremendous amount of attentions in academia. The principles of Green Chemistry (1) are the pioneer models in teaching students the disciplines of pollution prevention and environmental protection. When designing our experiments, we always use the principle of "pollution prevention" as one of our goals. We now have two experiments modules that qualified to be Green labs. Our future goal is to design more new experiments that not only teaches students the concepts of chemistry but also at the same time be environmental friendly.

 

References

(1) Anastas, P.T. and Warner, J.C., Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice; Oxford University Press: New York, 1998; 30.
(2) Hjeresen, D.L.; Schutt, D.L. and Boese, J.M., J. Chem. Educ. 2000, 77, 1543.
(3) Kirchhoff, M.M., J. Chem. Educ. 2001, 78, 1543.
(4) J. Collins, J. Chem. Educ. 1995, 72, 96.

 

Green Chemistry Modules (Coming Soon)

Solutions Concentrations Lab

Chemical Kinetics Lab


Want to learn more about Green Chemistry

Check out the following Web sites