Hey Lykkers! Have you noticed the rapid changes happening around the world? Our planet is facing unprecedented shifts in climate, ecosystems, geography, and even culture.

The environmental challenges of the future are ones we've never encountered before. So, we all need to learn how to live in harmony with our Earth and find a balance for sustainable development.

In September 2015, the United Nations introduced the "2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," which includes 17 goals aimed at improving sustainability. These guidelines were set to guide the world toward a better, more balanced future.

The Role of Chemistry in Sustainability

When we talk about sustainability, we cannot ignore the role of chemistry. Everything in our daily lives is connected to chemistry, from the air we breathe to the water we drink, the food we eat, and the way plants and animals thrive on Earth. Chemistry is also at the heart of technological advancements, offering convenience in our daily lives. Think of batteries that store energy, pesticides that protect crops, or plastic that made shopping easier in the past. All these conveniences come from chemistry. However, they also bring environmental concerns—like battery leaks, pesticide residues in food, and the pollution caused by plastic waste.

We must learn how to use chemistry in ways that maintain the benefits without harming the environment. This is where the concept of green chemistry comes in.

What is Green Chemistry?

In 1998, two scholars, Anastas and Warner, published a book called Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice, outlining the principles of green chemistry. Green chemistry aims to maximize the positive effects of chemistry while minimizing environmental harm. The Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) in Taiwan defines green chemistry as the practice of avoiding harmful substances, reducing waste, and preventing pollution from the very start of the chemical process. It focuses on using resources and energy efficiently, reducing toxic substances, and enhancing the overall sustainability of chemical products.

The 12 Principles of Green Chemistry

Anastas and Warner summarized green chemistry into 12 key principles, which can sometimes be a bit complex. But no worries, we can break it down into something easy to understand. Scholars from the University of Nottingham used the word “PRODUCTIVELY” to represent these principles, each letter of which stands for one of the principles. Let's take a look at them!

Principle Highlights

Prevention of Waste

The first principle, "prevention of waste," encourages us to reduce waste from the beginning of the chemical process. Instead of dealing with waste after it's created, we should plan to minimize it upfront. For example, in school experiments, teachers should try to carefully calculate the materials needed to avoid generating unnecessary waste.

Regeneration of Resources

Green chemistry encourages using renewable resources rather than finite ones. For example, instead of relying on non-renewable materials like petroleum, we could use agricultural waste (like leftover plant stems) to produce biofuels. This approach reduces our reliance on resources that are difficult to replenish.

Simplicity in Design

In chemical reactions, unnecessary steps often lead to excess energy and material usage. The principle of "simplicity" reminds us to design chemical processes that avoid complicated and resource-heavy steps, keeping things efficient and waste-free.

Biodegradability

Products made from green chemistry should be able to break down naturally and be non-toxic. For instance, in 2014, some students created “Ooho water balloons” as an alternative to plastic bottles. These biodegradable water containers can even be eaten, posing no harm to the environment.

Safety First

Safety is a core principle of green chemistry. The idea is to design chemical processes and products in ways that are safe for both humans and the environment. For instance, some pesticides may have been effective but dangerous to human health. Green chemistry advocates for safer alternatives that still protect crops.

Catalysis

Catalysts are substances that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. By using catalysts, we can increase reaction efficiency while reducing the amount of raw materials used. This is a great way to reduce waste and save energy!

Energy Efficiency

Energy is crucial in many chemical processes. However, some reactions need high temperatures, which wastes energy. By using catalysts or optimizing reaction conditions, we can reduce the need for excessive heating, saving energy.

Monitoring and Control

To ensure a chemical reaction goes as planned and doesn't create unnecessary waste or toxic substances, proper monitoring is key. Consistent monitoring helps reduce risks and ensures everything runs smoothly.

Reducing Auxiliary Chemicals

Sometimes, additional chemicals or solvents are used in reactions, but they can become waste once the reaction is complete. Green chemistry encourages reducing or eliminating these chemicals whenever possible to minimize their impact on the environment.

Efficient Use of Materials

Green chemistry focuses on using materials in the most efficient way possible, making sure no resources are wasted. In educational settings, for example, teachers should calculate just the right amount of materials needed for experiments to minimize waste.

Low Toxicity

Chemicals and processes used should be as non-toxic as possible. While some chemicals are inherently toxic, the goal is to minimize the risks by using safer materials in smaller quantities to reduce harm to both people and the environment.

Risk Awareness

The final principle emphasizes being aware of the potential hazards of chemicals and reactions. Chemicals can be hazardous in certain conditions, so maintaining a cautious approach helps prevent accidents and ensures safety.

Green Chemistry in Action

Thanks to the efforts of scholars and organizations, green chemistry is making waves both in education and industry. In Taiwan, the concept is growing rapidly, with universities like National Taiwan University and National Kaohsiung Normal University leading the way in green chemistry education. The government is also getting involved, pushing initiatives to integrate green chemistry into the national curriculum and industry practices.

In 2017, the Taiwan EPA worked with the Ministry of Education to organize a press conference promoting green chemistry in colleges and universities. This is just one example of how green chemistry is being actively promoted, ensuring a more sustainable future for us all.

A Greener Future Awaits

Green chemistry is not just a scientific principle—it's a way of thinking that can make a real difference in the world. By using chemistry responsibly, we can reduce waste, conserve resources, and create safer, more sustainable products. Let's work together, Lykkers, to embrace green chemistry and contribute to the well-being of our planet. After all, chemistry can be a force for good when it's used with the Earth's future in mind. Let's sow the seeds of green chemistry today for a better tomorrow!