Assessing awareness of green chemistry as a tool for advancing sustainability

Abstract

The importance of Green Chemistry (GC) in improving sustainability is growing. Nevertheless, GC is quite unknown area outside the chemical field. A good way to promote GC is through education, especially in a non – chemical environment. Additionally, Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) provide opportunities for new education experiences. So, the main object of this study to gain knowledge about the role played by GC in sustainability strategies through the perspective of students of the MOOC “Environmental Sustainability of Organizations in the Circular Economy”. To better understand this issue, the authors have conducted two surveys to student’s MOOC. In this manuscript, the possibilities of applying GC for improving sustainability out of the chemical field making use of a MOOC have been explored for the first time. Information about the perception of GC as a tool for people interested in sustainability and circular economy has been collected and interesting conclusions have been achieved regarding the use of GC out of the chemistry field. The results of the surveys suggest that GC is the least know environmental tool, but after training, students positively valued the usefulness of GC and considered it as effective for the development of their work. Education (training, awareness and dissemination) and regulation have been proposed for student as the main actions to promote GC as a tool for advancing sustainability. Finally, as conclusion and novelty, the MOOCs could facilitate the transfer of knowledge about GC outside the academic field.