Differentiating green chemistry from sustainable chemistry

Abstract

Experts mulled the differences between the defined field of green chemistry and the more imprecise concept of sustainable chemistry at a US congressional hearing July 25. Their discussions could influence legislation backed by industry and academics that would focus federal efforts on characterizing and directing grant funding to sustainable chemistry. Green chemistry principles were established in the 1990s, Julie Zimmerman, deputy director of the Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering at Yale University, told the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee’s Subcommittee on Research and Technology. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, “Green chemistry is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the generation of hazardous substances.” “The term sustainable chemistry has been introduced more recently and possesses countless definitions” put forth by individuals, companies, trade associations, nonprofit organizations, and governmental entities, Zi...