Green Chemistry: the why and how

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You might have missed the first post on the exciting Statistically Speaking episode that outlined the strategic role green chemistry plays in public health, the environment, sustainability and social justice. And you might have missed its livestream on May 19. But fear not! Now you can watch it on demand. University of Washington professors (and green chemistry experts) Grace Lasker and Rick Morgan covered the topic so well that we have made the episode available with no registration required.

Grace and Rick explain the interconnections of systems thinking, sustainability, green chemistry and social and environmental justice. Grace starts with the why. Her diagram sets the stage for a fascinating exploration of this strategic view, connecting the dots to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

This material is relevant to all of us. We live in a world comprised of chemicals, including the chemicals and products we make. Why not take the optimal view and design with care for the long haul? The benefits:

• Reducing toxic waste and products, which can reduce the harm to our health and the environment.
• Addressing the disproportionate exposure that children, minorities and the economically disadvantaged have to harmful substances and resources.
• Shrinking the likelihood of potential liability and litigation.
• Creating more brand-loyal customers!

By choosing this approach, organizations can be more responsible with the limited resources we have. They are internalizing more of their known costs and avoiding negative externalities.

Using some compelling examples, Rick demonstrates how to apply the 12 principles of green chemistry with data and modeling. He even recognizes a few organizations that are exemplary in their green chemistry practices. Check out who made his list, and then take a look at the online program Grace and Rick helped design to put more green chemistry principles into practice — the target audience may be wider than you think!

Check out this preview from Grace.

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We hope you will watch this excellent premier episode on such an important topic.