GREEN CHEMISTRY

Terry Collins is the director of the Institute for Green Chemistry in Pittsburgh. He is worried about the future. He says, “We are causing all sorts of environmental damage and we are harming both animals and people.”

But he also believes that science can reverse this damage. He believes that “green chemistry” will be the solution to most of the environmental problems. Green chemistry teaches that products can be designed without using dangerous chemicals. People can produce products. That way, they won’t hurt humans or the environment.

Paul Anastas from Yale University said, “People think about how dangerous chemistry is for them. But green chemistry looks at how we can make products that won’t hurt the environment.”

Businesses are looking for college graduates who know about green chemistry. These graduates can help businesses make or save money. They can also help businesses find safer ways to dispose of their products.

Today’s graduates know more about environmental problems. So they want to use green chemistry because it is much better for the nature.

Dana Garves studies chemistry at the University of Oregon. Garves believes that education is the key to real change. “I think by learning about and teaching green chemistry, I can open people’s eyes and make a difference,” she said.

Many colleges and universities have green chemistry courses now. Yale University opened a center for green chemistry. Cambridge College also offers courses in green chemistry. The school also offers classes in environmental science and recycling.

“The good news is that green chemistry is not only a theory. It’s real. It makes money. It reduces risks to humans and the environment,” Anastas said.