Green Chemistry 101

From toxic dyes to microplastic runoff, the fashion industry faces a massive chemical crisis. Let’s discuss how we can use the 12 Principles to redesign textiles, eliminate hazardous waste, and move toward a truly circular wardrobe.

How do the rules made in government buildings actually change the way we live, work, and learn? This is a space to discuss the past, present, and future of green chemistry legislation. Whether you're a policy pro or just curious about why certain chemicals are being phased out of your...

If you could run the exact same reaction in either setup, which one would you personally call “benign” — batch or flow?

We'd love to hear what shaped your experience (solvent use, waste, energy, safety, setup time, scalability, and workup). If you’ve tried both, can you share a quick...

Nations are banning PFAS, industries are scrambling for replacements. What molecular strategies or principles of green chemistry can lead to true degradable, functional alternatives?

The recent Nobel Prize in Chemistry celebrated Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) as "the material of the 21st century," recognizing their revolutionary porous structure capable of tackling global issues . Their unique architecture enables highly efficient, selective, and reusable applications that align perfectly with green chemistry principles, including advanced carbon capture, water...

Across NGOs, academia, and industry, we often share the same vision—healthier people, safer products, and a sustainable planet. Yet when it comes to solutions like carbon capture, waste-to-energy, or other emerging technologies, perspectives can diverge. Some see them as breakthroughs, while others view them as false hope or greenwashing.

 ...

From predicting greener reaction pathways to designing new solvents, AI is being applied in chemistry research. Do you see this as a real game-changer or just another buzzword?

News about sustainable materials, greener processes, and environmental breakthroughs pop up every week. Share a recent article or news story that made you think about green chemistry differently.

Dive into the concept of a circular economy from a green chemistry perspective. This forum post is for discussing how chemists can design materials from the start to be easily and safely disassembled and reused, eliminating waste and the need for new raw materials. Let’s talk about design for degradation...

Explore the vital role green chemistry plays in developing sustainable energy technologies. Discuss everything from greener battery materials and more efficient solar cell components to less toxic methods for hydrogen fuel production. Share examples, research, and your thoughts on how chemical innovation is key to our renewable energy future.

I know this is rather vague question, but I wonder what reasons do people come up with and explanations of why?

The GCTLC has a wealth of resources on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), but where should you begin? Use this space to ask questions, share your favorite LCA teaching tools, and swap tips on integrating LCA into courses, labs, and projects. Whether you’re brand new or looking for advanced applications, this...

Deep eutectic solvents (DES) are gaining attention as greener, safer alternatives to conventional solvents—low-cost, tunable, and often biodegradable. How have you explored DES in your work, research, or teaching? Share your experiences, challenges, and questions so we can discover new applications together.

Help learners see green chemistry in daily life. What surprising products can spark discussion on greener design and safer chemistry?

How are you using carbon footprint tools in the classroom? Share tools, lesson plans, or student projects that make sustainability measurable.

In our shared mission to make chemistry more sustainable, we often celebrate solutions like biodegradable plastics, green solvents, and low-impact processes. But what happens when those solutions turn out to have unintended consequences, sometimes even more harmful than the problems they aim to solve?

Have you ever encountered a...

Let’s go deeper than intros, share what motivates your work in green chemistry. What keeps you inspired, curious, or even frustrated? Use this forum to find common ground, build connections, and reflect on your path with others who care just as deeply.

Have you integrated Green Analytical Chemistry (GAC) into your lectures, lab work, or research? Have you explored tools like AGREEprep or other assessment methods to evaluate and improve your analytical procedures?
Share your stories, best practices, challenges, and tips for implementing GAC. Whether you're just starting out or already...

A monumental resource has just been released by Elsevier, the Encyclopedia of Green Chemistry, with contributions from leaders in the field including Luigi Vaccaro, Onder Metin, Evelina Colacino, Gyorgy Szekely, Katalin Barta, and Mario De Bruyn.

Whether you’re a student, educator, or researcher, this reference work offers a...

We often hear about designing safer chemicals or preventing waste—but what about the principles that don’t get as much love? Is there one you think is underused or just misunderstood?

Let’s open up a real talk on what we might be missing—and how giving these principles more attention...

Think fast: how would you explain the core idea of green chemistry using just a coffee mug, a sneaker, or a shampoo bottle? This challenge is all about making green chemistry relatable and tangible. Pick an object "any object" and connect it to a green chemistry...

This is the space to discuss how green chemistry innovations are being applied in emerging markets, especially where sustainability drives growth. Share insights, challenges, and success stories from diverse regions across the globe.

If you could make the world understand just one aspect of green chemistry, what would it be?

Would it be the importance of benign by design?

The misconception that "natural" always means "safer"?

Share your thoughts and help spread awareness!

Ever wondered why it's called green chemistry and not sustainable or safer chemistry? Does "green" really capture what it's all about, or could another term make more sense? Let’s talk about the meaning behind the name and what it represents. Drop your thoughts below! 💬🌍

Let’s talk nanoparticles! This space is about your go-to options for research, ones that are affordable, less toxic, and pack a punch in applications?

Share your experiences and tips on what works best!

Do you know someone or follow a social media influencer promoting green chemistry?

Whether they focus on education, research, environmental advocacy, or share it as a passion project, let’s give them the recognition they deserve! Share their profiles here and help us amplify their impact by increasing engagement and support.

Green Chemistry at a Glance

Welcome to the space where visuals meet science! This forum is dedicated to sharing and discussing infographics that simplify complex green chemistry concepts. Explore eye-catching visuals that communicate big ideas effectively, or share your own designs to inspire and educate the community.

Looking for resources for your presentation or research but ended up exploring the forums instead? You’re in the right place!

This space is open for anyone seeking help in finding the perfect learning materials on chemistry or green chemistry.

The GCTLC Library has over 300 curriculum resources and a vast...

Hi All,

I am working to adapt a ACS GCI Module about stereochemistry/toxicity for non-majors in an elective course. 

I haven't taught organic before, and was wondering if anyone has a suggestion about the path toward having students identify stereocenters. I worry that having them identify R/S is...

We would love to hear from you, for those in green chemistry, what do you do?

In this forum space, we would like to acknowledge the efforts and dedication made by our GCTLC community members!

It's clear that behind the scenes, someone has been putting in a lot of passion and energy. Your commitment is truly appreciated, even if it often goes unnoticed.

Feel...

Have you heard of the recent non-profit organization geared towards green chemistry?

Yes, you heard it right! The Green Chemistry For Sustainability was founded by the most powerhouse organization in green chemistry namely the American Chemical Society, Beyond Benign, and the Center for Green Chemistry and Green...

Talk about your perspectives, expertise, and experiences with various groups that promote the global adoption of sustainable chemistry!

We would be delighted to learn about their lifelong dedication to transforming green chemistry and to join them! Comment down below:

Hi there! I came across to some queries about the chemistry behind green chemistry principles (Lecture/Laboratory).

Although I haven't read all the learning objects here in the platform. Does someone here can suggest green chemistry books that explains in-depth chemistry reactions (or mechanisms)?

Your help is greatly valued. Thanks.

Hi everyone, welcome to Green Chemistry 101! I'm Jerald Villarmino, and I'll be moderating this forum.

Green chemistry is all about designing products and processes that minimize environmental impact and improve sustainability. Let's start with the basics — what are some key principles of green chemistry that you...

I am considering creating new diagrams to quickly explain the principles of green chemistry, sustainable chemistry, and circular chemistry. When searching for images on the internet that summarize these principles in Spanish, many of the images are of low quality or the information is not very comprehensive.

The idea is...

Hello there!

Let us creat a collection point to share all sorts of publications for green chemistry given that sometimes it is difficult to find those via google and especially when they are newly published, it is a great opportunity to share them on social media.

Include all you...

I am a physical chemist who has research interests in green chemistry, alternative energy, and catalysis.  I have been looking to expand my area of interest by trying to develop novel green synthesis pathways to develop pharmaceuticals.  I have read some literature in this area but need some help.  What...

Hi Everyone,

I would really appreciate if somebody could help me with Advanced Environmental Chemistry issues for my upcoming exam, which appeared very tough ones for online chemistry tutors.

Here is the exercise: 

1. The Henry constant of oxygen is 0.0015 mol L ^−1 bar^−1 Calculate the mass concentration [mg...

Hey all - do you have a resource to recommend for educators who are just getting started in the green chemistry?