SYSTEMATIC APPROACHES IN GREEN CHEMISTRY

1. At most basic level: Pollution Prevention (P2)
- Improved operational practices
(lowering energy consumption, improving yields)
- Batch to continuous processing?
(batch process may increase yield but continuous process may save energy)

2. Development of greener processes to manufacture same chemical products:
(Green Chemistry – Level 1)
- Use intermediates that come from better primary feedstocks
(Ex. Production of ethylene glycol)
- Avoid chlorine compounds if chlorine is not in the final product
(Ex. Production of allyl alcohol)

3. Formulation of alternative products for same use:
(Green Chemistry – Level 2)
- CFC substitutes

4. Avoidance of chemicals:
- Switch from herbicides and pesticides to genetic engineering (trade-offs?)
(Ex. Monsanto’s “NewLeaf Plus” potatoes genetically improved to resist the Colorado
beetle and leaf roll virus)
- Switch to organic farming