Green chemicals are produced on the basis of 12 principles of green chemistry ("12 principles of green chemistry"), which were drawn up by Paul T. Anastas and John C. Warner in 1991. Here are some of the principles:
The manufacturers of chemicals are constantly optimizing to be able to produce alternatives and can also offer green chemicals, such as are made from natural raw materials/by-products, are biodegradable or less dangerous.
When you obtain information from the manufacturers/suppliers, you can search for "Green chemistry" or "Sustainability" to read more about which green chemicals they offer.
Here in 2024, we are in the infancy of green chemicals and more will be produced continuously. Keep an eye on the chemical manufacturers/suppliers who market themselves with their green chemicals and products.
Chemical: | Substituted with: | Explanation: |
|---|---|---|
Dichlormethan (DCM) | 2 Methyl tetrahydrofuran (2 MeTHF) VWR® GREEN SOLVENTS | 2MeTHF is made from natural raw materials such as grain and sugar. |
Tetrahydrofuran (THF) | 2 Methyl tetrahydrofuran (2 MeTHF) VWR® GREEN SOLVENTS | 2MeTHF is made from natural raw materials such as grain and sugar. |
Diethyl ether | Cyclo pentyl methyl ether (CPME) VWR® GREEN SOLVENTS | CPME is produced in a green process and does not form peroxides - more stable. |
Glycerol | Bio-based Glycerol | Made from rapeseed and 100% biodegradable. |
Ethanol | Bio-based Ethanol | Made from natural raw materials such as grain and sugar and is produced more safely for the environment. |
Ethyl acetate | Ethyl(-)-L-Lactate | Less toxic and 100% biodegradable. |
Acetone | Ethyl(-)-L-Lactate | Less toxic and 100% biodegradable. |
Acetic acid | Bio-based Acetic acid Supelco® | Made from by-products and residual products from the processing of regional wood and furniture. |
DMA, DMF and NMP. | 1-Butylpyrrolidin-2-one | Is not REACH restricted and has inherent biodegradability. |
NA purification kit | TaqMan miRNA ABC Purification Kit Thermo Fischer | Traditional RNA purification involves the use of mercaptoethanol, phenol, chloroform and/or trizol, and some plastic waste is produced during the purification. TaqMan miRNA is a green kit in which no hazardous chemicals are used and the amount of plastic waste is minimized. |
Ethidium bromide | SYBR® Green, SYBR® Red, SYBR® Safe, SYBR® Gold o.l. | Ethidium bromide is carcinogenic and the alternatives are not. When using harmless chemicals, work in a fume cupboard can be avoided if no other hazardous chemicals are included in the work flow. |
A broadly composed working group with i.a. laboratory technicians, operators and working environment representatives have prepared AU's Green Guide: In the laboratory.
In the guide, you can find 7 good tips on how you can work greener when handling chemicals.
The producers/suppliers come up with many good green tips that are useful, such as replace the blue silica gel in the desiccator with yellow/brown silica gel. The blue silica gel contains cobalt compounds which are carcinogenic and the yellow/brown is a less hazardous iron compound.
Not all tips are applicable to AU, such as to purchase organic solvents in large drums or pallet tanks, after which pumping/pouring into smaller cans. AU does not have facilities to protect the employee who has to pump/repour and for the same reason stopped with this many years ago.
Be inspired by the green tips and consider whether it makes sense for safety, if in doubt contact the local occupational health and safety group.