- Green chemistry is a way of thinking and is about utilising the existing knowledge and principles of chemistry and other sciences to reduce the adverse impact on environment.
- Utilization of existing knowledge base for reducing the chemical hazards along with the developmental activities is the foundation of green chemistry.
- Green chemistry, is a cost effective approach which involves reduction in material, energy consumption and waste generation
Green Chemistry in day-to-day Life
(i) Dry Cleaning of ClothesÂ
- Tetra chlroroethene (Cl2C=CCl2) was earlier used as solvent for dry cleaning.
- The compound contaminates the ground water and is also a suspected carcinogen
- The process using this compound is now being replaced by a process, where liquefied carbondioxide, with a suitable detergent is used.
- Replacement of halogenated solvent by liquid CO2 will result in less harm to ground water.
(ii) Bleaching of PaperÂ
- Chlorine gas was used earlier for bleaching paper. These days, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with suitable catalyst, which promotes the bleaching action of hydrogen peroxide, is used.
- hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is used for the purpose of bleaching clothes in the process of laundary, which gives better results and makes use of lesser amount of water
Strategies for controlling environmental pollution can be:
(i) waste management i.e., reduction of the waste and proper disposal, also recycling of materials and energy,
(ii) adopting methods in day-to-day life, which results in the reduction of environmental pollution.