As each day passes by, the importance of taking care of our one and only Earth becomes even more apparent. The loud cries of environmentalists are being echoed from all corners of the globe, and it seems as though people are starting to listen and heed their warning. Industries are trying to improve themselves and becoming greener, while markets are offering more and more green products. Science is heavily involved in making this transition to eco-friendly technology, and chemistry is leading the way.
The Power Struggle
Before reaching us, products are made and assembled in factories. Factories, in turn, need energy to run. Since the industrial revolution, factories have relied on fuels that release green gas emissions; carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. This has been one of the major causes of the problems we are facing now. The solution to rectify this sorry situation is to make the whole industrial process greener from start to finish. Sustainable thinking, thus, should not be limited to the ‘end product’; instead, each stage in its life cycle should be considered.
This presents an opportunity to apply new chemistry methods and technologies to improve overall sustainability. To that end, industries should make it their priority to create and secure environmentally sustainable energy supplies, and improve the efficiency of power generation, transmission and use. Chemistry can help raise smart and sustainable solutions, especially in areas such as energy production and storage, as well as conservation.
The making of solar cells, for example, is an expensive process that requires a lot of energy. Chemistry is essential to improve and optimize the manufacturing processes to make it more commercially feasible, as well as more environmentally friendly to produce. There are great opportunities for a more versatile ‘second generation’ of solar cells, which chemists are helping to develop; thin-films of semiconducting materials can coat surfaces offering a more adaptable way to convert the Sun’s energy into electricity. ‘Third generation’ solar cells promise to deliver even more versatile thin-film technology, using materials such as novel plastics and organic photovoltaics. Moreover, inspiration can be drawn from nature; for example, chemists can try to find ways to mimic photosynthesis, and thereby take advantage of biological methods to harvest and store the Sun’s energy.
The Green Substitute
Leading companies have jumped on the eco-friendly bandwagon. On the other hand, we are constantly surrounded by electronics and during the past decades the problem of electronic waste has increased. Informal processing of electronic waste in developing countries is a major problem and causes serious health and pollution problems. Even recycling and disposal of electronic waste involves a significant risk to workers and communities. Great care must be taken to avoid unsafe exposure in recycling operations and leakage of material such as heavy metals from landfills and incinerator ashes.
Some electronic scrap components, such as CRTs (Cathode Ray Tube), contain contaminants such as lead, cadmium, beryllium and mercury. This is why it is extremely important that electronic producers become more aware of the impact of their product on the environment, and to become more involved in researching alternative ways and materials to make their product.
Chores Made Green
When washing our dishes, we always use degreasers that help the process and make it quick and efficient, especially when tackling stubborn grease. However, many chemicals used in those products are harmful to us and to the environment. But never fear; green chemistry is here in the form of chemicals made from plant material, which means they are completely biodegradable so there is no risk of toxic traces being left behind. Moreover, when using those degreasers, there is no need to worry about inhaling dangerous fumes while working.
These degreasers also work more effectively than many chemical-based cleaning solutions, as they use a unique technology known as micro-blasting. It penetrates the grease at a molecular level, breaking it down into very small particles; these are then coated to ensure they do not re-adhere to each other or to the cleaned surface.
Can you imagine doing a load of laundry without soap or detergent? Well, whoever created The Enviro-Friendly Laundry Ball thought certainly, yes! This ball naturally and gently cleans laundry without the use of harsh or allergy causing chemicals. It harnesses the power of water to do all the cleaning. The ball works through ionization, which is breaking down the hydrogen molecules of the water to increase molecular movement. This gives water a high penetration capacity and improves its washing properties. The laundry ball weakens dirt’s adherence to fabric so it is easily removed without detergent; and according to laboratory testing, the bleaching and anti-bacterial abilities are better with the laundry ball.
One never changes one’s lifestyle on a whim; it must be by a conscious decision in order for it to last. One needs to commit to a greener way of life, and consciously make choices that will present as little harm as possible to Mother Nature. “We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children,” is a wise saying; it is indeed imperative to look ahead to preserve the gift that is our home; Earth.
References
euchems.org
gogreenitems.com
eco-green-chemicals.blogspot.com
ezinearticles.com
inspiredeconomist.com
This article was first published in print in the PSC Newsletter, Summer 2011 issue.
Cover image: Image by freepik