What is Green Chemistry?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) defines green chemistry as “chemicals and chemicals processes designed to reduce or eliminate negative environmental impacts”. MUSC promotes reduction of waste products, pollution prevention, reuse and recycling of chemicals, proper chemical disposal, and choosing less hazardous chemicals to human health and the environment. Choosing green chemical alternatives can save money while reducing environmental and human health impacts. Access the 12 Principles to Green Chemistry for more information about environmental sustainability and safe chemical use.
An easy way to choose a green chemical alternative is to access the Green Chemical Alternative Purchasing Wizard. Please follow the wizard instructions and access the Help Guide for further guidance.
The wizard is managed by Massachusetts Institute of Technology Environmental Health and Safety.
Click here for further information about the MIT Green Chemical Alternative Purchasing Wizard.
Green Chemistry and Sustainability Resources
Database for Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP)
Begin your search for products and services that reduce environmental impact.
Green and Clean in the Clinical SettinG
We support green alternatives to chemicals and ingredients for cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting that may be potentially harmful. Using green alternatives in the clinical setting can protect patients, workers, and visitors. If possible, choose green alternatives to a cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting products to support a safer hospital and minimize exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. In addition to the EPA and MIT resources above, please review the Joint Commission EC News article. It discusses how hospitals can protect patients and workers by using earth-friendly and sustainable products/practices.