Green Chemistry

While phasing out and getting rid of toxins and pollutants in our environment is very important, research and formulation of safe alternatives is also necessary. This is where green chemistry comes in. I actually first heard about green chemistry when I was looking for a topic to write about for my literature review. I came across an article on mussels, specifically their byssal threads which they use to attach themselves to rocks and other mussels, and their implications for green chemistry and synthesizing polymers and adhesives. 

I think the 12 principles of green chemistry are great because they focus on using renewable sources to synthesize chemicals that are not toxic to humans or the environment, do not accumulate in the environment, and minimizes waste. It basically is everything current industry is not. Reading the 12 principles, I am reminded of the precautionary principle. This is how we ought to do research and create chemicals, with safety and health of both humans and the environment as a forethought not afterthought. After watching the video on the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, I was amazed. I was mostly amazed that it is known that plastics persist and do not degrade and thus accumulate, this had to have been known when plastic was first created. Where did scientists and industry think all the plastics would end up? Was that ever discussed as a pitfall?