A Roadmap for Advancing Green Chemistry in Washington State
8/28/2012
The Story
Submitted by Ken Zarker, Manager, Pollution Prevention and Regulatory Assistance
In 2011, leaders from Washington State businesses, universities, nonprofit organizations and government joined together to develop a joint strategy to promote safer chemicals and products through green chemistry. The result is a new draft report, A Roadmap for Advancing Green Chemistry in Washington State.
"We are interested in engaging educators to help advance green chemistry education," stated Ken Zarker, Pollution Prevention Manager. "Education is a key strategy for success in Washington State."
What is Green Chemistry?
Green chemistry is often referred to as the process to design, manufacture and use chemical products that eliminate or reduce chemical hazards. The goal of green chemistry is to create better, safer chemicals while choosing the safest, most efficient ways to make them and to reduce wastes. Green chemistry is a priority of Ecology’s Reducing Toxic Threats initiative and a near term action item in the Puget Sound Partnership Action Agenda.
What is the Green Chemistry Roadmap?
In 2011, the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) initiated the development of a green chemistry roadmap project in partnership with business, educators, government, other states, and nongovernmental organizations. To assist in this effort, Ecology worked in partnership with Washington State University (WSU) to conduct research into the current status of green chemistry efforts in Washington that culminated in a Green Chemistry Roundtable meeting, which attracted over 150 attendees in May 2011.
The results from the WSU research and Green Chemistry Roundtable are the basis for the Washington State Green Chemistry Roadmap. The roadmap recommends actions Washington State should undertake over the next three biennia to support the opportunity advancing and sustaining green chemistry in Washington.
- Phase One (2011 - 2013) – Creating Awareness & Capacity
- Phase Two (2013 – 2015) – Building the Green Chemistry Program
- Phase Three (2015-2017)– Sustaining the Program
What are the Green Chemistry Roadmap recommendations?
The roadmap outlines seven key recommendations with specific actions designed to accelerate the adoption of green chemistry in Washington State. The following are the recommendations:
- Fund research and establish a Washington State Green Chemistry Center
- Enhance Research and Education Opportunities
- Promote Safer Chemicals and Product Innovation
- Accelerate Economic Development & Workforce Training
- Consider Green Chemistry Policy Options
- Establish a Green Nanotechnology Partnership
- Provide Green Chemistry Program Support
Ecology is seeking comments on the draft Green Chemistry roadmap from interested stakeholders by September 30, 2012. The report outlines a “roadmap” to help position the state for increased awareness and capacity for green chemistry over the next five to seven years.
How do I submit comments?
Send Email comments to ken.zarker@ecy.wa.gov by September 30, 2012.
How can I get involved with green chemistry?
Please send your contact information to ken.zarker@ecy.wa.gov to be added to the mailing list for future events.