Opinions Sustainability Blog WMSBF meeting Sept. 12 to focus on green chemistry
Order Reprints
Follow @MiBiz
Sustainability Blog
By Clinton Boyd, Ph.D. and Deborah Steketee, Ph.D.
While West Michigan puts its eye on the alternative energy prize, there is another innovation advantage that has the potential to redefine our state: green chemistry.
Sometimes known as sustainable chemistry, green chemistry is defined by the EPA as “the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances. At the frontier of science, chemists actively search for alternative formulations and processes that are “benign by design”. Adhering to the 12 Principles first articulated by Paul Anastas, who has come to be known as the “father” of green chemistry, green chemistry deals with sustainability at a molecular level. Its goal is to lead us toward safer chemicals and chemical processes, increased energy efficiency, maximization of atom economy, replacement of non-renewable feedstocks with renewable ones, and other advances.
Governor Jennifer Granholm propelled the State of Michigan's leadership in green chemistry forward with her Executive Directive 2006-6, the "Promotion of Green Chemistry for Sustainable Economic Development and Protection of Public Health." The directive established the Michigan Green Chemistry Program within the Department of Natural Resources and Environment. In September 2008, the Michigan Green Chemistry Program adopted an Action Plan in which one action item specifically calls for the development of a Clearinghouse for green chemistry activities in Michigan.
With launch scheduled for Fall 2011, the Michigan Green Chemistry Clearinghouse features a unique partnership project being funded by the State of Michigan. The project and the Michigan Green Chemistry Program aim to advance the adoption of green chemistry principles in various industrial and commercial sectors and increase the public’s awareness of its benefits throughout the state.
Project partners include the Center for Sustainability at Aquinas College, Sustainable Research Group, LLC, Blue Sphere, Inc., Grand Valley State University, the Ecology Center of Ann Arbor and the Great Lakes Green Chemistry Student Network. Hosted by the Center for Sustainability at Aquinas College, the Clearinghouse’s goal is to accelerate green chemistry awareness, innovation and investment in the State of Michigan by creating and enabling an online community of green chemistry advocates that are connected and informed. The Clearinghouse aims to be a dynamic and interactive source of information, resources, databases, learning opportunities and interactive tools for citizens, business and industry professionals, educators, policy makers, entrepreneurs and others.
While C4S provides project leadership, Sustainable Research Group, LLC (SRG) provides technical expertise around content development and outreach relevant to green chemistry policy and the industry sector. SRG also serves as the overall technical director for the project responsible for design, technical content and collaborative functionality. Blue Sphere, Inc., a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner software consulting firm, works on the open-source architecture of the Clearinghouse website, including the programming design and functionality.
Chemistry educators at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) collect and organize green chemistry information and data pertaining to K-12 and higher education, as well as coordinate multi-media outreach efforts in the education community. The Ecology Center is contributing to public outreach and the Great Lakes Green Chemistry Student Network is assisting with education content and outreach.
West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum will host a discussion of the Michigan Green Chemistry Clearinghouse, led by Deb Steketee and Clinton Boyd, at their monthly luncheon meeting on Monday September 12, from 12 noon to 2 p.m., at Aquinas College’s Donnelly Center. Guests are welcome. Cost is $10.00. For reservations and more information visit their website at www.wmsbf.org or contact Lisa Locke at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
For more information on the Michigan Green Chemistry Clearinghouse or to become part of the green chemistry community, visit www.migreenchemistry.org or contact Clinton Boyd, Ph.D., Technical Director, at 616-301-1059 or Deborah Steketee, Ph.D. at 616-632-2930.