California´s Green Chemistry initiative

Green chemistry is a systematic scientific and engineering approach that seeks to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals and the generation of toxic wastes by changing how society designs, manufactures, and uses chemicals in processes and products. Rather than managing wastes after end-of-product life, green chemistry shifts our focus to designing chemicals, processes, and goods that have less or no adverse effects - throughout their lifecycle ("cradle to cradle") - on people and our environment. This green chemistry approach offers substantial opportunity through better information; innovation and new technology; new high-skill, high-wage jobs; stronger worker and consumer protection; and a cleaner, healthier environment.