Green Chemistry

Question 1

List four things in which the chemical industry can be be made more sustainable.

Answer 1

Use renewable raw materials.
Use renewable energy sources.
Ensure all the chemicals involved are as non toxic as possible.
Make sure that products and waste are biodegradable or recyclable.

Question 2

What are some unwanted knock on effects of greener chemistry?

Answer 2

Growing crops for biodiesel means less land is available to grow food, so food gets more expensive.
Large biofuel companies might buy up the most fertile land, leaving small farmers poorer crop yields.
Land to grow biofuels often comes from clearing forests- removing trees mean less CO2 is absorbed in photosynthesis, so more stays in the atmosphere.
Destroying habitats reduces biodiversity and could cause soil degradation.

Question 3

Give an example of a successful ‘green chemistry’ global treaty.

Answer 3

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

Question 4

Give two examples of renewable energy sources.

Answer 4

Plant based fuels

Solar power

Question 5

Outline ways in which waste polymers are processed usefully.

Answer 5

separation into types and recycling
combustion for energy generation
used for cracking