Modernizing the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry: It's Time

Abstract

This Perspective takes a look back at what the original 12 Principles was envisioned to be, where they are after over a quarter of a century rela:ve to the original vision put forth by Anastas & Warner, and what changes are needed to make them a more demanding call to action, given the events that have taken place in the world since their appearance in 1998. Green Foundation How does your work advance the field of green chemistry? The 12 Principles of Green Chemistry were introduced in 1998, and while these Principles continue to guide the field of green chemistry, this Perspective suggests that it is time to acknowledge the significant changes that have occurred over the past 25+ years. Hence, it seems timely to update or "modernize" them to better reflect the current global situation.Please can you describe your specific green chemistry achievement, either quantitavely or qualitatively? The proposed updating reflects the current status of green chemistry; it is not yet what the founders, Anastas & Warner, envisioned it to be, as of today. The proposal, therefore, is that the original Principles, insofar as content, be revised, mainly in that they become the call to action, given the existential challenges that are facing mankind today. How could your work be made greener and be elevated by further research? The furthering of these modernized 12 Principles may not go far enough. In other words, feedback from the Editor, Associate Editors, referees, and the chemical community at large is anticipated, and may demand further revisions, presumably making the proposed changes even more "demanding" (e.g., timely). What is clear, however, is that these concepts, as outlined in both the original Principles and these modernized Principles, occupy a "front and center" position, especially by those who are designing chemistry at scale for the future.