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Chemicals and Toxic Substances
This section provides links that promote sustainable chemistry, as well as the safe use, handling and disposal of harmful chemicals and toxic substances. The following resources are provided:
Innovative Programs and Policies
Tools and Guidelines
Databases and Case Studies
Newsletters, Publication Collections and Reports of Interest
International Organization and Government Web sites
Streamlining management and materials use is one of the most effective ways of reducing hazardous chemicals and increasing worker safety. Responsible Care® for the chemical industry was first conceived in 1995 in Canada. Participating companies decrease effluent and increase worker safety by implementing best management practices; undergoing third-party certification; tracking environmental, health, safety and security indicators; and continuously improving performance. The American Chemistry Council (ACC) joined this global initiative in 1988 and is now one of the 48 member countries. Participation in Responsible Care® is mandatory for all members of the ACC and together they have reduced emissions to the air, land, and water by 66% and established a worker safety record that is four times better than the average of the U.S. manufacturing sector. Responsible Care® companies have also committed to lowering greenhouse gas emissions 18% by 2012, with 1990 as the base-year.
For instance, in 2002, Dow Corning® completed its goal of establishing Responsible Care® "practice-in-place" at all of its 40-plus manufacturing and service centers, and it did so one year ahead of time. The company has also announced that it will provide environment, health, and safety (EH&S) and analytical testing services to any interested companies. Services include toxicology, environmental, and chemistry testing and consulting; chemical and product inventory registration assistance; product compliance reviews; and material safety data sheet development.
For more information, see:
Responsible Care® - U.S. http://www.responsiblecare-us.com 
Responsible Care® Status Report 2002 (PDF, 68 pp., 6.10MB)
http://www.icca-chem.org/pdf/icca004.pdf
Innovative Programs and Projects
European Union Eco-LabelThis program is a voluntary scheme to encourage businesses to market products and services that are more environmentally friendly. The Eco-label is part of a broader strategy aimed at promoting sustainable consumption and production, and includes detergents, lubricants, cleaning products and appliances.
Lowell Center for Sustainable Production's Chemicals Policy Initiative
This aims to inform and stimulate discussions leading to the implementation of long-term integrated government and industry chemicals management policy at all government levels in the U.S. and abroad. The site contains information, documentation, and analysis of emerging European and international chemicals management policies, such as the new EU regulatory framework for chemicals called REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals). It also has links to key organizations, agencies, and documents.
ReMade Scotland, is an integrated United Kingdom national initiative in collaboration with the main public and private organizations involved in waste aimed at developing and strengthening recyclate material markets in Scotland . The program is supported by the Scottish Executive, the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) and all Local Authorities in Scotland and works with local partners focusing on securing long-term contracts with glass and paper producers to use post-consumer materials. The site has press releases to keep updated on its projects, as well as a schedule of workshops and conferences to discuss new strategies for utilizing post-consumer waste.
Tools and Guidelines
German Guidance for Environmentally Sound Substances
This management guidance was developed under the German Federal Environmental Research Programme. It addresses producers and users of chemical products relevant to water ecosystems. It outlines a systematic procedure for the environmental evaluation of chemical substances and the identification of appropriate risk reduction strategies.
U.S. EPA Green Chemistry Expert System
Allows users to build a green chemical process, design a green chemical, or survey the field of green chemistry, both for new and existing substances. GCES contains the modules: Synthetic Methodology Assessment for Reduction Techniques (SMART), Green Synthetic Reactions, Designing Safer Chemicals, Green Solvents/Reaction Conditions and Green Chemistry References.
U.S. EPA - Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT)
The OPPT promotes community right-to-know objectives, the manufacture, use, management and disposal of chemicals and heavy metals, and chemical testing. This Web site provides resources on international regulatory harmonization and standards.
Green Chemistry: Innovations for a Cleaner World
A series of video clips produced through a cooperative agreement between the American Chemical Society and the U.S. EPA.
Databases and Case Studies
Industrial Pollution, European Solutions: Clean Technologies (EU-LIFE, PDF, 32 pp., 2.95 MB)
LIFE co-finances environmental initiatives in the European Union and bordering countries. This brochure illustrates how ten innovative and publicly oriented projects contributed to the development of clean technologies.
LIFE Projects Database (EU)
The database is the most authoritative and up-to-date source of information about projects which have been completed or are on-going under the three thematic components of the programme: "LIFE-Nature", "LIFE-Environment" and "LIFE-Third countries". The database contains a sizable collection of projects on green chemicals and processes.
Survey of Best Practices in the Regulation of Pesticides in Twelve OECD Countries (OECD, 2001; PDF, 70 pp., 367 KB)
This 2001 report of the OECD Environment Directorate describes the activities carried out by twelve countries on pesticides regulation and identifies the innovative, successful approaches employed to regulate pesticides.
Newsletters, Publication Collections and Reports of Interest
Newsletters
Centre for Green Chemistry Newsletter (Australia)The Centre aims to become a world leader for research , industrial collaboration and teaching in Green Chemistry . It publishes a quarterly newsletter available free of cost on their Web site.
Publication Collections
Green Chemistry Journal (United Kingdom)
The Royal Society of Chemistry publishes Green Chemistry , a journal that provides research papers, communications and reviews at the cutting edge of Green Chemistry. The international Green News and Views section is available to download free of charge.
International Green and Sustainable Chemistry Conference Papers (March, 2003)
The first international conference on Green and Sustainable Chemistry was held in Tokyo in March of 2003. The Tokyo Statement and papers from international experts (from academia and industry) are available in the Special Issue of Green Chemistry (Volume 5, Issue 5).
Lowell Center for Sustainable Production's Chemicals Policy Reports
The Center's Chemicals Policy Initiative aims to inform and stimulate discussions leading to the implementation of long-term integrated government and industry chemicals management policy at all government levels in the U.S. and abroad.
United Nations Chemicals Program Publications
The United Nations Environment Programme provides publications, newsletters and reports of the UN Chemicals Program.
Reports of Interest
OECD Risk Management Program Sustainable Chemistry Workshop Proceedings (OECD, 1998)
In 1998, OECD Member Countries initiated work on a new project to develop environmentally benign chemicals. A workshop held in Venice, Italy, identified effective techniques and activities that further the development and use of sustainable chemistry programs. The proceedings are available in the reports found on this Web site.
Towards a Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides (European Union, 2002; PDF, 40 pp., 310 KB)
This Communication is one of seven thematic strategies for priority environmental problems. The Communication contains a detailed description of the current situation regarding pesticides and related areas, both at Community and Member level, and identifies and analyses a number of objectives and possible solutions.
White Paper on the Strategy for a Future Chemicals Policy (European Union, 2001; PDF, 32 pp., 165 KB)
In February, 2001, the European Commission adopted this white paper policy. The main objective is to ensure a high level of protection for human and environmental health, the efficient functioning of the internal market, and the stimulation of innovation and competitiveness in the chemical industry.
International Organizations and Government Web sites
Centre for Green Chemistry of the Australia Research CouncilThe Centre aims to become a world leader for research , industrial collaboration and teaching in the field of Green Chemistry and to enhance the international competitiveness of Australian industry. This Web site provides information on research projects conducted by the Centre as well as other resources related to green chemistry.
European Co-operation in the Field of Scientific and Technical Research - COST and Green Chemistry
Founded in 1971, COST is an intergovernmental framework, coordinating nationally funded research in Europe. This Web site provides information on COST's chemistry actions. In particular, Sustainable/Green Chemistry and Chemical Technology (D29) is a 2002-07 project on hazardous chemical prevention through innovation.
European Environment Agency's Chemicals Web site
The EEA provides European decision-makers with the information to make policies that protect the environment and support sustainable development. The chemicals area of this Web site provides information on European chemicals activities, indicators and data.
European Union's Chemicals Web site
The EU has developed environmental legislation dealing with dangerous chemicals. This legislation and other information regarding EU strategies on chemicals can be found on this Web site.
Green and Sustainable Chemistry Network (Japan)
Launched in 2000, the GSCN is operated by the Japan Chemical Innovation Institute. It promotes research and development in this field by promoting collaboration through international activities, information exchange, communication, education and relevant proposals to funding agencies.
Green Chemistry Institute (American Chemical Society)
The ACS-GCI promotes national and international government-industry collaboration with universities and national laboratories. The Web site provides links to international affiliates, research, and resources for governments, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.
Green Chemistry Network (United Kingdom)
The GCN promotes awareness and facilitates education, training and the practice of Green Chemistry. It also helps companies and chemists by sharing best practices, promoting green technology transfers and economic feasibility data.
- See also the affiliated Green Chemistry Research Network
OECD Chemicals Program
The database assists Member Countries' efforts to protect human and environmental health by improving chemical safety; making chemical control policies more transparent and efficient; conserving resources for government and industry; and preventing unnecessary distortions in the trade of chemicals and chemical products. This Web site provides information, reports and guidelines on the program.
Royal Society of Chemistry (United Kingdom)
The RSC is the largest organization in Europe for advancing the chemical sciences. Supported by a network of 45,000 members worldwide and a publishing business, RSC activities span education and training, conferences and science policy, and the promotion of the chemical sciences to the public. This Web site provides information on RSC's activities, events, and links to other resources, such as the Green Chemistry Journal .
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
The 2001 Stockholm Convention, of which the U.S. is a signatory, is a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from POPs. This Web site provides guidance from the Convention as well as information on meetings, implementation and background of the Convention.
United Nations Chemicals Program
This Web site is the homepage for the United Nations Environment Programme's Chemicals Program with links to specific chemicals issues, such as POPs and lead.