As the natural resources are used up in the world, chemists and biotechnologists are being asked to come up with innovative ways in which renewable resources can be used to replace nonrenewable ones. But there will continue to be a demand for some non-renewable resources. If we wish to make materials that use less resources today, we should try to minimize the amount of raw material that is incorporated in the object. As new materials are developed, new standards must be made to ensure fitness for the purpose of these materials. Analytical chemistry provides the means for ensuring that the material should meet the purpose for which it is designed. For this, green chemistry principles must be applied to the resources industry and raw material use. The concept of green chemistry though widespread in developed countries like US, needs to be implemented in India with a wider vision.

Green chemistry

Green chemistry, an approach to the synthesis, processing and use of chemicals that reduce risks to humans and the environment, covers the following areas:

•  Application of innovative technology to established industrial processes.
•  Development of environmentally improved routes to important products.
•  Design of new green chemicals and materials.
•  Use of sustainable resources.
•  Use of biotechnology alternatives.
•  Methodologies and tools for evaluating environmental impact.

Green chemistry in India

The green chemistry wave has reached our country too. We need to work for its betterment by encouraging the practices of green chemistry. Collaborations between industrial and academic partners are important to expedite the transfer of significant green products to the marketplace. For such collaborations to be successful, individuals in these two differently motivated cultures need to work together to advance green science. Governments could undoubtedly facilitate formation of more effective industrial/academic partnerships. Under an agreement with the Green Chemical Institute, University of Delhi has been accepted as an international chapter.