As a student in the University of Oregon's new Green Organic Lab , Hayes is part of a global movement to clean up organic chemistry - a science responsible for materials and products we use every day. The lab focuses on reducing or eliminating hazardous materials in organic chemistry. The products we create with organic chemistry are everywhere and have great advantages to society.
Organic chemistry is used to develop and manufacture everything from plastics to life-saving drugs.
Unfortunately, the production of such products often involves toxic chemicals that require sophisticated disposal methods and expose workers to hazard. As the impact of these processes on public health and the environment become apparent, chemists in industry and academia are looking for ways to reduce the hazard and maintain a lifestyle most of us are unwilling to give up. Organic chemistry lab, a staple of chemistry programs across the country, is a good place to start cleaning up. Traditional organic labs used large quantities of toxic chemicals and solvents to perform reactions, exposing students and the environment. Green chemistry methods seek to reduce the potential for hazard by finding creative ways to minimize the human and environmental impact without stifling scientific progress.