Cumberlands Department of Chemistry Takes Proactive Approach to Sustainability

University of the Cumberlands’ Department of Chemistry has long promoted green chemistry practices and recently solidified its dedication by signing the Green Chemistry Commitment (GCC)–an initiative by Beyond Benign. The GCC unites educational institutions and organizations under a vision of clean and sustainable chemistry practices. Ultimately, signers aim to make green chemistry the standard approach for chemists and scientists worldwide. 

Dr. Julie Tan, chemistry professor and department chair, has been a strong advocate for green chemistry. Her research focuses on the chemical recycling of polymers. 

“With growing interest in polymers and the need for sustainable solutions, my research explores ways to break down post-consumer plastics,” she explained. “By developing chemical recycling methods, we aim to reduce environmental waste and promote a circular economy.” 

Dr. Tan’s passion motivated her to spearhead various department initiatives, eventually leading to the signing of the GCC.  

“Our department has made significant progress in adopting green chemistry principles,” said Dr. Tan. “We have redesigned our organic chemistry teaching laboratories to use greener reagents and conditions. Additionally, we guide our research students in adopting greener synthesis methods, such as microwave-assisted reactions, which are both energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.”

By signing the Green Chemistry Commitment, Cumberlands’ department of chemistry reaffirms its dedication to:

• Integrating green chemistry throughout lectures and labs.
• Promoting student-led initiatives during the greening process.
• Collaborating with other leaders in the movement.
• Supporting the overarching vision of creating systematic and lasting change in chemistry education. 

“Looking ahead, our department is committed to expanding its green chemistry initiatives,” said Dr. Tan. “We are working to integrate green chemistry more broadly across our curriculum. To support this effort, we are developing a system to document past and present practices aligned with the Twelve Principles of Green Chemistry. This will allow us to track progress, assess our impact, and guide future initiatives..” 

The Twelve Principles of Green Chemistry Dr. Tan references include concepts like waste prevention, atom economy, safer solvents, energy efficiency, and the use of renewable feedstocks. These principles also emphasize the importance of catalysis, designing chemicals that degrade more easily, and real-time pollution prevention. They guide the department in developing safer, more sustainable chemistry practices. 

“By pledging to Beyond Benign’s Green Chemistry Commitment, we are taking a proactive approach to sustainability,” explained Dr. Tan. “Our goal is to continuously improve our practices, embed green chemistry into our teaching and research, and set our goals to become a more sustainable chemistry department.”

Founded in 2007, Beyond Benign is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing green chemistry principles through educational resources and programs. The organization empowers educators, students, and the community to implement more sustainable practices. 

For more information on Beyond Benign and the GCC, visit their website. For more information about Cumberlands’ department of chemistry, visit here.