Green Chemistry

This refers to environmentally friendly chemicals and processes that result in: reduced waste, elimination of costly end-of-the-pipe treatments, safer products, and reduced use of energy and resources — all improving the competitiveness of chemical manufacturers and their customers.

It includes:
 * Design of alternative synthetic pathways for new or existing chemicals which do not utilize toxic reagents or solvents or do not produce toxic by-products or co-products.
 * Design or redesign of useful chemicals and materials such that they are less toxic to health and the environment or safer with regard to accident potential.

Areas of investigation include: chemical synthesis and catalysis; analysis and detection; separation processes; and reaction mechanisms.

Examples: NSF/EPA Partnership for Environmental Research, Program Guideline, March 12, 1996
 * Use of innovative methods such as catalysis and biocatalysis; photochemistry or biomimetic synthesis; and use of alternative starting materials which are innocuous or renewable.
 * Use of creative reaction conditions, such as using solvents which have a reduced impact on health and the environment or increasing reaction selectivity thus reducing wastes and emissions.

Note there is a lot more on the above source page that might be useful. Or search just NSF.