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 California is the first state in the nation to pass a comprehensive "Green Chemistry" Initiative. Green Chemistry is a systematic scientific and engineering approach that seeks to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals and the generation of toxic wastes by changing how society designs, manufactures, and uses chemicals in processes and products. Rather than managing wastes after end-of-product life (or "cradle to grave"), Green Chemistry shifts our focus to designing chemicals, processes, and goods that have less or no adverse effects-throughout their lifecycle ("cradle to cradle") — on California's people and environment.
Maureen Gorsen, former Director of California's Department of Toxic Substance Control, said
"As a state, the most important thing we can do is give all our children the chance to fulfill their dreams, achieve their potential, and work together in productive and sustainable jobs and communities."
The six recommendations in the 2008 final Green Chemistry Report  reflect this obligation. The report sets forth the roadmap for achieving these principles. The report's policy recommendations are summarized below:
- Expand Pollution Prevention and product stewardship programs to more business sectors to refocus additional resources on prevention rather than clean up.
- Develop Green Chemistry Workforce Education and Training, Research and Development and Technology Transfer through new and existing educational programs and partnerships.
- Create an Online Product Ingredient Network to disclose chemical ingredients for products sold in California, while protecting trade secrets.
- Create an Online Toxics Clearinghouse, an online database of chemical toxicity and hazards populated with the guidance of a Green Ribbon Science Panel to help prioritize chemicals of concern and data needs.
- Accelerate the Quest for Safer Products, creating a systematic, science-based process to evaluate chemicals of concern and alternatives to ensure product safety and reduce or eliminate the need for chemical-by-chemical bans.
- Move Toward a Cradle-to-Cradle Economy to leverage market forces to produce products that are
"benign-by-design" in part by establishing a California Green Products Registry to develop green metrics and tools (e.g., environmental footprint calculators, sustainability indices) for a range of consumer products and encourage their use by businesses.
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Policy & Legislation
12 Principles of Green Chemistry