The Twelve Principles of Green Chemistry were proposed by Paul Anastas and John Warner in their book Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice (1998).

(Note: The wording of each Principle below has been simplified from the original source, but maintains the original intent.)

1.    Prevent waste

2.    Design safer chemicals and products

3.    Design less hazardous chemical syntheses

4.    Use renewable feedstocks 

5.    Use catalysts, not stoichiometric reagents

6.    Avoid chemical derivatives

7.    Maximize atom economy

8.    Use safer solvents and reaction conditions

9.    Increase energy efficiency

10.  Design chemicals and products to degrade after use

11.  Analyze in real time to prevent pollution

12.  Minimize the potential for accidents

Source (Adpated from the original): Paul T. Anastas and John C. Warner (1998) Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice; Oxford University Press

Click here to view a series of 14 videos covering in detail the principles of green chemistry. Presented by Dr. David Constable and Dr. Richard Williams, these videos spend about 20 minutes on each principle, and were recorded during the 2013 Green Chemistry & Engineering Student Workshop.

Handy Pocket Guides

The American Society of Chemists (ASC) has produced two different versions of a handy two-sided pocket guide. One guide is best for scientists, science students, and professors. The front lists the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry, and the back lists the definition of Green Chemistry as well as other descriptions. The second is designed for the “general public,” though both are well-written and understandable. Click here to visit the download page.