In 1991, the term ‘‘green chemistry’’ was first used by Anastas [2] in a special program launched by the US Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA).
In a nutshell, green chemistry is an approach to synthesis, processing and use of chemicals that reduces risks to humans and to the environment as a whole.
It also gives new tools that permit aspiring chemists to perform chemistry in a more environmentally benign manner [3].
The design of environmental friendly products and processes may be guided by the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry [4].
The principles are similar to the code of Hippocrates (i.e. Primum non nocere – ‘‘First, do no harm’’), applied to both humans and the environment.