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Chemistry labs at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ are using fewer toxic chemicals, less material, and shifting how students learn. ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ’s chancellor and Department of Chemistry chairÌýsigned the Green Chemistry Commitment in 2025. This is a huge step toward integrating green chemistry education into CU campus curriculums and aligning chemistry instruction with the university’s broader Climate Action Plan. Local radio stationÌý highlighting the green chemistry actions taken by the Department of Chemistry and collaborative efforts involving the ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ Green Labs Program.Ìý

The chemistry teaching labs have implemented many sustainable practices:Ìý

• changing experiments to those that use less toxic chemicalsÌý
• collecting, distilling and re-using acetone
• recirculating water when coolingÌý
• micro-scaling chemical usage in titration experiments
• and installing no-touch door handles to reduce glove waste.Ìý

Students are taking notice of these green improvements and eager for more. In a survey of over 1200 students, 89% want to learn more about green chemistry, 73% want more green chemistry in classrooms and 52% would take a dedicated green chemistry course.

With over 5000 students in chemistry classes each semester, these programs become increasingly important to inspiring the next generation of scientists and researchers.

With the signing of the Green Chemistry Commitment, students will have more opportunity to learn about green chemistry and turn interest into action by getting involved with campus sustainability efforts. Asking your chemistry professors about incorporating green chemistry into lectures can help increase momentum, and attending the student-ledÌýEnvironmental board meetings with the Environmental Center is also a great way to get involved. Students can also join the board’sÌý. To learn more about how to get involved emailÌýeboard@colorado.edu. Together, these small actions can create meaningful change and help build a more sustainable future for chemistry education at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ.