Abstract:
Green chemistry involves designing environmentally benign processes that
either reduce or eliminate the use and production of hazardous substances in the
production of safe chemical products. It aims at minimising waste; eliminating costly
treatments; minimising energy and resource consumption, and yielding safer products.
On this background, it becomes imperative to promote and establish Green chemistry
worldwide, especially in developing countries by incorporating it into school curricula,
thus placing it at its core for sustainable development purposes. While Zimbabwe, a
sub-Saharan country, has made positive strides in key research areas such as the
design of new chemicals, catalysis, solvents, renewable materials, and feedstocks, it still
faces some challenges that inhibit the successful inception of the concept of green
chemistry. An overview that includes educational curriculum, grants and awards,
research, infrastructure, and facilities established to promote green chemistry research
and education; challenges currently being faced in implementing the approaches and
principles in selected universities; the role played by government bodies, and the public
in influencing the criteria to promote the green chemistry concept is given.
