Chemistry students are passionate about using their learning to contribute to a sustainable future, but they feel inadequately empowered to make informed green and sustainable choices that are both relevant and practical. We have heard from industry that chemists of tomorrow should be able to innovate sustainable chemical reactions and processes and know where their reagent supply comes from, their cost, and toxicity.
Students and community members believe that chemical corporations that do not put people first are the reason for environmental toxicity and the unaffordable cost of living. Therefore, to bridge this gap between learning, practice, and belief, we need to reimagine chemistry education (UN SDG 4, Quality Education) to train a workforce of chemists that can make green and sustainable decisions. They should be able to design product syntheses that prevent waste (UN SDG 12, Sustainable Consumption and Production) and choose non-hazardous reagents and solvents that put environmental & community health and safety first (UN SDG 3, Good Health & Well Being).
This interdisciplinary and experiential chemical training in economic, social, and environmental sustainability is possible for chemistry students by bringing industry, academic, and community members (UN SDG 17, Partnerships for the Goals) into the classroom for synergistic and holistic learning.