The push for companies to use eco-friendly products has reached manufacturers of industrial cleaning solutions and the businesses that use them, as it has been revealed that many industrial cleaning and degreasing solvents are harmful to both people and to the environment. Carbon footprint-conscious companies, such as Ecolink, are aiding industrial companies practice the art of green chemistry, which involves transitioning to eco-friendly cleaning solutions.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions in Green Chemistry
Why is using eco-friendly chemicals part of green chemistry? As it turns out, several of the 12 principles of green chemistry are related to the specific types of chemicals that are utilized to perform chemical reactions. A few of these principles are:
- Designing Safer Chemicals
Designing safer chemicals emphasizes the use of chemical solutions that are as nontoxic as possible while still being efficacious. Nontoxic or low-toxicity chemicals generally do not pose a large threat to wildlife, and thus are eco-friendly.
- Safer Solvents and Auxiliaries
According to this principle, the use of auxiliary chemicals such as solvents should be avoided. However, when they must be used, they should be as safe as possible. This is an important principle because solvents account for 50-80% of the mass of a standard batch chemical process; thus, their potential impact on the environment is significant. Therefore, when a large amount of solvent must be utilized, choosing environmentally friendly options will certainly benefit the planet.
- Use of Renewable Feedstocks
Finally, principle #7 of the 12 principles of green chemistry is the use of renewable feedstocks, which states that renewable feedstocks should be prioritized over non-renewable ones. “Feedstocks” can encompass a number of chemistry aspects, including the type of energy that is used, the material that storage containers are made out of, and- of course- the chemicals themselves. Renewable chemicals reduce the amount of chemical waste, which has the potential to harm the environment depending on how the waste is disposed of. Hence, this is another principle for which using eco-friendly chemicals is vital.
Shop Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions at Ecolink
Why use harmful chemical agents when you do not have to? Allow our team at Ecolink to help your industrial business switch to an eco-friendly cleaning solution that will clean and degrease components better than your current product while being less harmful to the planet.
By completing a comprehensive review of your chemical usage, Ecolink will find ways to improve your cleaner’s performance while saving money and reducing chemical waste. All of these factors contribute to a better work environment for both employees and the planet.
To learn more about how green chemistry practices can benefit your business, contact Ecolink today at 800-563-1305 or email us here!
Finding Greener Chemicals: A Practical Guide
/in Green Chemistry/by HannahThe color green is sometimes associated with unflattering qualities, such as envy or greed. However, thanks to the green movement, it is now often related to the environment- specifically, protecting the environment and making it safer for both humans and wildlife. Organizations that work with industrial chemicals can support this outlook by replacing toxic solvents with greener chemicals that are better for the environment.
The Role of Green Chemistry
Helping the environment by using greener chemicals is made possible by green chemistry, a relatively new branch of the centuries-old science. Green chemistry is defined as the use of chemicals and chemistry practices that diminish the usage and disposal of environmentally hazardous substances.
Green chemicals have flooded the industrial chemical market with products that are safer than the solutions they are designed to replace. But some of these green solvents offer more safety- or are more efficacious- than others. Therefore, companies should carefully choose green chemicals that meet both their productivity and safety needs.
Finding Greener Chemicals
For organizations interested in finding greener chemicals, step one is shopping at a chemical manufacturer that specializes in green chemistry and offers a wide selection of products. Once the manufacturer has been chosen, chemical replacements can be selected. Some valuable factors to look for in green chemicals are:
These are just a few of the characteristics that environmentally safe chemicals may possess. While they are sometimes present in-stock solutions, custom solutions can also be formulated to provide these excellent safety features as well as high efficacy.
Looking for Greener Chemicals?
Whether you’re committed to finding greener chemicals because the EPA is regulating a solvent you use or because you simply want to increase workplace safety, we’re here to help! At Ecolink, we emphasize the use of green chemicals to decrease the environmental impact of industrial solvent operations. Our goal is to supply the safest products possible without sacrificing strength and efficiency.
In addition to stock solutions, we offer toll blending for customers who are looking for unique green chemical products. We will work with you to create the perfect solvent for your needs.
To learn more about finding greener chemicals, please call us at 800-563-1305 or send us a message through our contact form. We look forward to providing you with an array of effective green chemical options that are safer than the toxic solvents they replace!
Process of Chemical Treatment of Wastewater
/in Ecolink News/by Industrial DegreasersWastewater chemical treatment is a necessary process that is done to remove contaminants and solids from the water, in order to ensure purification so that it is deemed safe for humans and the environment.
Though there are different types of treatments for wastewater, chemical treatment is usually an additional process involving addition of specific chemicals for various purposes, including:
Neutralization:
This step involves the addition of either an acid (for lowering pH) or an alkali (for raising pH), depending on the pH of the wastewater. Sodium hydroxide and sulfuric acid are chemicals that are commonly utilized for this step.
Precipitation (Coagulation and Flocculation):
This part of the treatment is extremely important and involves adding coagulants and flocculants to create a floc, or large clusters of solid particles, that can later be removed from the water by filtration. Coagulation is the process of destabilizing negatively charged particles by introducing positively charged chemicals, which will allow for the solid particles to form into large groups. After this step, flocculation is performed in order to further ensure the growth and accumulation of the floc. Commonly used coagulants are iron (III) sulfate and aluminum sulfate, which can also simultaneously act as a flocculant.
Oxidation:
This step involves the addition of an oxidizing agent to reduce the chemical oxygen demand levels of the water and remove organic and oxidizable inorganic particles. Hydrogen peroxide and ozone are commonly used oxidizing agents.
Ion Exchange:
This important step is done to soften hard water, which can result in scale formation or residue. Positively charged sodium ions, usually from sodium chloride, are added to the water to exchange spots with calcium and magnesium, which are the ions responsible for water hardening.
Disinfection:
This step is meant to purify the water by killing any bacteria or pathogens. Chlorine is commonly added to kill bacteria and viruses, ensuring complete disinfection of the water.
Looking for Wastewater Chemical Treatment Solutions?
Looking for an environmentally preferred water treatment product to satisfy your industrial or business needs? You can begin shopping for products here, or you can contact our experts here to find the best product for you!
Practicing Green Chemistry – Eco Friendly Cleaning Solutions
/in Green Chemistry/by HannahThe push for companies to use eco-friendly products has reached manufacturers of industrial cleaning solutions and the businesses that use them, as it has been revealed that many industrial cleaning and degreasing solvents are harmful to both people and to the environment. Carbon footprint-conscious companies, such as Ecolink, are aiding industrial companies practice the art of green chemistry, which involves transitioning to eco-friendly cleaning solutions.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions in Green Chemistry
Why is using eco-friendly chemicals part of green chemistry? As it turns out, several of the 12 principles of green chemistry are related to the specific types of chemicals that are utilized to perform chemical reactions. A few of these principles are:
Designing safer chemicals emphasizes the use of chemical solutions that are as nontoxic as possible while still being efficacious. Nontoxic or low-toxicity chemicals generally do not pose a large threat to wildlife, and thus are eco-friendly.
According to this principle, the use of auxiliary chemicals such as solvents should be avoided. However, when they must be used, they should be as safe as possible. This is an important principle because solvents account for 50-80% of the mass of a standard batch chemical process; thus, their potential impact on the environment is significant. Therefore, when a large amount of solvent must be utilized, choosing environmentally friendly options will certainly benefit the planet.
Finally, principle #7 of the 12 principles of green chemistry is the use of renewable feedstocks, which states that renewable feedstocks should be prioritized over non-renewable ones. “Feedstocks” can encompass a number of chemistry aspects, including the type of energy that is used, the material that storage containers are made out of, and- of course- the chemicals themselves. Renewable chemicals reduce the amount of chemical waste, which has the potential to harm the environment depending on how the waste is disposed of. Hence, this is another principle for which using eco-friendly chemicals is vital.
Shop Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions at Ecolink
Why use harmful chemical agents when you do not have to? Allow our team at Ecolink to help your industrial business switch to an eco-friendly cleaning solution that will clean and degrease components better than your current product while being less harmful to the planet.
By completing a comprehensive review of your chemical usage, Ecolink will find ways to improve your cleaner’s performance while saving money and reducing chemical waste. All of these factors contribute to a better work environment for both employees and the planet.
To learn more about how green chemistry practices can benefit your business, contact Ecolink today at 800-563-1305 or email us here!
5 Famous Environmentalists
/in Ecolink Community/by Industrial DegreasersWhat are Environmentalists?
Environmentalists are individuals who devote time and effort to protecting the environment. These individuals come from different backgrounds and yet have a common goal or belief. The commitments made by environmentalists address several issues in the environment. Whether it is climate change, preservation, or restoration, each environmentalist has made a positive, influential change in the environment that is worth discussing.
John Muir is a famous environmentalist, naturalist, and conservationist who advocated for nature in many ways. Muir had a way with words that inspired others. His many writings broadcasted nature, it inspired those around them and provided a new perspective on nature itself. Due to Muir’s love for nature, several national parks have been established.
Jane Goodall is best known for spending years exploring social interactions with chimpanzees. Her exploration provided new perspectives and corrected previous insights about the species, noting that they are knowledgable and sociable. Goodall has been a very influential individual and is commonly known when it comes to being an environmentalist.
Alexander von Humboldt is considered the Father of Environmentalism. Humboldt was intrigued by his surroundings and discovered ideas that were considered radical at the time. Humboldt wrote his discoveries from traveling and seeing different species around the globe that would go on to interpret nature for what it is and inspire creative thinkers and curious minds.
Wangari Maathai is the first African American woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize. Maathai was a professor and activist who fought for social, environmental, and political change. Additionally, she is known for the Green Belt Movement, which planted millions of trees as a solution for women in Kenya’s needs (i.e., food, water, convenience, and reliability).
Like many individuals on this list. Aldo Leopold was more than just an Environmentalist and falls into many categories due to his acts and accomplishments. Some consider Leopold the Father of wildlife ecology and he is best known for his text, A Sand County Almanac.
These individuals have left a true imprint on the world today. Their accomplishments and accompanying text have inspired many.
Why Ecolink?
Ecolink has made the commitment to provide green chemicals for years now! Our commitment not only benefits the current generation but those to come as well! Contact our Ecolink team today to make buy eco-friendly chemicals!
Understanding the History of Green Chemistry
/in Ecolink News/by HannahAre you curious about how the branch of chemistry known as green chemistry originated? This blog post will provide insight into the history of green chemistry, allowing you to learn about its inception and follow its progression to the present day.
Green Chemistry: The 1960s-1980s
The initiation of green chemistry can be tracked all the way back to the 1960s when Rachel Carson wrote Silent Spring, a book that discussed the impact of chemicals on the ecosystem. This book was an inspiration to both scientists and the public and served as a forewarning about chemistry’s potential to harm the planet.
In 1970, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)- a federal regulatory agency dedicated to protecting the health of both humans and the environment- was established by President Richard Nixon. The EPA’s first major mandate banned the use of DDT and other chemical pesticides deemed hazardous.
In the 1980s, members of the EPA and the chemical industry began to focus less on chemical clean-up and more on preventing chemical pollution from occurring in the first place. This led to the creation of the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics in 1988.
Green Chemistry: The 1990s
The 1990s was a significant decade for green chemistry. A few of the important events that occurred during these years were:
Green Chemistry: Today
Today, many successful companies whose products are based on the application of green chemistry and engineering have been established. Consumers can now find numerous eco-friendly chemicals, materials, and other industrial products on the market. Essentially every type of business now has a means to significantly reduce its carbon footprint.
However, the green chemistry movement is still in its beginnings. One way that companies can help to support green chemistry is by purchasing their materials, whatever they may be, from manufacturers that emphasize environmental protection in their products and practices.
About Ecolink & Green Initiatives
Ecolink is a trusted supplier of industrial-grade chemicals. We offer a wide range of products that are not only efficacious but also environmentally friendly. If your company has been looking to adopt greener practices or implement some of green chemistry’s principles, we would love to help you. Contact us today by calling 800-563-1305 or filling out our contact form!