Green Chemistry

Practicing Green Chemistry – Eco Friendly Cleaning Solutions

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 

environmentalists

5 Famous Environmentalists

What 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 

 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

 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 

 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  

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). 

  • Aldo Leopold 

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!  

Green chemistry

Understanding the History of Green Chemistry

Are 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: 

  • 1990: The Pollution Prevention Act, which stated that national policies in the United States should focus on preventing pollution rather than mitigating existing pollution, was passed.  
  • 1995: President Bill Clinton aided the EPA in creating an annual awards ceremony, the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards, which honored scientific advances that bolstered the green chemistry movement.  
  • 1997: The nonprofit Green Chemistry Institute (GCI) was co-founded by Dr. Joe Breen and Dr. Dennis Hjeresen.  
  • 1998: Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice, which outlined the now well-known 12 Principles of Green Chemistry, was published. 

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!   

water treatment chemicals

Basic Water Treatment Chemicals

Treating water with chemicals is a necessary process for drinking and industrial purposes, that helps to protect the water from contamination, whether from disease-causing germs or hazardous substances. There are many basic water treatment chemicals that are used in treatment processes.

water treatment chemicals

Water treatment methods can use four different processes, which are: 

  • Boiler water treatment 
  • Cooling water treatment 
  • Purification of water 
  • Treatment of wastewater 

Some examples of types or qualities of water treatment chemicals include: 

  • Corrosion and scale inhibitors: 
    • These chemicals are added for the purpose of preventing scale formation, such as calcium carbonate, and corrosion in boilers, washing machines, or any equipment that involves water and has the potential of forming scale deposits.  
    • Some examples of corrosion inhibitor chemicals include phosphate esters or organic phosphonates.  
  • Oxidants: 
    • Oxidants are added to reduce chemical oxygen demand (COD) levels and to remove oxidizable organic/inorganic substances.  
    • Some examples of oxidants used are hydrogen peroxide and ozone.  
  • Oxygen scavengers:  
    • These scavengers are added for the purpose of absorbing oxygen molecules to prevent oxidation reactions from occurring, which can lead to the formation of toxic or undesired byproducts. 
    • Some examples of oxygen scavengers include carbohydrazide or hydroquinone.  
  • Coagulants: 
    • These chemicals are added to wastewater to collect slurry or particles that are not settling into large masses, forming a floc. This process is done to remove the solid particles from the water.  
    • Commonly used coagulants include aluminum sulfate, iron (III) chloride, or iron (III) sulfate 
  • Flocculants: 
    • Flocculation is the process that involves slow mixing of the wastewater to ensure the growth of the floc, improve the filtration and efficiently clean the water.  
    • Common flocculants added for water treatment include activated silica and polyacrylamide.  
  • Anti-microbial: 
    • These types of chemicals are added because of their ability to eliminate bacteria and parasites, to ensure that water is disinfected and safe to drink.  
    • Examples of anti-microbial chemicals added are chlorine, chlorine dioxide, and hypochlorite. 

Looking for Water Treatment Chemicals?

Looking for an eco-friendly reliable water treatment product to satisfy your industrial or business needs? You can begin shopping for products here, or you can contact the specialized staff here to find the best product for you! 

touchless truck wash soap

The Benefits of Touchless Truck & Trailer

Are you looking for a touchless truck wash soap? If so, check out Touchless Truck & Trailer. Touchless Truck & Trailer is a system of two industrial alkaline cleaning solutions that primarily consist of 2-butoxyethanol, n,n-bis(carboxymethyl)-glycine/trisodium salt, disodium oxosilanediolate, a proprietary surfactant blend (all 1%-5% by weight), and oligomeric D-glucopyranose (0.1%-1% by weight). They are formulated to cleanse trucks, trailers, and other metal surfaces.  

The first solution, Touchless T&T, can expel magnetic road film, bugs, and other types of dirt and grime from trucks, tractors, trailers, RVs, mobile homes, and buildings. It can safely be applied to polished aluminum and painted surfaces. The second solution, T&D Degreaser, eliminates grease and oil from trucks, engines, trailers, whitewall tires, vinyl surfaces, and stainless-steel surfaces. It can also be used as a pre-cleaning spray.  

How Do I Use Touchless Truck Wash Soap? 

To use Touchless T&T, first dilute the solution to a 1:20 concentration. If using a pressure washer, it should be applied to the surface from bottom to top, then rinsed from top to bottom. The surface should be dry before Touchless T&T is applied.  

To use T&D Degreaser, dilute the solution to a concentration of 1 to 5 parts cleaner to 10 parts water. However, when being applied to heavily soiled surfaces as a cleaning spray, it can be used without dilution.  Just like Touchless T&T, it should be applied from bottom to top, then rinsed from top to bottom. Neither cleaning solution should be permitted to dry on the given surface before rinsing.  

Why Should I Buy Touchless Truck & Trailer?  

Are you wondering why you should buy Touchless Truck & Trailer instead of a different truck cleaning solution? Well, Touchless Truck & Trailer provides these excellent benefits: 

  • Nonflammable 
  • Industrial strength 
  • Safe to use with hot water or cold water 

Where Can I Find Touchless Truck Wash Soap?  

Touchless Truck & Trailer can be purchased from Tidal Washers, a division of Ecolink, Inc. Tidal Washers offers a wide variety of industrial-grade cleaning solutions that won’t break the bank. Like Ecolink, Tidal Washers prioritizes the use of eco-friendly ingredients in all of our products, making them safer for workers and the environment. In addition to our pre-made solutions, we also create customized chemical solutions for those in need of highly specialized products.  

If you would like to purchase Touchless Truck & Trailer, contact Tidal Washers today by filling out our contact form or calling 800-563-1305!