DOI
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.9b00354

Summary
In this article authors focus on illustrative examples of why and how green chemistry has successfully been incorporated in the general and organic chemistry curriculum (based on the expertise of the authors), the connection to systems thinking, and the need for chemistry educators to more closely identify the commonalities of systems thinking and green chemistry in developing new curriculum materials.
Modernizing curricula with greener laboratory experiments simultaneously models safer approaches to chemistry and provides a safer environment for novice chemists by minimizing exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Reducing the quantity of hazardous waste produced is an added benefit partnered with less potential for accidents occurring while handling and transporting waste. Overall, educating students in green chemistry enhances their safety skills and prepares them for future careers in academia and industry where an increasing priority is placed on hiring students with “the skills to design and apply safer, more sustainable chemicals, materials, products, and processes”.
The authors quote examples reported at the literature for introducing green Chemistry at General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry Content (Laboratory and Lecture Courses).
Especially for General Chemistry Laboratory Courses, the authors report that there are several resources available for instructors seeking to green their experiments and to introduce students to green chemistry concepts, while maintaining a focus on standard general chemistry concepts and techniques and they quote the relevant bibliography.
Concepts in undergraduate chemistry curriculum have been organized using the Anchoring Concepts Content Map (ACCM), which is a project of the ACS Exams Institute. Examples of connections between general chemistry concepts, articulated at the ACCM “Enduring Understanding” level and green chemistry are given. Green chemistry connections will bring new context to understanding the fundamental core concepts. These extensions of general chemistry concepts could be made in class, homework assignments, or settings such as peer-led team learning.
Many undergraduate chemistry programs have integrated green and sustainable chemistry concepts through the organic chemistry laboratory curriculum. Sixty of these programs have signed on to the Green Chemistry Commitment, a growing community of college and university chemistry departments that are committed to preparing chemists with skills to address the current and future needs of the planet through the design and development of innovative chemical solutions. Furthermore, several green chemistry laboratory manuals are available.
The authors also present fundamental organic chemistry concepts as articulated in the ACCM at the “Enduring Understanding” level and connect these with key ideas in green and sustainable chemistry.

Relevance for Complex Systems Knowledge
This paper reports approaches and methodologies that have been proposed or implemented in order to reimagine higher Education. It mainly deals with system thinking and sustainability.
The authors illustrate how the inclusion of green chemistry in general and organic chemistry courses connects structure and reactivity to a chemical’s impact on the environment and human health. For example, applying green chemistry principles and systems thinking concepts to safety instruction not only teaches students to assess risk for performing a reaction but also extends to sustainability considerations such as feedstocks and waste produced. The study of the life cycle of chemicals connects green metrics and system thinking tools to recognize environmental and societal impacts. Overall, students equipped with the knowledge and ability to apply green and sustainable principles and the ability to make connections through systems thinking will be prepared to contribute to solving today’s sustainability challenges.

Point of Strength
The strength of the publication is the extended report of resources for those teaching general and organic chemistry lecture and laboratory courses with safety being a key contribution of green chemistry to experimentation.