Where Safety Meets Sustainability: Chemistry at Its Core, Episode 3

“Sustainability” has become quite the buzzword, but what does it mean in the world of chemistry? In this episode of Chain Reaction, we explore ACS’ core value of sustainability through two conversations that reveal how chemistry can help solve some of society’s biggest challenges while keeping people and the planet safe. First, we hear from Amy Cannon, co-founder and executive director of Beyond Benign and the recipient of the first degree in green chemistry. Amy shares her unexpected path into the field, how she helped launch one of the world’s first green chemistry educational programs, and why educating future scientists is essential for building a more sustainable world. Next, we talk with Mary Beth Mulcahy, scientist at Sandia National Laboratories and editor-in-chief of ACS Chemical Health & Safety. Drawing from her own experience surviving a serious laboratory accident, Mary Beth explains why safety is a critical component of sustainability. From managing risk to designing systems that account for error, she highlights the often-overlooked human side of scientific work. Related episodes you may enjoy:  The Soil and Superfund Sites Beneath Us It’s a Watery World Transcripts and episode sources at acs.org/chainreaction