Dr. Liza Abraham on the Benefits of Green Chemistry in Education and Industry 

From clean water and medicine to personal care products and fertilizers, chemistry is at the core of almost everything we rely on every day. But while advancements in chemistry have led to improved living standards and modern conveniences, some have come at a significant environmental cost. The long-term consequences of these chemical advancements pose a serious threat to global sustainability and biodiversity. 

“I personally believe that it is time to do something, to take some action starting with some small changes,” said Dr. Liza Abraham, associate professor of chemistry, at a recent Gordon faculty forum on November 13. A champion of green chemistry, she’s worked in academia and industry, with the government and with Samaritan’s Purse. Now Abraham is on a mission to help higher education focus on chemistry that is greener and safer, empowering students to create a positive impact on the world. 

Advantages of Green Chemistry 

The chemical industry produces over 70,000 products and employs millions worldwide. And while the potential for good is vast, air and water pollution, contamination, substantial greenhouse gas emissions, depletion of natural resources and the generation of large amounts of waste are all serious consequences. Opposingly, green chemistry seeks to practice chemistry in safer manners for human health and the environment. 

Abraham used her talk to debunk the misconception that green chemistry is more costly and time-consuming. One of the 12 principles of green chemistry is atom economy—maximizing how much of the material used in a chemical process makes it into the final product. Most chemical reactions produce some kind of waste as a byproduct, but what if we could use sustainable materials that produce minimal waste? 

Another principle of green chemistry is the use of renewable feedstocks, which emphasizes sourcing materials from renewable, rather than finite, resources like fossil fuels. This reduces dependency on nonrenewable materials and supports sustainability. By designing chemicals for degradation after use, they break down into nontoxic, environmentally friendly substances. Together, these principles aim to minimize the long-term environmental impact of chemical processes and products. 

“Just imagine if all universities and colleges replaced their traditional chemistry labs with greener and more sustainable chemistry practices. We would be saving a lot of money, improving safety, reducing waste and minimizing energy consumption. By focusing on more efficient and less toxic processes, we could also lower costs associated with raw materials and waste disposal. Moreover, we would be training a generation to foster a mindset for global sustainability, empowering them to create solutions that benefit both people and the planet for future innovation,” said Abraham. 

Sustainable Chemistry Examples 

Another key aspect of green chemistry is addressing toxicity in everyday products—not only for the environment but also for the people who use them. Abraham became personally invested in this mission after noticing that certain skincare products caused her to have rashes and other adverse symptoms. Upon investigating the chemistry behind a commercial antimicrobial hand soap, she discovered that, despite being marketed as “free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates and artificial colors,” the product contained many harmful chemicals. 

Abraham quickly realized that many laboratories, including most university labs, rely on toxic chemicals in their experiments. “There are lots of data gaps in this area. We say we teach students chemistry, but we don’t teach students why chemicals are toxic.” She emphasized the importance of understanding not just the chemicals themselves, but also their purpose and design in an experiment. Abraham believes there’s a need for deeper understandings of chemical safety beyond just the technicalities of chemical reactions. 

Abraham’s classes at Gordon focus on finding alternative reactions and green chemicals to achieve sustainable outcomes. For example, traditional surfactants used in hand soaps, like the one Abraham first noticed, are often synthetic and can be harmful to the environment. Soapnut extract, however, offers a natural and effective alternative. Soapnut grows in many parts of the world, making it an accessible and eco-friendly option. “Certain chemicals we will not be able to replace in the laboratory, but maybe 90 percent of them will be able to be replaced,” she says. 

By extracting and testing soapnut’s properties, students in Abraham’s classes gain practical experience in green chemistry, learning how natural alternatives can replace harmful chemicals and contribute to a more sustainable future. Students have used soapnut extract in environmental remediation, such as removing heavy metals, dyes and pesticides, as well as to extract DNA from fruit samples, applying this sustainable solution to real-world environmental challenges.  

Green Chemistry as Christian Stewardship 

Abraham believes one of the greatest advantages of green chemistry is how it pushes students to grow in new ways, and she uses a systems-thinking approach in her laboratory experiments. Students examine not only the hazards of chemicals but also the broader toxicity and environmental risks at each stage of the reaction process, leading to better learning outcomes. As demand grows for graduates ready to lead in clean chemistry, experience in green chemistry will lead to research and job opportunities. 

Green chemistry offers a way for Christians to live as good stewards of the physical world. It takes a holistic approach to science, focusing on both current challenges and long-term sustainability to protect human and environmental health. By promoting sustainable practices, green chemistry reflects our responsibility to care for creation and encourages a mindset of stewardship that benefits both people and the planet.  

“At its core green chemistry simply means that we consider the impact on environmental and human health in the manufacturing process,” Abraham said in closing her faculty forum remarks. “I get so excited about the enthusiasm I see in my green chemistry and sustainability course; it’s just a matter of time.”