Time to give credit where credit is due: the 2007 Presidential
Green Chemistry Challenge Awards are in, recognizing some very
hard working EcoGeeks who are doing their part to make our world
a better place. Winners this year have discovered a
nanotechnology-based catalyst capable of producing hydrogen
peroxide from renewable feedstocks, a formaldehyde-free adhesive
for making wood composites, a process for synthesizing an
ingredient for polyurethane foam (used in bedding and furniture)
without petroleum oil, a green technique for prepping donor
tissue for transplant, and a new class of chemical reactions
using hydrogen and metal catalysts which minimize waste in
industrial applications. "The EPA estimates that over the past
12 years, the winners' work has led to the elimination of over
940 million pounds of hazardous chemicals and solvents, [the use
of] over 600 million gallons of water and more than 340 million
pounds of carbon dioxide. Kudos to Professors Michael Krische
and Kaichang Li, and the innovative