Substitution principle (sustainability)
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The substitution principle in sustainability is the maxim of how processes, services, and products should be replaced with alternatives that result in a lower environmental impact. An example of a strong, hazard-based interpretation of the substitution principle in application regarding chemicals considers the overall impact: "hazardous chemicals should be substituted by less hazardous alternatives or preferably alternatives that mitigates identifiable hazards impacts". [1]
The principle has historically been promoted by environmental groups . This concept is becoming increasingly mainstream, being a key concept in green chemistry and a central element of EU REACH regulation. [2] Critics of the principle claim it is very difficult to implement in reality, especially in terms of legislation . [ citation needed ]
Nonetheless, the concept is an important one and a key driver behind identifying "Substances of Very High Concern" in REACH and the development of hazardous substance lists such as the SIN List and the ETUC Trade Union Priority List . EU-funded projects such as SubsPort are under development to aid the identification and development of safer substitutes for hazardous chemicals. [3]
See also
- 100,000,000 Guinea Pigs (book)
References
- ↑ Greenpeace, (2003, 2005). Safer Chemicals Within Reach: Using the Substitution Principle to drive Green Chemistry. London. p.7 (PDF)
- ↑ European Commission website on REACH. http://ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/reach/reach_intro.htm
- ↑ Lissner L, Romano D. Substitution for Hazardous Chemicals on an International Level-The Approach of the European Project "SUBSPORT". New Solut. 2011 Jan 1;21(3):477-97. PubMed PMID 22001043 .
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