For educators, the American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute (ACSGCI) and Beyond Benign, a global green chemistry education nonprofit organization, recently launched the Green Chemistry Teaching and Learning Community (GCTLC) – a free online platform to help the global green chemistry community learn and connect.
Designed for K-12 educators, higher education faculty, and the current and next generation of chemists, the GCTLC provides a dynamic virtual space where green chemistry community members can develop connections, gain mentors, share resources, and further their knowledge through peer-led learning.
The platform aims to promote the broader use of green chemistry principles in educational settings, and, as a result, in various industrial sectors. As a community, it is driven by a desire to create transformative change in the education system by increasing the breadth and depth of the integration of green chemistry across all levels of teaching and learning.
The GCTLC platform features a robust community space, an extensive library of educational resources and curriculum materials, forums and groups, and continued learning opportunities – including courses and special events.
MilliporeSigma, Merck KGaA’s Life Science business in the United States and Canada, was pivotal in the GCTLC’s launch. As part of its expanded partnership with Beyond Benign, MilliporeSigma’s contribution helped enhance capacity for the GCTLC, aiming to expand global access to green chemistry resources and training for more than 4,000 faculty members worldwide.
Commenting on the latest development, Co-founder and Executive Director of Beyond Benign, Dr Amy Cannon, said: “The green chemistry community is incredibly powerful when we unite to empower and inspire one another. The GCTLC catalyses our movement, allowing ideas and knowledge to flow freely in real time. We’re excited to join educators and leaders worldwide in this hub, where we’ll have the opportunity to accelerate our impact.”
The GCTLC is an excellent resource for educators to help equip their students with the knowledge and framework of green chemistry. It provides access to valuable educational resources and curriculum materials, as well as forums to discuss green chemistry topics and further learning opportunities for all community members.
With the support of MilliporeSigma and other sponsors and partners, Beyond Benign’s goal is to provide 25% of the 22,000 graduating chemists annually in the U.S. with green chemistry knowledge by 2025. By connecting the global green chemistry community, the GCTLC is a step in the right direction to furthering green chemistry education and enabling a more sustainable future.
