Discover and Explore Green Consumer Products

It is almost impossible to ignore the profusion of information currently in the media regarding environmental issues. In particular, with the recent announcements from leading retailers declaring their commitment to becoming carbon neutral, consumers' awareness of these issues is continuing to grow. However, to what extent do they understand the science behind these claims and are they able to access an easy-to-understand and balanced source of information to answer their queries? It is increasingly being recognised that the application of green chemistry will be fundamental to the production of environmentally friendly products that have both the confidence and trust of consumers. The emergence of green chemistry has been one of the most significant developments in the chemical sciences in recent years. However the awareness and understanding of green chemistry amongst the general public is limited, and it is commonly perceived that chemistry is the cause of environmental problems rather than the solution. This lack of confidence in chemicals could be at least in part attributed to current concerns highlighted in the press and pressure from NGOs, and can only be resolved through directly engaging with consumers and connecting them with chemicals in a positive way. The Green Chemistry Centre at the University of York in partnership with Boots the Chemists, At-Bristol and Glasgow Science Centre, seek to address this issue through the creation and delivery of a hands-on and informative display using touch screen technology to explore products consumers typically use daily e.g. shower gel, moisturiser, toothpaste etc. By entering a virtual bathroom and selecting one of these products, the visitor will experience a series of multiple-choice picture-based and animated questions tailored to uncover what the product is made from, how it is made, how it works and what happens after we use it, and will incorporate the steps that can be taken to improve their sustainability through the application of green chemistry. The display will be hosted at both At-Bristol and Glasgow Science Centre, and will be designed to appeal to both adults and children. Through this activity the project team aim to engage the public and get them thinking about the environmental implications of the products they enjoy as part of everyday life and promote a positive connection between green chemistry and consumer products.