ABSTRACT
Since most materials are polymeric and most of the recent advances in science and technology involve polymers, some have called this the polymer age. Polymer chemistry is a major tool applied in biomedical research, synthesis, manufacturing, chemical engineering, pharmaceutical efforts, the environment, communications, etc. An environmental impact assessment (EIA) is simply an assessment of the possible impact that a project or material may have on the natural environment. The ecological footprint is a measure of our demand on the Earth's ecosystems. A life cycle assessment (LCA) investigates and evaluates the environmental impact of a product or service. The environmental impact of materials with respect to health and impact on the environment is a critical factor as we move forward. Polymers are an essential part of this impact and in solutions to essentially all of the important environmental issues. One must be aware of these environmental issues contributing as individuals and as groups to promote and practice responsible "green science".
