green chemistry principle 5

[hard]

This is the definition i've found from many sites but i need to know a simpler version.

can someone please explain because i'm not really quite understanding this principle?

thanx

Use catalysts, not stoichiometric reagents: Minimize waste by using catalytic reactions. Catalysts are used in small amounts and can carry out a single reaction many times. They are preferable to stoichiometric reagents, which are used in excess and work only once.

[Collin Li]

Stoichometric reagents are often used in excess to speed up the rate of reaction (and to increase the yield of the reaction). This can be mitigated with the use of an appropriate catalyst.

[hard]

thanx man

[Pandemonium]

i don't really know how in depth they're going to go for green chemistry.
it all sounds swell and grand but it isn't really 'chemistry' as such.
god damn 'save the environment' fad is becoming doctrine now.

[Collin Li]

i don't really know how in depth they're going to go for green chemistry.
it all sounds swell and grand but it isn't really 'chemistry' as such.
god damn 'save the environment' fad is becoming doctrine now.

I agree. If it's more costly to work with a green process rather than a "brown process," then why do it? The only thing that needs fixing is the dumping costs. Firms (and individuals) should not be able to dump in public lakes (and tips should be privatised, if not already). They should have to pay for the disposal of waste.