An upbeat exploration of solutions to the problem of toxic chemicals in everyday products and the part green chemistry plays, highlighted by a passionate group of green chemists who, along with young entrepreneurs and popular brands that are adopting green chemistry solutions, intentionally design chemicals and products with safety in mind.
Bad news headlines about toxic chemicals can seem overwhelming. This film focuses on solutions to such pollution already achieved by green chemists, who are trained to intentionally design safe, non-hazardous chemicals. The inspiring story of green chemistry is told through interviews, with the originators of the field, current researchers, young entrepreneurs and graduate students who are embracing green chemistry today and the increasing number of companies that now include green chemistry in their current chemical policies. Educators, company sustainability officers and green investment company CEO’s explore the complex issues behind replacing oil-based products and toxic chemicals, with products that are safe for humans and the environment.Due to the growth in green chemistry technologies, companies can now respond when consumers demand safe products. Consumer choice, as evidenced by the younger generation’s demand for safer cosmetics, is one of the key drivers for safer products. This film aims to raise awareness of green chemistry and the integral part it plays in helping to create a more sustainable future.
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WILLIAM HEMMINGER, DIRECTOR
After graduating college, WILLIAM HEMMINGER working at MTV as an assistant steadicam operator for the long running series Cribs. He continued shooting a variety of programming for MTV and other Viacom affiliates such as VH1, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, The History Channel and separately, HBO. Will then moved to Los Angeles to attend Art Center College of Design and graduated with an MFA in film. Since then he has worked consistently as a writer and/or director on commercials, documentaries, web series, short films and music videos. More recently, Will shot and edited a documentary filmed in Japan about traditional Japanese craft fused with contemporary design. The film featured the experience of American students in an exchange program at Tama Art University in Japan. Will was also hired by the city of Pasadena to create a sizzle reel to help raise funds for a documentary about the historic area of Pasadena, more commonly referred to as Old Town.
PATRICIA HEMMINGER, PRODUCER
As the Executive Producer, PATRICIA HEMMINGER also acts as a science consultant for the film. She has a PhD in Chemistry and an MA from NYU’s Science, Health and Environmental Reporting Program. Her experience includes conducting in-depth research spanning scientific papers and periodicals, expert interviews, media reviews and books to develop accurate, in-depth content. Patricia is the associate editor of Macmillan’s two-volume reference set, Pollution A-Z .She is a knowledgeable science and environmental writer with a proven history of success developing compelling content for high school and college students, scientists, and the general public. She has written over 70 pages for the College Board My Road Explore Majors section. Her stories have been published in Environmental Health Perspectives, E-The Environmental Magazine, Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, BioCycle, Environment News Service, Facts on File and others.