Background: MPCA's Green Chemistry and Design Development
MPCA's Pollution Prevention program began its green chemistry and design development process in 2008. Steps in the process include:
- Research on similar programs outside Minnesota and gathering stakeholder input
- Drafting and discussing key green chemistry and design policies or actions to pursue, which agencies and partners should carry out them out, and how much public/private funding and effort might be necessary to carry them out.
- Meeting materials to date include presentation on priority elements of the future green chemistry and design effort within the MPCA's P2 program and notes from the informational meetings (July and September 2010).
- Discussion draft: Options for green chemistry
- Green Chemistry and Design Demonstration Projects. Developing grant projects with companies to demonstrate the extent to which state support can stimulate green chemistry and design projects in the private sector.
- Finalizing and implementing MPCA’s green chemistry and design plan.
MPCA appreciates the ongoing support of the U.S. EPA in this effort through their annual Pollution Prevention grants.
Engaging stakeholders
As part of a pollution prevention grant awarded by U.S. EPA-Region 5, MPCA worked to engage potential stakeholders to gather thoughts and recommendations for establishing possible Green Chemistry and Design initiative for Minnesota in many different ways.
Focus groups
Green Chemistry and Design Focus Groups Summary
MPCA conducted four focus groups. These small groups (10-12 participants) were grouped by audience: small manufacturers; large manufacturers that develop products for general consumers; large manufacturers that develop products for other businesses and institutions; and a mix of retailers.
Interviews
Green Chemistry and Design Interviews Summary
MPCA conducted ten individual interviews. Participants represented a range of interests: local activist organizations, government agencies, research and education, as well as a manufacturer that was unable to participate in the manufacturer focus groups.
Survey: June 2010
Green Chemistry and Design Survey Data Analysis Green Chemistry Survey Data
E-mail distribution to approximately 450 contacts developed in focus group and interview stages plus contacts from MPCA's database of regulated parties in selected sectors and some trade associations. The intent was generating a wider set of responses than the initial focus groups and interviews. Respondents included 113 manufacturers and eight retailers.
Informational meetings
Green Chemistry and Design: Meeting materials. Packet to date includes presentation on priority elements of the future green chemistry and design effort within the MPCA's P2 program and notes from the informational meetings (July and September 2010).
Webcast: Green Chemistry Stakeholders Meeting (Sept. 30, 2010)
