NewsBits

Dr. Terry Collins Keynotes Plenary Session on Green Chemistry in Pesticide Development and Degradation at the 2010 TPSA Conference

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Contact:
Kevin Neal, TPSA President
Phone: 765-494-1585
E-mail: nealk@purdue.edu

St. Louis, MO - Introduced as a mentor, visionary, and advocate, Dr. Terry Collins, Thomas Lord Professor of Chemistry and Director of the Institute for Green Science at Carnegie Mellon University spoke to a rapt audience attending a Plenary Session of The Pesticide Stewardship Alliance Annual Conference, Feb. 21-23, 2010.

Professor Collins described green chemistry as the design of products or processes that curtail or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances. Green chemists were further defined by Prof. Collins as scientists who “aim to help build the technological dimension of sustainable civilization.” At the core of his presentation, Collins remarked: “The big thing about sustainability is that you have to get it right. We have to figure out how to work together to lessen the impact of what we do today on the next generation.” His description of TAML activators, one of his more than 100 chemical patents, was as captivating as the flair incorporated in his visuals. Collins stressed that sustainability is just as much about morals and ethics as it is about science. In his career as a lecturer, writer, and scientist, Collins has clearly succeeded in supporting his convictions with scientific accomplishment. His keynote address was followed by presentations on “Green Chemistry Initiatives in the Pesticide Industry” from representatives of BASF and Monsanto.

Over 140 conferees from across the U.S. and six foreign countries participated in the TPSA meeting which was held in beautiful Savannah, GA. Association members come from academia, private industry, and governmental agencies.

TPSA’s mission is to promote and support improvements in stewardship of pesticides and agricultural plastics in the U.S. and internationally. For more information about the association and to view Professor Collin’s presentation and others from the annual meeting, visit TPSA’s web page at http://www.tpsalliance.org/10_agenda.html.