Which of the following is NOT a focus of green chemistry in procurement?

• A. Reducing environmental footprint through safer design
• B. Designing chemical products to minimize hazards and environmental impact
• C. Maximizing hazards to improve performance
• D. Selecting safer materials and labeling

Answer: (C)

Green chemistry in procurement aims to prevent pollution and reduce risk by choosing and designing chemicals and materials that are safer throughout their life cycle. The focus is on lowering hazard potential, minimizing toxicity, and enabling safer handling and end-of-life management. The option that talks about maximizing hazards to improve performance goes directly against this goal—raising hazards would increase risk to workers, communities, and the environment, and would not lead to safer or more sustainable outcomes. That’s why it isn’t a focus. The other ideas align with green chemistry: reducing environmental footprint through safer design, designing products to minimize hazards and environmental impact, and selecting safer materials with clear labeling to support safer use and decision-making across the supply chain.