choose the materials for the process which are non-explosive or non-flammable wherever it is possible

Use starting materials {also known as feedstocks) that are renewable rather than depletable.

Minimize the production of unnecessary compounds. Derivatives use additional reagents and generate waste.

Design products that break down to innocuous substances after use

Design syntheses to use and generate substances with little or no toxicity to either humans or the environment.

Avoid using solvents, separation agents or other auxiliary chemicals. If you must use these chemicals, use safer ones.

Design chemical syntheses to prevent waste. Leave no waste to treat or clean up.

Run chemical reactions at room temperature and pressure whenever possible

Design chemical products that are fully effective yet have little or no toxicity.

Design syntheses so that the final product contains the maximum proportion of the starting materials. Waste few or no atoms.

Include in-process monitoring to minimise or eliminate the formation of byproducts

Use catalysts which are effective in small amounts and can carry out a single reaction many times. Don't use stoichiometric reagents which react only once.