Our 2023 annual community survey results reveal the impact Beyond Benign’s programming has had on empowering educators to advance green chemistry in classrooms and labs across the globe.
In our pursuit of a more sustainable world, Beyond Benign has been championing the advancement of green chemistry in education for more than 15 years. Our annual survey, conducted within our education community, shows that this cohort continues to become more deeply engaged and passionate about green chemistry due to participating in the community over the last year.
The survey results reveal a remarkable increase in the community’s understanding of green chemistry, reflecting their dedication to progress and innovation. This knowledge empowers them to lead with sustainability at the core of their professional endeavors. Equally encouraging is the growing belief among educators that green chemistry is essential for their students. By instilling environmental consciousness in the minds of young chemists, Beyond Benign’s education community is sowing the seeds for a future generation of sustainability leaders.
Beyond Benign’s programming has not only forged strong connections within the community but also ignited transformation in students. By intertwining chemistry with real-world implications, our educators believe their students are engaging more passionately and gaining a deeper understanding of their discipline’s impact on the world.
We celebrate this collective journey of growth and impact, looking forward to even more years of progress, innovation, and positive change in the field of green chemistry education.
Keep reading to delve deeper into the results of our annual community survey.
The Respondents
We were thrilled to hear from 116 members of our education community. These respondents were mostly faculty and K-12 educators, with some industry practitioners, education administrators and students included.
Personal Growth for Educators
Within the past year, educators who have participated in Beyond Benign’s programming experienced remarkable personal growth, as evidenced by the survey results. Many respondents have deepened their understanding of green chemistry, fueling their commitment to sustainability, and translating into increased confidence to teach green chemistry effectively in classrooms and labs.
A high percentage of educators also recognize the indispensable role of green chemistry in student learning, reaffirming its significance in shaping environmentally-conscious minds. This shared belief spurred 65% of respondents to incorporate green chemistry principles more actively in their teaching, cultivating a greener educational experience for their students. Additionally, 66% of educators have honed their skills in creating or adapting green chemistry-focused curriculum, ensuring that future generations are equipped with relevant and impactful knowledge for a sustainable world.
Educator Leadership & Peer Mentorship
Over the past year, educators in the Beyond Benign community have experienced significant growth in their green chemistry leadership and connections with peers. The survey revealed that an overwhelming percentage of respondents credited Beyond Benign for fostering new relationships and collaborations within the green chemistry community. Many of these educators reported that the organization’s programming empowered them to lead professional development initiatives for their peers, enhancing knowledge dissemination within their institutions.
Survey respondents are stepping into leadership roles to drive green chemistry initiatives within their educational establishments, and they’re motivated to actively encourage their peers to implement green chemistry practices, creating a powerful ripple effect of sustainability advocacy. A resounding 96% of educators recognized the impact of Beyond Benign’s advocacy efforts, empowering them to become ardent advocates for green chemistry and its significance in shaping a sustainable future.
Bringing Green Chemistry into the Classroom & Achieving Student Outcomes
Survey respondents have demonstrated a strong commitment to integrating green chemistry into their teaching practices, with the majority actively incorporating it in their classrooms and labs.
The impact of this approach on students’ learning experiences has been remarkable, as observed over the past year. An overwhelming majority of educators reported an increase in their students’ interest, confidence, and understanding of chemistry in relation to sustainability and the world around them. Students’ interest in pursuing STEM careers and their preparedness to bring green chemistry skills into the workforce have also seen significant growth. These survey findings underscore the powerful influence of green chemistry education in shaping a generation of environmentally-conscious and motivated learners.
We continue to be inspired by our community of educators and its growing engagement and passion for green chemistry. The results of our annual survey showcase a remarkable increase in educators’ understanding of green chemistry, empowering them to lead with sustainability as a core focus in their teaching. Educators are recognizing the essential role green chemistry plays in students’ learning. As a result, students are exhibiting heightened interest, confidence, and understanding of the interplay between chemistry and sustainability. These survey results underscore the transformative impact of green chemistry education, shaping a new generation of students who are deeply committed to environmental awareness and driven to make a positive impact in the world.
