Green Daily

Earlier this month we started a series on sustainable drug use -- which was fun and all -- but we realized a more practical guide might be in order. With that in mind, here's everything we know about common over-the-counter remedies. To view all the posts in this series, go here.

Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, derives from much the same chemical process as aspirin, but wasn't discovered until the mid-1950's. While it doesn't have the anti-inflammatory properties of aspirin, it is often more effective at reducing pain and headaches. It also works well with both steroids and opium-based drugs, which means that it is often paired with these other compounds.

Unfortunately, paracetamol, which is the actual name for acetaminophen* is derived from coal tar, much like aspirin. Paracetamol, however, also uses sodium nitrate, which is mined in Latin America. Like aspirin, it then uses other chemicals, including acetic anhydride, another carbon-based compound. It's use of three separate non-renewable compounds edges acetaminophen just the tiniest bit ahead of aspirin in the "less green" sweepstakes.

Ibuprofen, the active ingredient in Advil and Motrin, is my personal favorite analgesic. I generally find it the most effective, with minimal side-effects. Developed in 1962 by Boots Group, a British pharmacy chain, ibuprofen has quickly become one of the most widely-used drugs in the world. It is on the World Health Organization's Essential Drugs List; this means that the WHO considers ibuprofen to be a necessity for even the most basic health care system.

I almost held off on writing about ibuprofen, as it is incredibly difficult to find out exactly how the stuff is made. As far as I can determine, most methods for making the drug begin with isobutylbenzene, a compound that the EPA recognizes as a marine pollutant. It is derived from crude oil. While this may put it an inch or two ahead of acetaminophen in the green sweepstakes, ibuprofen isn't going to win any sustainability awards!

Overall: In the end, it doesn't seem like either acetaminophen or ibuprofen is a particularly sustainable compound. Both are the product of non-renewable resources that are subjected to complex chemical processes, packaged in plastic, and shipped over considerable distances. What is particularly sad is the fact that marijuana, one of the most effective, renewable analgesics, is not legal in most of the world!

On the other hand, there comes a point where one must accept the pitfalls of certain modern conveniences. As someone who has derived considerable comfort from acetominophen and ibuprofen, I have to admit that I will continue to use them, sparingly, for difficult aches and pains. In the meantime, I'm going to keep searching for an effective, green, legal alternative and, as much as possible, make use of this technique, which helps clear up a lot of headaches!


*This is useless information, but it may be a Jeopardy question some day, and then you'll thank me.