​From a polymeric materials design perspective, we are cognizant of the need to consider the environmental impact of a polymer’s lifecycle, the polymerization methodology, the composition of the building blocks, and the subsequent polymer breakdown products. Recognizing glycerol as a nontoxic, renewable raw material amenable to polymerization methodologies, we synthesized the first: 1) linear poly(1,3-glycerol carbonate)s; 2) atactic and isotactic linear poly(1,2-glycerol carbonate)s; and, 3) dendritic glycerol-lactic acid/succinic polymers. These polymers are of utility for biomedical and green consumer product applications as they degrade to non-toxic products. Drug delivery devices and scaffolds composed of glycerol based polymers enable controlled chemotherapeutic delivery and support cell growth and tissue integration, respectively. Additionally, with single use plastics comprising almost half of yearly plastic production, we have prepared new poly(1,2-glycerol carbonate pressure sensitive adhesives which exhibit comparable or superior performance to conventional tapes and bandages.