Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) is a non-contact electro-thermal machining process finds wider applications in many industrial sectors including aerospace, automobile, medical etc. due to capability of machining any intricate geometries. Perhaps, the EDM process is considered as hazardous due to the more toxic gaseous emissions, debris mixed dielectric fluid, chocked and damaged filters, used electrode materials, etc. associated and causes serious issues related to recycling, reuse and non-degradability. Many researches have been attempted towards the stability, improvement of surface characteristics, process parameter study but very limited work carried out on the sustainability issues. The environmental sustainability and energy efficiency factors are key factors for the better utilization of the resources. The main objective of this paper is to review the literature and suggest the alternate green dielectrics and the environment for improved operational safety, less environmental impact towards the Eco-friendly electrical discharge machining (E-EDM). © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.