Pollution Prevention:
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. - Ben Franklin
- Water Conservation
- Energy Efficiency
- Waste Elimination
- Recycling
- Management of Air Emissions
- Risk Reduction
All can be part of a good Pollution Prevention (P2) strategy, but a sound pollution prevention program is much more. P2 is the reduction of the quantity or toxicity of pollution at the source. It also focuses on reducing the risks associated with any release of pollutants to the environment. Pollution prevention is "front end environmentalism" because it attacks the cause of pollution problems at an upstream point in the manufacturing process, rather than "treating the symptoms" at the end of the pipe (as has traditionally been the case with environmental management).
Pollution Prevention is Beneficial Because It Can:
- Reduce operating costs (from reduced raw material and energy inputs and also reduced waste disposal costs)
- Reduce the risk of criminal and civil liability
- Improve employee morale and participation
- Enhance company's image in the community
- Protect the public's health and the environment
P2 uses cutting edge technology and modern processes to achieve its goals. A strong P2 emphasis can strengthen your Environmental Management System (EMS), ISO 14000 Certification, Six Sigma, Green/Lean Manufacturing or other contemporary environmental approach.
P2 and Sustainability
Building a sustainable future is critical to our global economy. Pollution Prevention can help lead to more sustainable systems. Sustainable systems (or industries) are those that minimize the use of non-renewable resources like fossil fuels, cut down on the use of persistent and/or toxic synthetic chemicals, and prevent the degradation of living systems (e.g. overharvesting of forests). A sustainable system will require less input and produce less pollution in order that future generations will have the necessary resources to meet their needs. Practicing pollution prevention is one way in which society can become more sustainable.
