EPA highlights decades-long pollution-prevention initiatives

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) detailed its efforts late last week to reduce the amount of pollution generated under the principle that preventive efforts are more effective than restorative ones after pollution occurs.

The agency’s pollution-prevention (P2) efforts began with the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990, under which the agency created a grant program for P2 education and began a sustainability movement in businesses and governments at various levels. This movement is supported by organizations furthering their own environmental goals through EPA regulations, grant programs and voluntary programs, as well as individuals.

The EPA’s Toxic Release Inventory gathers information on industry-waste generation, while grants help state programs and businesses work on source reduction. Voluntary programs help organizations green their operations, including the Green Chemistry and Safer Choice initiatives.

The EPA also runs the P2 Information Clearinghouse throughout the year and an annual Pollution Prevention Week.