See Also
What Can Citizens Do
to Prevent Pollution?
What Can Businesses Do
to Prevent Pollution?
What Can Local Governments and Communities Do to Prevent Pollution?
The Road to Cleaner Air: A Guide to Reducing Air Pollution
Idaho Chemical Roundup
Pollution Prevention Champions
Environmental
Recognition and Awards Programs
Environmental
Stewardship
DEQ is recognized
for its pollution prevention efforts.
Contact DEQ
Regional
Office
Waste Management and Remediation Managers
Joanna Pierce
(208) 373-0146
|
 |
Environmental Assistance:
DEQ's Pollution Prevention
Program
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| What is Pollution Prevention? |
Pollution
prevention goes beyond recycling and reusing. It means using our
resources efficiently and not creating waste.
Pollution
prevention is defined under the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990
as
"source
reduction and other practices that reduce or eliminate the creation
of pollutants through increased efficiency in the use of raw materials,
energy, water, or other resources, or protecting resources through
conservation." |
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| Why Pollution Prevention? |
Pollution
prevention benefits everyone—citizens, businesses, and the
environment. You can help prevent air pollution by practicing pollution
prevention techniques—and save money! Drive wisely and
you will use less fuel, minimize vehicle emissions, protect air
quality and human health, and conserve natural resources. Avoid
outdoor burning and the use of toxic chemicals at home and at your
business, and we will all breathe a lot easier. Pollution prevention
makes sense, and it doesn't take a lot of effort. |
| |
| Pollution Prevention Techniques |
| These recommended techniques refocus
waste management practices from disposing of to producing less waste.
Preventing pollution is the ultimate goal. |
| |
Eliminate. |
| The best way to manage a potentially
harmful waste is to examine why the waste is generated. Changing a
process, using different raw materials, or modifying the product may
prevent the waste from being generated in the first place. |
| |
Reduce. |
| If the waste can't be eliminated, try
to find ways to reduce either the amount or toxicity of the waste.
Some simple ideas to consider are substituting other raw materials,
preventing leaks and spills, and keeping wastes segregated. |
| |
Reuse. |
|
If the waste cannot be eliminated or reduced, try to identify a
way to reuse the waste or someone else who can use the waste in
their process. |
| |
Recycle. |
| After trying to eliminate, reduce, or
reuse the waste, the next option is recycling. |
| |
| How DEQ Can Help |
| DEQ's Pollution Prevention Program works
with Idaho's businesses, communities and citizens to prevent pollution
and conserve resources. Contact DEQ's Pollution
Prevention Coordinator for assistance on environmental issues
related to air, waste, water, conservation, and sustainability. |
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| For More Information |
On
DEQ's Web Site |
| Small
Business Environmental Solutions Program
An environmental
assistance program sponsored by DEQ and the Idaho Small Business
Development Center where small businesses can obtain free,
confidential environmental assistance in addition to tax,
labor, and other advice. |
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|
On
Other Web Sites |
Idaho
GEMStars Program
A statewide pollution prevention excellence and recognition
program that provides pollution prevention education and public
recognition to businesses, agricultural operations, governmental
agencies, school districts, and others. |
GREEN
STAR®, Inc.
A nonprofit organization that encourages businesses, schools,
and government agencies to incorporate techniques of waste reduction,
energy conservation, and pollution prevention in their places
of business. |
| U.S. Green Building Council, Idaho Chapter |
| Pacific
Northwest Pollution Prevention Center (PPRC) |
| EPA's Pollution
Prevention Web Site |
| Pollution Prevention Resource Exchange (P2Rx) |
EcoDrivingUSA
Hosted by the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, this Web site contains practical tips to help drivers improve their mileage and reduce their carbon footprint. The site includes a video guide to EcoDriving, an “EcoCalculator” to determine benefits for individuals or states, a Virtual Road Test and a variety of educational tools. |
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