What is Pollution Prevention?

Pollution prevention simply means reducing the amount of waste you generate by changing the way you do business. Changes include using less hazardous materials, conserving energy and water, improving indoor and outdoor air quality, reusing or recycling leftover materials, and managing waste properly. 

The bottom line is pollution prevention can...

  • Save you money
  • Reduce your regulatory burden
  • Create a safer working environment
  • Improve your public image

Pollution Prevention Tips

  • Purchase supplies in bulk form
  • Work with suppliers to reuse pallets and crates
  • Purchase reusable napkins, place settings, and utensils if feasible
  • Use health department-approved, refillable containers instead of individual packets
  • Recycle cardboard, newspaper, office paper, aluminum cans, etc.
  • Support recycling by purchasing recycled products
  • Service heating, cooling, and ventilation systems regularly
  • Use energy-efficient lighting
  • Use dishwasher only when fully loaded
  • Fix water leaks right away
  • As you wash your hands, turn off water when soaping up
  • Donate unserved food to your local food bank or homeless shelter
  • Compost food waste