ABSTRACT
Pollution prevention must be integrated into all activities across all functions to ensure that environmentally sound practices are in place. Although our discussion focuses on methods for reviewing existing operations to identify P2 opportunities, don't forget to pay equal attention to new operations and activities. Typically, within the P2 hierarchy, the primary focus is on reduction or elimination at the source, followed by reuse, recycling, treatment, and finally disposal as a last resort. Goals to purchase environmentally preferable products through affirmative procurement programs help "close the recycling loop" by creating demand for recycled products. Treatment of wastes and emissions control to reduce environmental impacts prior to disposal should be used only when other methods fail. Pollution prevention can greatly reduce compliance-driven environmental workload by eliminating many hazardous materials and processes. It links directly into Environmental Management System (EMS) through goals and objectives.
