Every September, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes Pollution Prevention Week. With a focus on reducing and/or eliminating waste at the source, the aim is to reinforce The Pollution Prevention Act. If you’re looking to improve your environmental commitments, there are a few things you should know.
3 Strategies for Pollution Prevention
1. Source Reduction
P2, or source reduction, is about modifying production processes. The goal is to promote the use of nontoxic or less toxic substances. You can do this by implementing conservation techniques, and/or reusing materials rather than putting them into the waste stream. For further clarity, the EPA offers a definition of P2 in this 1992 Memorandum.
2. EPA Guidelines
Most process emissions are from chemical transformation of raw materials. Fugitive emissions often result from gas leaks or other unplanned releases. According to the guidelines set forth, reductions must be specific to hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants that enter waste streams or are otherwise released into the environment. Both process and fugitive emissions are included in these guidelines. When it comes to achieving reduced emissions, measuring, tracking, and reporting on purchases, including quantities procured, emitted, and disposed, are vital to your strategy.
3. Sustainable Practices
In addition to process and procedure modifications, EPA recommendations for pollution prevention include equipment or technology modifications. Whether reformulating/redesigning products, substituting raw materials, or creating new efficiencies, environmental stewardship is a large responsibility. With people and our planet in mind, maintenance, training, and inventory control are chief business priorities. For sustainable best practices, technology can help you improve visibility and reporting.
If you’d like to learn more about sourcing and tracking SF6 gas, information about our technology and comprehensive cylinder programs can be found here. By minimizing the release of substances, pollutants, or contaminants, we can improve public health and environmental conditions. Together, our impact is much greater.
