Recently we celebrated National Pollution Prevention Week. Traditionally recognized in the third week of September, it is a time for citizens, businesses, and government agencies to recognize joint goals of environmental protection. By working together, businesses and government can save money and we all can enjoy healthier communities.

Pollution prevention (P2) is the practice of reducing contaminants at the source, rather than traditional end-of-pipe control methods. For example, a business is preventing pollution when it replaces a solvent-based cleaning process with soap and water, thus eliminating hazardous waste generated from the cleaning process. This is just one example of many P2 opportunities available to businesses. Of course, specific opportunities depend on the type of business.

When hazardous waste is reduced or eliminated altogether, waste management and compliance costs are reduced or eliminated. Businesses save money by reducing staff time spent on waste management and regulatory compliance, and by reducing expensive hazardous waste equipment and disposal costs. With these cost savings, businesses can become more competitive and benefit even more by promoting their responsible practices. Increasingly, environmental reputation is a factor many consumers consider when choosing where to shop.

Government agencies and taxpayers also save money through P2. Resources spent on hazardous waste compliance and cleanup can be redirected to businesses assistance and education. Our communities also become safer with P2, because less hazardous products and wastes means less potential exposure from waste handling and spills.

You don’t need to wait until next year’s National P2 Week to get started. If you’re a business, contact one of the pollution prevention providers available to help you. If you’re a consumer, encourage the businesses you use to take P2 steps. By working together and communicating more on P2, we all can help create healthier communities and minimize our dependence on hazardous chemicals.

The Kitsap County Health District and the Washington State Department of Ecology both have pollution prevention programs that provide free assistance to businesses. Several industry and non-governmental organizations are also available to help. In addition, the Health District operates the EnviroStars Program, which recognizes and promotes businesses that use P2. To learn more about P2, find out what resources are available to you, or to get started reducing hazardous waste, contact Ryan Kellogg, Business Pollution Prevention Coordinator at (360) 337-5604.