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Reducing Waste
Implementing waste prevention methods helps create less waste and save money by decreasing purchasing and disposal costs. Consuming less preserves natural resources and reduces pollution associated with production, transportation and sale of goods as well as their subsequent disposal. Industrial facilities and businesses have reduced the amounts of waste generated by changing the design, manufacturing process or purchase parameters to more eco-friendly options. Individuals can reduce waste by reusing shopping bags, purchasing items with less packaging and buying used or remanufactured goods.
Increasing Energy Efficiency
Reducing energy consumption helps prevent air pollution by lowering emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and mercury. In an industrial setting, energy efficiency can be increased through conservative utilities use and improving the efficiency of equipment and processes. Likewise, the average homeowner can increase energy efficiency at home by conducting an energy audit, purchasing energy-efficient appliances and choosing renewable energy options with their utility company. Government programs may be available to subsidize home energy audits and efficiency upgrades, and some upgrades may qualify for tax breaks.
Protecting Local Waterways
Preventing pollution of local waterways is critical for maintaining the quality of drinking water supplies and maintaining aquatic habitats. Common pollutants include sediment, nutrients, pathogens, debris and toxic chemicals. Industrial facilities and businesses can prevent water pollution by minimizing exposure of wastes to rainwater, eliminating runoff from the site and controlling sediment and erosion. Storm water pollution prevention around the house can take the form of picking up pet waste, properly managing lawn chemicals and properly disposing of household hazardous wastes like used motor oil, paint and pesticides.
Reducing Hazardous Waste
One of the main tenets of pollution prevention is to reduce the toxicity of materials that enter a waste stream. Industrial facilities work with local, state and federal agencies to find less toxic alternatives to feedstocks. For example, a California plywood company eliminated formaldehyde-based resin by using a soy-based product. There are many alternatives for toxic products around the home. Safer household products include homemade cleaning products with baking soda and vinegar, water-based or latex paint and natural pest-control options like cedar chips or herbs that repel insects.