What Is Pollution Prevention?

Pollution prevention -- also called source reduction -- means eliminating the production of pollutants before they enter the environment, rather than cleaning them up or hauling them away after they have been produced. Prevention can save businesses and consumers money while protecting human health and the enviroment.

Pollution prevention can be as simple as reaching for a sponge instead of a paper towel, or as complex as redesigning a product so that less packaging is required. By becoming aware of what we buy and throw away, we can make choices that reduce our impact on the environment.

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Benjamin Franklin

Buy Smart With EcoStar

The Montana Pollution Prevention Program has designed the EcoStar program to recognize businesses in Montana that have taken significant steps to reduce waste. By supporting EcoStar businesses, you can help prevent pollution in Montana.

Look for the EcoStar window decal at your favorite store or call the Montana Pollution Prevention Program for a list of EcoStar businesses in your area.

Pollution Prevention Tips

Here are some tips you can use to prevent pollution in your home, around your office, and at your local store.

Reduce
  • Select bulk products with the least wasteful packaging
  • Consolidate errands to drive less
  • Substitute less hazardous cleaners and solvents
  • Borrow or rent things that are used infrequently
  • Turn off lights in unoccupied rooms
  • Fix water leaks right away
  • Insulate your water heater
  • Install low flow faucet aerators and showerheads
Reuse
  • Take reusable shopping bags to the grocery
  • Reuse bags, containers, boxes, paper, glass jars, and other items
  • Use rechargeable batteries
  • Remove nails and hardware from old lumber reusable
  • Buy, sell, or donate used goods such as clothes, furniture, Magazines and appliances
Recycle
  • Purchase products that can be recycled and recycle them
  • Buy products made from recycled materials
  • Compost yard waste and food waste to use as garden mulch

External Links and Resources

Energy Savings at Home - Take the pledge and learn what else you can do!

The Consumer's Handbook for Reducing Solid Waste - This booklet describes how people can help solve a growing problem...garbage!

Environmentally Preferable Purchasing - The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) homepage for it's nationwide program to promote the purchase of products or services that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose. This site has information about many different types of products as well as links to other useful sites.

Where To Recycle In Montana - Montana has more than 150 recycling locations, but not all locations accept all types of recyclable materials. The Keep Montana Clean and Beautiful website provides an easy-to-use

Rechargable Battery Recycle Locations - Learn where you can recycle rechargable batteries in your community

Reduce Junk Mail - Junk mail adds up to nearly 32 pounds of paper and plastic going into the garbage every year for every woman, man and child in America! Check out this comprehensive guide to strategies you can use to eliminate much of the junk mail you receive.

Carbon Footprint Calculator - Use this free calculator to add up your carbon footprint.

 

 

Tell us!

Know of another helpful Web Page with information for individuals who wnat to be environmentally responsible consumers? Please contact Jennifer Grossenbacher of the Montana Pollution Prevention Program.