Pollution prevention means reducing waste at the source by changing the process so that less pollution is created. This is a better approach because it avoids creating the pollution in the first place so that it doesn't need to be cleaned up. Pollution prevention is voluntary because it goes beyond just complying with environmental regulations. Common pollution prevention measures include using less hazardous materials in manufacturing, being careful to prevent spills, maintaining equipment in top condition, reformulation or redesign of products, equipment or technology modifications, process or procedure modifications, and improvements in housekeeping, maintenance, training, or inventory control. There are other cost-effective techniques that can be applied as well.
Pollution prevention has many benefits.
It protects our environment by avoiding or minimizing the creation of pollutants, which protects the environment. Preventing pollution up front avoids costly clean-up and treatment and disposal costs. Usually, companies save money when they prevent pollution. Sometimes there are costs to get started but these are usually made up by the avoided costs of waste treatment and disposal. Pollution prevention reduces non-compliance and liability risks, protects worker safety, and improves a facility's image and credibility.