Pollution prevention is the best way to protect the environment.
Traditionally, government programs have focused on treating or cleaning up pollution after it happens. 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.