There is considerable interest in this declaration both here and abroad. They circulated this draft widely and expect the Roundtable's newly formed International Workgroup to focus on this effort in the future. It is anticipated that this drafting exercise will lead to a comprehensive P2 protocol, providing the possible foundation for an official international document. Despite growing worldwide efforts to protect the environment, our planetcontinues to be burdened with complex environmental problems, caused by releases of harmful substances to the air, water and soil and by the depletion of natural resources.
Pollution prevention provides a solution.
It is an integral part of fostering sustainable development worldwide. Pollution prevention is practiced in a variety of ways including, using raw materials, water, energy and other resources more efficiently, substituting less harmful substances for hazardous ones, eliminating toxic substances from the production process and by redesigning processes and products. By reducing the use of hazardous substances, and by operating more efficiently we protect human health, strengthen our economic well-being, and preserve the environment. This international protocol is a call for action on the part of all signatory countries to implement pollution prevention. Pollution prevention achieves the twin goals of resource conservation and environmental protection.