The publication is designed to help facilities jumpstart their environmental communication efforts. The chemical industry saw major reductions in releases of both toxic chemicals and suspected carcinogens from 1991 to 1997, and the accident rate for the chemical industry declined 32 percent. Twenty-five percent of people living near chemical plants have a favorable view of the industry, according to a Chemical Week survey. The survey shows that only 22 percent of CMA's member facilities could or would answer seven questions about basic facility operations and on-site chemicals.
People now have access to more information more quickly than ever before.
The toolkit emphasizes key principles that can establish a solid foundation for communication efforts. One of the underlying ideas of the toolkit is the importance of building relationships over time with local communities and other key audiences. Such relationships can exist only when there is a consistent, long-term dialogue among the parties involved. Imagine that it's a Tuesday afternoon in March, and the phone rings at one of your chemical facilities. Nothing unusual has been going on at the plant.