Addressing environmental issues and sustainability represent a clear advantage. Pollution and energy use represent consumption of resources. Pollution, in particular, represents raw materials that are purchased but do not end up in the marketable product. Reductions in costs associated with waste treatment and purchase of raw materials go straight to a company s bottom line and can contribute to increased profitability. Customers are being increasingly drawn to companies that can demonstrate good stewardship of the environment.
Sustainability is a concept that is gaining increasing strength in today s society.
It represents the concept that one should not incur debts to the environment that must be paid by successive generations. Sustainability means that the environment and the economy and social equity are inextricably intertwined. Actions in one of these areas cannot reasonably be considered without also considering the effect of that action on the other areas. Federal laws and regulations, executive orders, etc. are beginning to incorporate the principles of sustainability more and more. Pollution prevention is one element of sustainability.