For printed copies of this or other pollution prevention publications distributed by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Pollution Prevention, please call the Office of Pollution Prevention at 614/644-3469. A copy of the Office of Pollution Prevention publications distribution list, "Pollution Prevention Information Available from Ohio EPA", may also be ordered by calling 614/644-3469.
Fall 1995
Next Article: What is Pollution Prevention?
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Director's Welcome
Director Donald R. Schregardus welcomes readers and recognizes success of pollution prevention activities in Ohio.
I'd like to welcome you to the first edition of Prevention Quarterly prepared by Ohio EPA's Office of Pollution Prevention. Ohio has made considerable progress since Governor George V. Voinovich first funded the Office of Pollution Prevention two years ago. We finalized a State of Ohio Pollution Prevention Strategy, and in partnership with the Ohio Department of Development initiated a $10 million low interest loan program for small businesses. We began Ohio Prevention First, a voluntary pollution prevention planning program, and became a partner in the Green Lights energy efficiency program.
Pollution prevention occurs when individuals and businesses reduce pollution at the source or recycle. Numerous companies throughout Ohio have been making tremendous strides in reducing pollution while realizing substantial economic benefits for their efforts. Ohio's Toxic Release Inventory totals have dropped every year since 1987 because of these efforts. Clearly, pollution prevention is an area where Ohio EPA and businesses can work together to achieve joint objectives.
Voluntary programs, such as U.S. EPA's 33/50 Program, have provided a forum for companies to make reduction commitments and communicate their success. Ohio's own voluntary pollution prevention planning program, Ohio Prevention First, got its start when Governor Voinovich challenged the top 100 companies on Ohio's toxic release inventory to commit to comprehensive pollution prevention planning. Eighty-one of those 100 companies agreed to participate. We are excited that other companies wanted to be part of the program, too. Today, more than 150 companies are participating in Ohio Prevention First. If you'd like to get involved, please call us. We welcome the opportunity to talk to you about the benefits you will gain from participation.
As another service, the Office of Pollution Prevention provides technical assistance and information to hundreds of Ohio companies each year to encourage pollution prevention efforts. Smaller companies may need more than just technical assistance and information on pollution prevention opportunities. To fill this need, Ohio EPA teamed up with the Department of Development to establish a $10 million low interest loan program for businesses with 500 or fewer employees. This program provides $25,000 to $350,000 loans at two-thirds of prime rate to help companies purchase equipment for pollution prevention activities. This type of assistance will enable many smaller companies to realize the economic and environmental benefits of pollution prevention.
Pollution prevention is more than just a good way to do business. There are numerous opportunities for individuals to prevent pollution and protect the environment. Avoid buying products that are double wrapped. Use less toxic or biodegradable products whenever possible. Buy only the quantity that you need. Buy beverages in containers that can be recycled. Use a mulching lawnmower -- and only mow your grass in the mornings or evenings to minimize ozone air pollution. Use cloth rags instead of paper towels.
It is everyone's responsibility to prevent pollution. By working together, we can improve Ohio's environment by ensuring that our resources are utilized in the most effective manner possible. As pollution prevention activities continue to increase throughout Ohio, it is important that we keep people informed and involved. Please let the Office of Pollution Prevention know what you think about this newsletter. Your commennts will help us produce a publication that best meets your needs.
Donald R. Schregardus,
Director
Prevention Quarterly is published by the Ohio EPA, Office of Pollution Prevention. Please direct your comments to: Vanessa Smith, Ohio EPA, Office of Pollution Prevention, P.O. Box 1049, Columbus, OH 43216-1049, (614) 728-1262.
Next Article: What is Pollution Prevention?
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