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.
The Rise of Voluntary Programs
Across the country, the success and popularity of voluntary pollution prevention (P2) programs are growing rapidly. Federal and state environmental agencies are developing voluntary initiatives that are often designed to stimulate the economy while decreasing industrial pollution. These programs illustrate that economic growth and environmental protection need not be mutually exclusive concepts. The potential for simultaneous economic and environmental gain is prompting an increasing number of businesses and organizations to explore the benefits of these innovative voluntary programs.
Voluntary P2 programs present opportunities for organizations to make significant contributions to the environment while improving process efficiency, enhancing the lines of communication between business and government, saving money, and bolstering relations with the public. These programs typically are designed to provide participants with flexibility in program implementation. They also provide a full range of technical and financial services to help participants meet program goals.
In Ohio, voluntary programs play an important role in helping businesses and government agencies operate more efficiently and clean up the environment. In addition to joining P2 programs that focus on energy efficiency such as Green Lights and Energy Star Computers, the State of Ohio has taken an active role in promoting voluntary P2 programs to Ohio businesses and industries. To supplement the services offered by federal programs, Ohio EPA's Office of Pollution Prevention has developed marketing strategies and offers a variety of technical and financial services to provide local assistance to Ohio organizations. Through these activities, the agency has stimulated widespread participation in voluntary programs in Ohio, and remains committed to continued support and development of voluntary initiatives.
Future editions of this column will highlight existing voluntary energy-efficiency programs and will identify new programs as they are announced. To obtain information about voluntary energy-efficiency programs how they can benefit your company, please contact Craig Butler at (614) 644-3469.
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.