The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is pleased to join organizations throughout the nation in celebrating National Pollution Prevention Week, September 15-21. Pollution Prevention or P2 means not creating pollution in the first place.

P2 focuses on reducing waste at its source, reusing what can’t be reduced and recycling what otherwise would be thrown away! The keys to Pollution Prevention are the three R’s – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle!

P2 week provides an opportunity to emphasize and highlight pollution prevention and sustainability activities in business, government and organizations.

“Pollution prevention has grown from a good idea many years ago to one of the principal ways our country protects the environment. As a result, our land, air and water are cleaner and safer,” said Donald S. Welsh, EPA’s mid-Atlantic regional administrator.

According to the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable, P2 Week is the time when businesses, environmental groups and citizens can join forces for a common cause.

By sharing information about pollution prevention, businesses can become more competitive, and lower operating costs. Individuals can also save money on monthly utility bills.

EPA estimated that each individual generates about 1.5 tons of solid waste per year, which equates to about 4.5 pounds per person, per day. Whether you are a student, a parent a small business owner or a corporate leader, EPA encourages everyone to make pollution prevention part of your daily life. Here are some ways that you can help:

For P2 tips and more information, visit EPA’s Pollution Prevention Week webpage.

9/12/2008