September 10, 2015
Quick Links
Tips and Resources
To: Members and Friends of the Maryland Green Registry

 

Pollution Prevention: 
The Cornerstone of Sustainability

 

 


This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 and Governor Larry Hogan has established
September 21-27, 2015 as Pollution Prevention Week. (See Proclamation here.)

The act established a national policy to prevent or reduce pollution at the source whenever feasible, prior to recycling, treatment and disposal. Of course, businesses have long known that prevention is the best way to meet and exceed regulatory requirements. The 
Maryland Green Registry member profiles are filled with examples of this and the cost savings that come with this approach.  

The act also established a state grant program. MDE has never missed an opportunity to bring these funds to Maryland and has used them to provide direct technical assistance to businesses and support for the Maryland Green Registry. See this infographic showing what MDE and Maryland businesses have accomplished with these funds.

As basic as the concept of prevention may seem, now more than ever there is a need to maintain focus on solutions that truly reduce overall environmental impacts. For instance, enthusiasm for high recycling rates may cause an organization to overlook opportunities for waste reduction.
Why not take a moment during Pollution Prevention Week to take a fresh look at your facility, identify new opportunities and celebrate your successes?

 

Laura Armstrong

Maryland Green Registry Coordinator

Ideas for Recognizing P2 Week

o    Hold a pollution prevention business fair or tour of your facility

o    Provide a focus on "green" office purchasing

o    Recognize employees who have demonstrated commitment to pollution prevention

o    Host a brown bag lunch or breakfast seminar on P2

o    Provide on-site prevention audits or technical assistance to others

o    Tell other businesses in your community about your P2 activities through social media messaging

o Perform a waste audit and e valuate your P2 options

o    Conduct in-house training on P2

o    Hold a "Convert a Paper Document to Electronic Format Day"

o    Hold an office supplies Swap Day

o    Organize a contest to reward employees for developing P2 ideas

o    Celebrate employees that carpool, bike or take transit to work and share rides to meetings

P2Rx: a Prescription for your P2 Information Needs
Did you know that the Pollution Prevention Act supports technical assistance centers across the country to help your business on its path to sustainability?

In addition to providing state grant funding, the P2 Act funds P2Rx, a network of technical assistance centers around the country to support the industries particular to each region. The regional center serving Maryland is the Environmental Sustainability Resource Center.  Check out its resources including a  Rapid Response service where staff will research specific technical environmental sustainability questions for you free of charge. 
EMS: September 23 Workshop and Panel Discussion at MDE
Environmental Management Systems (EMSs) help organizations maintain a strong commitment to pollution prevention and continual improvement. Come hear from a panel of Maryland manufacturers who have participated in MDE's EMS implementation program as they talk about their programs and auditing experiences. Also, learn how to prepare for the recent changes to the ISO 14001:2015 standard for EMSs from the chair of the technical group that reviewed those changes.  Agenda and registration information  here Please register by Monday, September 21. Space is limited. 
Chris Clark, your Maryland Green Registry liaison to DBED

Are you planning to expand, relocate or add jobs in Maryland and don't know what programs might be available to you? Contact Chris Clark at the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED). Chris will be happy to direct Maryland Green Registry members to the right people and programs at DBED. Chris may be reached at 410-767-6869,   Chris.Clark@maryland.gov

 

 

 Visit us:

www.green.maryland.gov/registry