Pollution Prevention Institute

There is a need for New York to reduce the overall toxic waste production in its factories. An effective way to do this is to establish and fund a Pollution Prevention Institute, similar to the one that exists in Massachusetts. This institute serves as a resource for industry to identify safer alternatives to toxic products as well as how to incorporate them into their production models. The Pollution Prevention Institute (PPI) also supplies a wealth of information and research on dangerous chemicals and safer alternatives to them.

The institute supplies training to company representatives tasked with developing a toxic use reduction plan for their company. When working with the institute, a company would learn to weigh the environmental and economic costs through out a products life cycle and not just in production. In 1996, Massachusetts conducted a study of the effectiveness of their Toxic Waste Reduction Program. The survey found that 67% of companies that implemented the TUR program reported savings on material use and waste disposal. Also, 85% of companies that received training from the institute found it useful to their firm.

The establishment of a Pollution Prevention Institute in New York, through both its research and technical assistance, would be a resource to the many innovative companies as well as a tool for public education about toxic use and public health. Under the guidance of such an institution, hazardous substances could be systematically replaced by less or even non-toxic alternatives.

For additional information, visit the Citizen's Environmental Coalition website.