A report recently released by the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable (NPPR) found that pollution prevention (P2) programs in the United States are effective in eliminating and preventing waste, as well as producing economic savings.

The report, Pollution Prevention Produces Results: Waste Reductions, Resource Conservation, and Cost Savings, was developed from collected data, mainly from surveys and follow-ups on methods used to identify P2 opportunities. The information is based on responses from 29 P2 programs located in 25 states. States frequently reported more than one type of program.

NPPR's study found that from 2001 to 2003, P2 programs in the United States prevented 6 billion pounds of air and water pollution, reduced energy usage by 1.2 billion kilowatt hours, and conserved more than 44 billion gallons of water. As a result of such efforts, cost savings added up to more than $500 million. The cost savings is five times the total amount of money used to implement these P2 programs.

According to NPPR, as P2 grows, so does the need for greater resources for data collection, monitoring, and results publication. Although the results of P2 programs are just beginning to attract attention and support, the future holds opportunities and promise.

INFO: Contact NPPR's Jeff Burke at 202-299-9701.