Pollution Prevention Week 2007 will be September 17-23

Pollution Prevention Week originated in California in 1992 and in 1995 gained widespread popularity when it became a national effort. Since 1995, the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable, based in Washington, D.C. and the largest membership association devoted solely to pollution prevention, is advancing pollution prevention awareness through efforts to encourage and promote widespread participation in National Pollution Prevention Week.  In 2000, President Clinton signed a letter of support for P2 Week and Governors in sixteen states as well as scores of local officials issued official proclamations declaring support for this effort.  Several members of Congress also gave strong statements of support on the House and Senate Floors.  It is anticipated that in the future there will be a dramatic increase in P2 Week activities, more than doubling the number of official proclamations and congressional statements. 

Sponsoring activities is a great way to promote P2 while showing off your environmental activities.  Inexpensive and effective events can be planned including prevention as a component of current operations, a regularly scheduled event, or a newly coordinated activity with others.  Some successful events include:

·  Distributing promotional materials on your current activities

·  Distributing industry specific P2 fact sheets.

·  Organizing a "clean shop" tour.

·  Hosting a bring-your-own lunch or breakfast seminar on P2.

·  Providing on-site prevention audits or technical assistance.

·  Telling other businesses or clients about your P2 activities.

·  Evaluating existing waste practices and P2 options.

·  Conducting in-house training on P2.

·  Visiting local schools and educate kids on P2 concepts thay can do at home.

·  Providing assistance to teachers on P2 curricula.

Tips for organizing your activities:

·  Identify key stakeholders and involve them in planning.

·  Convene regular planning meetings.

·  Contact others who have had successful events.

·  Plan activites well suited to your agency, industry or community.

·  Have a clear vision of what you want to achieve with your event.

·  Focus on a specific message, information or assistance.

·  Co-promote and co-produce activities with others.

·  Widely promote your activities.

For more information on what you can do at Home, at Work or at School to promote Pollution Prevention, please visit About P2 Week.