From September 18-22, 2023, communities, individuals, and businesses around the country will join the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to take action to reduce, eliminate or prevent pollution. Many of the steps you can take for pollution prevention (also know as P2) may not always be obvious water protecting actions, but preventing at pollution its source can have great impacts downstream.
Choose an action, tag #PollutionPreventionWeek on social media and rally your employees and clients to take that next step!
1. Only Rain Down the Drain
Solutions to keep water clean and flowing through the proper stormwater systems can be implemented with any combination of time and budget. Keeping drains on your property clear of debris and containing your chemicals properly to prevent spills is any easy way to get started. Get more ideas.
2. Plan Your Landscaping for Next Year
Did you know rain gardens are effective at replenishing ground water supplies? Or that rain gardens can help water take advantage of natural filtering? If a rain garden is not in your future, think how you can use native plants in your landscaping to reduce the frequency of water, fertilizer, and grass-covered areas.
3. Purchase Sustainable Electronics
When you need to purchase electronic equipment, check out the EPEAT registry. EPEAT-registered products must meet environmental performance criteria that address materials selection, supply chain greenhouse gas emissions reduction, design for circularity and product longevity, energy conservation, end-of-life management and corporate performance. When your electronics meet the end of their life, be sure to dispose of them properly.
4. Dispose of Hazardous Waste Properly
If your business is located within a Wellfield Protection Area in Marion County, Indiana, you are required to follow certain best practices for waste disposal and drinking water protection through the Indianapolis zoning codes (Section 742-204) and Marion County health ordinances. Overwhelmed by running your business and unsure where to being? Contact us for a free and confidential assessment of your current pollution prevention practices. Not in a wellfield? Browse these resources for waste disposal options in Marion County.
5. Attend the 2023 Indiana P2 Conference
On September 20, 2023, join Indiana industries, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that have volunteered for a public-private partnership with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) to promote pollution prevention and environmental stewardship in Indiana at the Indiana Partners for Pollution Prevention Conference and Tradeshow. Attend speeches and workshops presented by leaders in their environmental fields. Visit exhibitors and network with attendees for services/products to assist you in your daily work.
Learn more about becoming an official Pollution Prevention Partner while you are there and be inspired to continuing protecting our water and all who live and work in our communities!
