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Providing
resources for pollution prevention in business and education
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Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming have more
than 220 million acres in farmland and derive a sizeable portion of their income
from farm-related activities. Each state also has a Department of Agriculture
focusing on the industry plus efforts by various branches of the U. S. Department
of Agriculture and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. Many smaller entitites
also work on agricultural issues including active producer groups and colleges
and universities. Because clean air, water and productive soil support a healthy
agricultural industry, stewardship of the land has always been an important
issue. Ag Projects is a searchable database of research and demonstration
projects from around the region that show pollution prevention connections.
Visitors can browse the list of projects in the database, search for projects
with a particular focus or keyword, and submit new projects for consideration.
Contractors, designers, consumers and service providers (real estate agents,
home inspectors, lending and governmental agencies, etc.) deal with a variety
of pollution-related issues -- from regulations to marketability to employee
health and safety, to community relations during remodel or new home projects.
Resource efficient building practices will allow this industry to meet consumer
demand, increase profits, provide savings for the consumer and enhance marketing
opportunities while using resources in a sustainable manner. This section of
the site offers current news and events, several industry guides and a searchable
catalog of web-based resources to serve a national audience.
EPA Region 8 states have a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities. Many
people living here also earn their livelihood offering services and outdoor
experiences to those who come to enjoy the region's natural beauty. Outdoor
recreation industries have many opportunities to prevent pollution and every
effort will contribute to the long-term success of the business because the
effects of not preventing pollution are soon apparent. Topics covered currently
include snowmobiling with resources for the downhill ski industry and national
parks soon to come. While focusing on recreation opportunities available in
Region 8, the resources presented here can be used wherever similar industries
operate.
Pollution prevention resources specifically geared to auto body shops and the
assistance providers who serve them can be found here. Shops and assistance
providers from around the country will find practical, time-tested information
to improve auto body shop safety and efficiency and to promote pollution prevention
practices.
Education
Education is the key to widespread adoption of pollution prevention in all
walks of life. Since it is predominantly a voluntary activity, pollution prevention
could be called an education in itself. This portion of the site is dedicated
to how pollution prevention is and can be integrated into formal education at
the k-12 level and at tech schools and universities. Current offerings include
the EnviroRangers (exits this
site), a P2 club on the web for kids (including teacher resources); a tool for
high school Ag and Vocational Educators to use
in practicing pollution prevention in their teaching areas; and a Higher
Ed Survey of colleges and universities in EPA Region 8 states.
Like many areas of the country, some communities in Colorado, Montana, North
Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming are experiencing unprecedented growth
while others are suffering economically from loss of population. Many community
growth issues (loss of agricultural land, need for infrastructure, water quality
and availability, etc.) involve opportunities to prevent pollution and find
ways to create sustainable, low-impact communities. This section of the site
offers an overview of pollution prevention as it relates to growth issues and
links to regional efforts.
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