Pollution Prevention & Safer Alternatives Resources

GENERAL INFORMATION

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, over the past several decades, exposure to indoor air pollutants has increased due to the construction of more tightly sealed buildings, reduced ventiilation rates to save energy, the use of synthetic building materials and furnishings, and the use of chemically formulated personal care products, pesticides, and toxic cleaners.

The high incidence of indoor air pollution has introduced a new term into the English language: Sick Building Syndrome. The effects of indoor air pollution can becostly in the work place. Sick building syndrome may negatively impact the performance of employees and may lead to increased absenteeism. It has been estimated that contaminated air results in medical costs of about $1 billion dollars a year and costs employers approximately $60 billion a year in employee sick leave and lost production.

EPA Air Index monitor

Reports levels of pollutants in the air

http://www.epa.gov/air/data/repsst.html?st~MA~Massachusetts

www.airnow.gov

Massachusetts Environmentally Preferable Products (EPP)

These services and product choices are better for human and environmental health when compared to competing products. They promote recycled material content, reduced waste, energy and/or water conservation, fewer toxic substances, open-space protection, and public health protection

www.mass.gov/epp/

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Pollution prevention (P2) is reducing or eliminating waste at the source by modifying production processes, promoting the use of non-toxic or less-toxic substances, implementing conservation techniques, and re-using materials rather than putting them into the waste stream.

www.epa.gov/p2/

EPA- Environmentally Preferable Purchasing

Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) helps the federal government "buy green," and in doing so, uses the federal government's enormous buying power to stimulate market demand for green products and services. Geared first to help federal purchasers, this site can help green vendors, businesses large and small -- and consumers.

www.epa.gov/epp/index.htm

Office of Technical Assistance and Technology

On-site assistance program helps businesses improve process efficiency, ensure environmental regulatory compliance, and reduce resource and environmental costs. Items include: air emissions, chemical use, hazardous waste management, water use, wastewater management, operations and maintenance, and record keeping

http://www.mass.gov/envir/ota/programs/onsite_assist.htm

Cleaning & Maintenance Management Green Chemical Info Packet

A current guide about all things 'green cleaning' and 'green management'

www.cmmonline.com/upload/Articles/2007/07/CMSpotlight_GreenCleaning.pdf

Toxic User Reduction Institute (TURI)

TURI provides services and grant programs to reduce the use of toxic chemicals, energy and water while enhancing the economic competitiveness of local businesses. It was established by the State’s Toxics Use Reduction Act of 1989.

On this website you can find green alternatives to use in green designs that protect employees, consumers, and the environment,data on toxics use in Massachusetts and case studies for making changes. Check here for training events, clean technology demonstrations, and grant deadlines. Connect to onsite business assistance for energy efficiency and renewable energy.

www.turi.org/