Get workers involved in pollution prevention

Journal Article · Fri Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1995 · Chemical Engineering

OSTI ID:178349

Conway, R; Lee, K C ^[1]

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1. Union Carbide Corp., South Charleston, WV (United States)

Compared with end-of-the-pipe waste treatment, pollution prevention is clearly recognized by regulators, industry, and the public as a conceptually preferable way to address pollution. Much has been written in recent years on the need for managerial commitment, and the usefulness of formal programs that identify pollution prevention opportunities through audits and then evaluate them for technical and economic feasibility. However, this article addresses pollution prevention from another perspective. It discusses a program adopted several years ago by Union Carbide, which attempts to instill all workers with waste minimization as a core value. The goal is to move from a culture in which waste management is relegated to a few environmental specialists, to one in which all types of waste are eliminated or reclaimed for reuse every day, by everyone who works for the company. In light of a growing overall awareness of environmental issues, most employees support a pollution prevention initiative in concept, but do not know how to contribute. Since information is power, Union Carbide had developed a regular newsletter, which provides an ideal way to offer ideas, case histories and regulatory updates. The goal is to inspire the individual or team worker to constantly seek and evaluate pollution prevention opportunities as a routine part of his or her normal work day.

• OSTI ID: 178349
• Journal Information: Chemical Engineering, Journal Name: Chemical Engineering Journal Issue: 12 Vol. 102; ISSN CHEEA3; ISSN 0009-2460
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
CHEMICAL INDUSTRY
IMPLEMENTATION
INDUSTRIAL WASTES
INFORMATION DISSEMINATION
POLLUTION CONTROL
WASTE MANAGEMENT