Preventing Pollution in 2001
September 17-23, 2001

WHEREAS, the Northeastern State Environmental Commissioners and Directors and the EPA Region I-New England and Region II Administrators believe that an important way to prevent pollution is for everyone to make environmentally aware purchases;

WHEREAS, the products that we purchase can have a profound effect on solid and hazardous waste generation as well as water and air quality;

WHEREAS, a clean environment and safe food are critical to our health and well being;

WHEREAS, federal, state, and local government agencies are increasingly and successfully involved with establishing environmental criteria in their procurement of goods and services;

WHEREAS, businesses of all sizes, which consider environmental impacts when purchasing equipment and goods, have found "buying green" to be good for business;

WHEREAS, many schools, hospitals, universities, and other institutions have begun to purchase environmentally preferable materials and products to eliminate the use of those that can cause potential harm;

WHEREAS, consumers are involved with reading labels to understand the content of the purchases that they make and considering environmental impacts when making those decisions;

WHEREAS, buying locally grown and/or produced products can have a significant impact on reducing the air quality impacts of long distance shipping, supporting the local economy, providing fresher food that may require fewer preservatives, and assisting in maintaining existing open space;

WHEREAS, for products that contain toxic metals, such as mercury, there are currently many alternatives available, such as low or no mercury fever thermometers, and other mercury free measuring devices;

WHEREAS, many products, such as paper, plastic, and metal products, that have recycled content are becoming more available

WHEREAS, local recycling programs are becoming more prevalent;

WHEREAS, alternative, low impact cleaning products, paints, and other commonly sold items are now available for consumers and businesses to purchase.

THEREFORE, environmental officials in the Northeast, hereby proclaim September 17-23, 2001 as Pollution Prevention Week and encourage all citizens to join in this observance. Shop for a Better Environment, for a healthy and prosperous future.