Environmental Issue: Pollution Prevention
Regular businesses are filled with chemicals, heavy metals, solvents, hazardous materials and other pollutants. Your favorite dentist, auto repair shop, restaurants and retail stores have their own unique set of issues concerning a variety of pollutants. Even if a local business wants to engage in sustainable practices they have to first determine which practices are damaging to the environment and then what changes are required.
Environmental benefit: The goal of the Partnership for a Clean Environment (PACE) is to reduce the use of hazardous materials and minimize waste through a partnership with Boulder County to provide education and certification to businesses, government and residences on practices concerning water, land and air use above and beyond current regulations. Education is specifically targeted toward specific types of businesses. For example automotive shops can receive information on how to recycle oil filters effectively and how to dispose of tires safely.
Other Benefits: Since PACE focuses on businesses many of their suggestions are developed with considerations such as reducing costs and improving brand image. Companies that have successfully participated in PACE reduce their dependence on harmful chemicals so employees should experience a reduction in exposure and therefore a reduction in common health issues such as respiratory illnesses. By eliminating the discharge of chemicals such as anti-freeze into the sewage system the risk of toxins being released into the drinking water is eliminated.
Cost and complexities: PACE is set up to handle most common types of business. Currently, training is specifically available for automotive, dental offices, restaurants, retail, manufacturing, printing, landscaping and government operations. If your business falls outside of these categories or has unique challenges PACE may not have specific advice related to your industry.
Implementation Plan:
- Contact PACE
- Start working on areas PACE coordinator has identified
- When all areas have been addressed contact PACE for final certification
Where to purchase:
PACE Web site 303-786-PACE (7223)