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A. Definition

Pollution Prevention (P2) is a proactive environmental strategy that reduces or eliminates waste and pollutants at their source rather than controlling them after generation. It emphasizes cleaner production, efficient resource use, and substitution of toxic materials.

B. Main Features

P2 focuses on process modification, raw material substitution, improved housekeeping, and better operational practices. It encourages industries to redesign processes and products to reduce waste and emissions. Pollution prevention is typically more cost-effective and sustainable than end-of-pipe control technologies.

C. Case Studies and Examples

1. 3M's "Pollution Prevention Pays" Program - Saved millions of dollars by redesigning processes to prevent pollution and waste generation.
2. Dow Chemical Company - Implemented P2 techniques that reduced hazardous waste by over 40% through solvent recovery and reuse.
3. Japanese Electronics Industry - Adopted cleaner production and resource optimization to achieve significant reductions in effluent and emissions.

D. Target Sectors / Stakeholders

Industries, regulatory agencies, and environmental managers are the main actors. Stakeholder engagement includes suppliers and employees to ensure pollution prevention is integrated into daily operations.

E. Scale of Operation

Implemented primarily at the organizational and industrial level, but supported by national pollution prevention policies and incentive schemes.