Pollution prevention (known as P2) is an increasingly important effort to reduce waste and manage waste products properly. The Office of Engineering Outreach, in the NMSU College of Engineering, provides technical assistance and information to businesses and communities on cost-effective ways to reduce and/or prevent pollution and preserve New Mexico’s valuable environmental resources.

P2 is any practice that reduces, eliminates, or prevents pollution at its source. P2, also known as "source reduction," is the ounce-of-prevention approach to waste management. Reducing the amount of pollution produced means less waste to control, treat, or dispose of. Less pollution means fewer hazards posed to public health and the environment.

Importance of Pollution Prevention

Pollution prevention reduces both financial costs (waste management and cleanup) and environmental costs (health problems and environmental damage). Pollution prevention protects the environment by conserving and protecting natural resources while strengthening economic growth through more efficient production in industry and less need for households, businesses, and communities to handle waste.