Pollution Prevention Week
Governor Daniels issues pollution prevention proclamation Conference, awards highlight environmentally-focused week INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Department of Environment (IDEM) is dedicated to protecting Hoosiers and the environment, and this mandate was reinforced as Governor Mitch Daniels signed a proclamation dedicating September 15 to 21, 2008 as Pollution Prevention Week.
To actively promote pollution prevention, IDEM supports best management practices used by industry leaders in industrial processes which allow conservation of power and materials through more efficient processes.
"The continued effort of Indiana industry and IDEM to work together will ensure that thoughtful environmental action can strengthen both the economy and the environment," said Thomas Easterly, IDEM commissioner.
As part of the week's focus on strong environmental practices, Commissioner Easterly presented crystal trophies for achievements in pollution prevention during the Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence. The ceremony was held during the 11th annual Pollution Prevention Conference and Trade Show held at Primo's West in Plainfield today.
Awards were presented in three categories: Five-year Continuous Improvement award - Frito Lay, Inc., Frankfurt and Rieke Packaging Systems, Auburn; Energy/Renewable Resources award - General Motors Powertrain, Bedford, and Rieth Village, Wolf Lake; Pollution Prevention award - City of Carmel Utilities, Carmel; Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis; Jeffboat, LLC, Jeffersonville; Monaco Coach, Wakarusa; and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana, Princeton.
The Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence are open to all Indiana facilities, government agencies, individuals, and other groups that implement exemplary environmental projects with measurable results. The awards recognize Indiana's leaders who have implemented outstanding environmental strategies into their operations and decision-making processes. By seeking out and utilizing innovative environmental practices, these facilities and programs have reduced waste, saved money and contributed greatly to Indiana's environmental protection efforts, benefiting the health and welfare of the state's communities and the state as a whole.
The Pollution Prevention Conference and Trade Show was focused on linking pollution prevention activities with lean business practices. The Indiana Partners for Pollution Prevention, a public-private partnership between Indiana businesses, and IDEM's Office of Pollution Prevention and Technical Assistance (OPPTA) are co-sponsors of the conference. OPPTA is dedicated to fostering innovations that drive environmental improvements in industry.
IDEM created the Partners in 1996 to assist industries in sharing pollution prevention experiences and to advise IDEM on pollution prevention policies and programs. Partners is composed of manufacturers, not for profit organizations, institutions, and government agencies invested in promoting pollution prevention efforts in Indiana. The 53 organizations currently members of the Partners have shown a proven interest in promoting and developing pollution prevention programs to achieve measurable reductions in pollution in Indiana.
"Indiana's Partners for Pollution Prevention provides an important forum for businesses to obtain guidance," stated Commissioner Easterly. "The opportunity for businesses to overcome barriers that inhibit the adoption of pollution prevention practices is an important step toward environmental stewardship."
About IDEM
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management implements federal and state regulations regarding the environment. Through compliance assistance, incentive programs and educational outreach, the agency encourages and aids businesses and citizens in protecting Hoosiers and our environment.
- What should I do with my old computers and electronics?
- Where can I recycle?
- What are “Pay-as-You-Throw” programs?
- How can I get funding for recycling programs?
- What is “household hazardous waste”?
- Why is mercury dangerous?
- Where can I find information about available IDEM grants, loans, or funds?
- What are the benefits of recycling?
- What is composting and how do I do it?
- Where can I find information about flooding?
