Pollution prevention revolution

The adoption of pollution prevention as a clearly differentiated approach to environmental improvement began in U.S. industry and policy during the late 1970s. While examples of improved efficiency and hence less waste had existed since the start of the Industrial Revolution, the distinct explosion of successes in pollution prevention did not occur until the mid-1980s. Figure 1 shows an approximate time line of this period. 

It is working a revolution in values, as commitment to responsible partnership with nature replaces cavalier assumptions that we can play God with our surroundings and survive. It is leading to broad reforms in action, as individuals, corporations, government, and civic groups mobilize to conserve resources, to control pollution, to anticipate and prevent emerging environmental problems, to manage the land more wisely, and to preserve wildness. 

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