Keeping the environment clean can take one of two forms: cleaning up pollution after it has already harmed the environment, or preventing the pollution from entering the environment in the first place. Of these two options, the latter is far cheaper than the former. For example, one gallon of oil dumped down a storm drain can contaminate up to one million gallons of water, leading to an expensive cleanup. Instead, the oil could be recycled in the red curbside recycling bin for no more than what you pay for your recycling service. This is just one example of how “end-of-pipe” solutions can be far more costly and difficult to achieve than pollution prevention.
The websites linked from this page contain a host of valuable information about how you can prevent your own pollution from entering the environment. You can learn how to maintain your lawn while conserving water and keeping pollution from entering Salem’s streams. There are plenty of tips for conserving water inside your home, and even a pledge you can take to put your commitment to the planet in writing.
If you have any questions or suggestions about this website, please contact the Natural Resources Outreach Specialist.