Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center

The Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center (PPRC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental protection through pollution prevention. Established in the region of the Pacific Northwest, PPRC serves as a leading source of high-quality, unbiased information on pollution prevention for businesses, governments, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Mission and Activities

PPRC’s primary mission is to promote source reduction, which involves reducing pollution at its source to prevent downstream environmental impacts and costly cleanups. The organization works collaboratively with various stakeholders to help businesses minimize the use of toxic chemicals and adopt safer alternatives. This approach not only benefits the environment but also reduces operational costs for businesses.

Activities undertaken by PPRC include providing training, educational resources, and technical assistance. In 2020, PPRC received a grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assist auto repair shops in transitioning away from hazardous chemicals such as perchloroethylene (PERC), trichloroethylene (TCE), methylene chloride (MC), and n-propyl bromide (nPB). The grant supported webinar trainings, roundtable conferences, industrial on-site assessments, and the development of educational materials like checklists and case studies.

Service Areas

PPRC primarily serves the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska, focusing on diverse communities including Black & African American, Hispanic & Latinx, Indigenous & Native American, and low-income populations.

Impact

By promoting pollution prevention, PPRC contributes to environmental protection while supporting economic efficiency for businesses. The organization's work aligns with broader national efforts to reduce hazardous chemical use and enhance public health. Through its activities, PPRC encourages sustainable practices that benefit both local communities and the environment.

[1] https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/pacific-northwest-pollution-prevention-resource-center-receives-epa-grant-help-auto [2] https://www.wagives.org/organization/Pacific-Northwest-Pollution-Prevention-Resource-Center [3] https://exchangenetwork.net/node/pacific-northwest-pollution-prevention-resource-center/ [4] https://www.pprc.org [5] https://members.nwautocare.org/list/member/pacific-northwest-pollution-prevention-resource-center-pprc-14074