What is the need to control pollution and how business should contribute in environmental protection?
Need for Pollution Control:
1. Reduction of health hazards: There is increasing evidence that many diseases like cancer, heart attacks and lung complications are caused by pollutants in the environment.
2. Reduced risk of liability: It is possible that an enterprise is held liable to pay compensation to people affected by the toxicity of gaseous, liquid and solid wastes it has released into the environment. Business must install pollution control devices in its premises to reduce the risk of liability.
3. Cost savings: Cost savings are particularly noticeable when improper production technology results in greater wastes which leads to higher cost of waste disposal and cost of cleaning the plants.
4. Improved public image: A firm that promotes the cause for environment will be able to enjoy a good reputation and will be perceived as a socially responsible enterprise.
5. Other social benefits: Pollution control results in many other benefits like clearer visibility, cleaner buildings, better quality of life, and the availability of natural products in a purer form.
Role of Business in Environment Protection:
1. A definite commitment by top management of the enterprise to create, maintain and develop work culture for environmental protection and pollution prevention.
2. Ensuring that commitment to environmental protection is shared throughout the enterprise by all divisions and employees.
3. Developing clear-cut policies and programmes for purchasing good quality raw materials, employing superior technology, using scientific techniques of disposal and treatment of wastes and developing employee skills for the purpose of pollution control.
4. Complying with the laws and regulations enacted by the Government for prevention of pollution.
5. Participation in government programmes relating to management of hazardous substances, clearing up of polluted rivers, plantation of trees, and checking deforestation.
6. Periodical assessment of pollution control programmes in terms of costs and benefits so as to increase the progress with respect to environmental protection.
7. Arranging educational workshops and training materials to share technical information and experience with suppliers, dealers and customers to get them actively involved in pollution control programmes.