Policy Makers

Who we are.

PPC is an interdisciplinary program of education, research and outreach whose mission is to reduce or eliminate the use of toxic substances, improve human environmental health, and conserve resources. Our work includes pollution prevention research and policy development in the areas of garment care, janitorial cleaning products, pulp and paper, electronics, and food.

What we do.

Over the last eight years, PPC has become one of the leading experts on pollution prevention issues in the garment care sector. PPC established the California Environmental Garment Care Project, which aims to jump-start the use of professional wet cleaning and CO2 cleaning as environmentally preferable alternatives to traditional dry cleaning. Through our current grant program we are able to sponsor educational workshops and tours of wet cleaning and CO2 cleaning facilities, provide technical and financial assistance to cleaners interested in switching, and conduct much needed research on the performance and commercial viability of these technologies.

In addition, PPC provides educational outreach to various stakeholders in the garment care industry, community and environmental groups, and state and regional regulators, while identifying policy options for promoting the use of pollution prevention technologies.

How we succeed.

The creation of wet cleaning and CO2 cleaning demonstration sites throughout the South Coast region in conjunction with the research conducted through the demonstration program served to establish these technologies as viable substitutes to perc dry cleaning. Today, there are more dedicated wet cleaning and CO2 facilities in the Los Angeles Basin than in any other part of the country. The success of this project was instrumental in the South Coast AQMD's decision to phase out perc from the region in December 2002. PPC also provided data and consulted in the development of Assembly Bill 998, which was signed by Governor Davis in 2003. AB 998 creates a financial incentive for cleaners switching to non-toxic alternatives through a state fee on perc sales.

Our Partners.

The Pollution Prevention Center is committed to the protection of human and environmental health and the conservation of natural resources through partnerships with local, regional and national organizations. We are aware that by working together and coordinating our resources and expertise, we are more effective in reaching our common goals. Therefore, we have made it a priority to build lasting partnerships with government agencies, environmental and community groups, utilities companies, and private foundations to name a few.