Small Business P2 Conference

The workshop is designed to help businesses realize the economic, environmental, and worker safety benefits of P2. Two hundred people were expected to attend from various small business sectors. There were presentations to educate and assist companies in improving their understanding of environmental and worker safety regulations and how they are enforced. Participants learned from experts how to reduce environmental liability and save money. There was also an exhibit hall, where companies discussed their particular needs with health and safety, P2, and financial service providers. Attendees participated in hands-on demonstrations to learn about practical, effective, proven P2 methods.

A main attraction at the workshop was the Iowa Waste Reduction Center's Mobile Outreach for Pollution Prevention (MOPP) exhibit. The MOPP, housed in a 34-foot specially designed recreational vehicle, is a national outreach demonstration project developed to help small businesses improve their hazardous waste management practices. The Iowa Waste Reduction Center at the University of Northern Iowa produced the MOPP to conduct hands-on equipment demonstrations and waste reduction training, thus allowing participants to gain a better understanding of how equipment operates. Readily available commercial models are used to demonstrate P2 technology. Information on the MOPP is available from the following website, http://www.iwrc.org/programs/MOPP.cfm.