c. Prevention. Prevention is the Army's attempt to reduce or eliminate pollution. Preventing
pollution is always more effective and less costly than cleaning up polluted sites. Pollution prevention
includes all phases of the material management life cycle, from concept development to final disposition.
Soldiers can support prevention efforts by--
Reducing the Amount of Waste Produced. This may include using smaller amounts of
toxic materials or replacing them with less toxic substitutes, or it may include changing
operating methods by increasing efficiency or preventing accidents that generate waste and
residue.
Reusing Materials Whenever Possible. Reusing items is more cost-effective than
recycling. Reuse entails using an item in its current form. Refilling containers, filtering
solvents, or reusing subassemblies reduces the amount of waste that must be treated and
disposed.
melting it down or shredding it for use in other processes. Recycling, while less efficient
than reuse, may be the only alternative for several types of waste. Many installations
sponsor recycling programs to support morale, welfare, and recreation activities.
d. Conservation. Conservation includes two types of resource management: controlled use and
preservation. Controlled use focuses on managing military land to ensure long-term natural resource
productivity. Preservation focuses on protecting natural and cultural resources (to include endangered
species) by maintaining them in their current state. Renewable resources, such as timber or training land,
require controlled use. Nonrenewable resources, such as historic monuments or endangered species,
require preservation. The military must balance these demands in a responsible effort to conserve natural
resources and maintain readiness.
1-8. Stewardship. Along with the Army training on a vast amount of acreage, comes the responsibility
of stewardship--safeguarding and enhancing our vital resources. The Army must guarantee the
continuing usefulness of land by protecting the environment from the effects of current and future training
operations. This is achieved in part by using the goals and objectives identified in the four pillars.
Individuals, from the commander-in-chief to the newest recruit and every civilian employee, must apply
stewardship to their area of responsibility.
1-9. Summary. National-security strategy now includes specific environmental-security concerns.
Environmental resources can and do contribute to the potential for conflict when they become
environmental threats or strategic goals. The American people expect the Army to manage entrusted
financial, human, and natural resources in a responsible manner. The Army is integrating environmental
considerations into its approach to war fighting. This ensures that, as the Army fights and wins future
conflicts, it will protect and preserve valuable resources (soldiers and materials) and the natural
environment.
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