A commitment to environmental excellence is not merely an affirmation printed on a mission statement. The commitment implies actions that lead to measurable results, and SCEEP members have shown a willingness to take the necessary steps. The results give proof to their collective success.

Let's look at a few cumulative measurements for our current members, reflecting their environmental achievements. These figures represent 10 years of data, but of course, not all of the current members have been with the SCEEP for all 10 years.

Recycling and Reuse

After source reduction and reuse, recycling (along with composting) serves as the most preferred means of managing solid waste, according to the U.S. EPA's Solid Waste Management Hierarchy. Collectively, SCEEP members have maintained a 64.4 percent average recycle/reuse rate.

Landfilled Waste

Over the 10 years, SCEEP members have reduced their waste disposed of at landfills by 67,096 tons. If that quantity consisted only of recyclable newsprint, for example, it would have taken up 208,642 cubic yards of landfill space.

Water Use

SCEEP members reduced their water use by more than 8.1 million gallons over the 10-year period. That is enough water to serve 111,603 households for one year.

Energy Use

SCEEP members have reduced their energy use by more than 5.4 trillion BTUs over 10 years, the equivalent of more than 1.6 billion kilowatt-hours - enough to power 150,327 average households in the United States for a year.

Hazardous Materials

In industry, hazardous materials are present in two forms: hazardous materials used (such as solvents) and hazardous waste generated (such as spent solvents). Over the 10-year period covered by this report, SCEEP members reduced their use of hazardous materials by more than 9,880 tons. Further, they reduced the amount of hazardous waste generated by more than 1,555 tons.

Air Emissions

The quest for environmental excellence would be remiss if it didn't take air emissions into account. SCEEP members, over the 10-year history of the program, have reduced their air emissions by 84,750 tons.