Pollution Prevention Institute Awards Grants to Two Rochester Organizations

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The New York State Pollution Prevention Institute at Rochester Institute of Technology has awarded two community organizations in Rochester with grants to assist in pollution-prevention initiatives.

Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning and NCS Community Development Corp. both were announced winners in the 2011–2012 Community Grants Program at NYSP2I.

The grants, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, will be used to support projects that raise awareness and understanding of pollution prevention practices and lead to implementation at the local level.

With funding from the grant, Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning will reproduce and distribute more than 1,600 copies of the Healthy Home/Lead Awareness for Parents DVD, created by WXXI Public Broadcasting. The DVD focuses on educating members of the community on lead paint awareness and the dangers of environmental hazards at home.

NCS Community Development Corp.’s project, Let’s Do Deconstruction Initiative Project, will focus on outreach and education in how to deconstruct a property and responsibly maximize the reuse and recycling of building materials.

“NYSP2I is committed to assisting community organizations in their mission to train and educate their constituents on sustainable practices and pollution prevention,” says Anahita Williamson, director of the Pollution Prevention Institute. “We are excited about this year’s award winners and the benefits their projects will bring to the environment, the economy and public health throughout New York state.”

“The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is pleased to support and fund these important community initiatives through the Pollution Prevention Institute,” Commissioner Joe Martens says. “Practicing pollution prevention at the local level leads to a healthier environment and a more sustainable economy.”

Five New York City-based agencies and a Long Island agency were among the other winners to receive this year’s grant awards.

The New York State Pollution Prevention Institute provides state-wide, comprehensive and integrated programming in technology research, development and diffusion, training and education aimed at making New York state more sustainable for workers, the public, the environment and the economy. The Pollution Prevention Institute was created in 2008 through a grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Additional partners include Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Clarkson University, State University of New York at Buffalo and New York’s 10 Regional Technology Development Centers.