Newport Beach : Few Firms Send In Anti-Pollution Tips

After what appeared to be a promising start, a Newport Beach committee’s drive to get businesses to swap pollution-reducing tips has generated little response, prompting proponents to try another approach.

Ed Hepner, a business consultant heading the “Newport Green” program undertaken by the city’s Environmental Quality Affairs Committee, said just a few businesses sent responses to a letter that went out to 2,700 Chamber of Commerce members in May.

Hepner said one key businessman told him that others had looked at the letter but were wary of replying out of fear of being criticized for not doing enough.

The letter solicited tips on reducing waste and recycling or trading byproducts. Proponents hoped that if some companies saw that recycling saved them money, others would follow the example. The campaign does not involve penalties.

“We’re now contacting businesses directly,” Hepner said. “Some of them are still reluctant because they’re afraid that somebody will take a potshot at them.”

Hepner said he hopes a city proclamation declaring next week “Pollution Prevention Week” will kindle some interest.

“In asking why and seeing what we learn, we find that maybe our methodology was wrong,” he said. “This is not a short-term project. I think we’re going to learn more as we give it some time.”