Montana Pollution Prevention Program 

Welcome to the Montana Pollution Prevention Program (MTP2)

The MTP2 Program is dedicated to helping the state's small businesses, local governments and citizens use progressive, integrated pollution prevention (P2) strategies to increase productivity, while safeguarding our air, water, land and other natural resources by reducing pollution. MTP2 is funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Pollution Prevention Resources & Navigation

P2 Calculators

Pollution Prevention Calculators

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has tools to measure environmental impact of pollution and the prevention of it. These calculators are located on the EPA's website. If you want to see how you can reduce your own waste, MTP2 can help!

 

EcoStar

MTP2's EcoStar Award

MTP2 supports Montana businesses that are committed to actively reducing their waste and conserving resources. The recipients of the EcoStar Award are just such businesses. Apply or nominate today!

 

Internships

MTP2's Internship Program

Working together to keep Montana beautiful. Students can work with us directly with MTP2's internship program.

Library

Pollution Prevention Resources

A collection of free resources and links to help in preventing pollution.

For Individuals

Tips for Individuals

Preventing on a personal level can seem futile but even small steps are movement in the right direction. Tips for people to start small.

 

For Professionals and Educators

Pointers for Business and Schools

Running a business or in charge of a classroom? Learn how you can impact pollution. Tips for groups to do their part.

P2  NEWS

• MTP2 Announces 2025 Ecostar Pollution Prevention Award Winners

  Sept. 12, 2025, BOZEMAN — Five businesses received EcoStar awards from the Montana Pollution Prevention Program at Montana State University for their commitment to environmental progress in their communities.  

  Announced ahead of National Pollution Prevention Week — which starts on Monday, Sept. 15 — the awards recognize Montana businesses taking tangible steps to reduce waste, harmful emissions, and energy and water use. The EcoStar Pollution Prevention Award program is in its 24th year and is funded by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  

  “Each EcoStar business demonstrates that pollution prevention isn’t a regulatory burden — it’s a strategic advantage,” said Jenny Grossenbacher, director of the Montana Pollution Prevention Program. “As these five businesses lead by example, they ignite a ripple effect across Montana’s business community by inspiring others to act, accelerating innovation and showing that environmental leadership and economic success go hand in hand.” 

  Representing 13 Montana communities, the EcoStar awardees are: 

  • Cool Earth Creamery — Missoula. Nominated for implementing low-impact dairy practices and climate-friendly food production. 
  • Mackenzie River Pizza Co. — Big Fork, Billings, Bozeman, Belgrade, Butte, Great Falls, Helena, Kalispell, Missoula, Polson and Whitefish. Nominated for its sustainable operations and reduction of single-use waste. 
  • Superior Meats — Superior. Nominated for implementing energy-efficient equipment and waste reduction protocols, demonstrating how food processors can minimize their footprint while maximizing productivity. 
  • The Garden Barn — Bozeman. Nominated for reducing packaging and conserving water, becoming a model of resource stewardship in horticulture.  
  • Xanterra Parks and Resorts — Gardiner. Nominated for applying energy-saving improvements to guest services and operations. 

  This year’s recipients have collectively saved approximately 7 million gallons of water, reduced 18,090 pounds of hazardous waste, avoided using 9,700 metric tons of the equivalent of carbon dioxide and saved 627,816 kilowatt-hours of energy. Repeat EcoStar Award winner Mackenzie River Pizza Co., for example, participates in Helena’s pilot composting program and has reduced plastic use across all its locations. In total, the awardees have saved $335,517 through pollution prevention efforts. 

  Through the awards program, each business will receive a $500 grant to apply toward pollution prevention, as well as assistance from the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center to identify areas of improvement. Awards are given annually, with applications due Aug. 15. For additional information or to apply or nominate a business, visit montana.edu/pollution-prevention/. 

  “When businesses act to prevent pollution by reducing energy and water use, cutting waste or lowering greenhouse gas emissions, they also protect their profits, enhance their brand and lead communities toward sustainability,” Grossenbacher said.

  Contact: Jenny Grossenbacher, director of the Montana Pollution Prevention Program, at 406-994-4292 or jenniferg@montana.edu

• EcoStar Award applications and nominations due Aug. 15

  July 29, 2024 BOZEMAN -  Montana State University’s Pollution Prevention Program is accepting applications and nominations for the 2024 EcoStar Award, which highlights the efforts of small businesses in pollution prevention.  The EcoStar Awards Program, now in its 23rd year, recognizes Montana small businesses and organizations that are bolstering the economy and creating more environmentally and economically sustainable communities by reducing solid and hazardous waste; conserving resources such as water, energy and clean air; and serving as role models for the state with their pollution prevention efforts. The deadline for nominations and applications is Thursday, Aug. 15.

  Pollution prevention is any practice that reduces, eliminates or prevents pollution at its source before it is created, resulting in less waste to control, treat or dispose of, according to Jenny Grossenbacher, director of MSU’s Montana Pollution Prevention Program. The program is housed in MSU’s College of Education, Health and Human Development and is funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

  Grossenbacher said that pollution prevention is about “safeguarding our health, our resources and our future.”

  “Montana businesses that prioritize environmental well-being deserve recognition for their contributions and leadership,” she said.

  EcoStar Award winners receive technical assistance from MSU’s Montana Manufacturing Extension Center to identify additional pollution prevention opportunities and a $500 grant to help implement those advancements.

  According to Grossenbacher, last year’s EcoStar Award recipients collectively saved $291,488; saved 5.6 million gallons of water; conserved 243,059 kilowatt hours of electricity; prevented 1,368 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions; and eliminated 11,779 pounds of hazardous waste.

  Last year’s winners included Cool Earth Creamery in Missoula; Boulder Hot Springs Inn, Spa and Retreat Center in Boulder; Eco Montana, Simms Fishing and Bridger Bowl Ski Area in Bozeman; and MacKenzie River Pizza Co., which has locations across the state.

  “The EcoStar winners are true environmental champions, making a lasting impact on Montana’s ecosystem, economy and their own bottom line,” Grossenbacher said.

  To submit an application or nomination or for additional information, visit montana.edu/pollution-prevention/ecostar/ecostar.html or contact Grossenbacher at 406-994-4292 or jenniferg@montana.edu.

   

  Contact: Jenny Grossenbacher, Montana Pollution Prevention Program, 406-994-4292 or jenniferg@montana.edu

• Montana Pollution Prevention Program highlights successful programs