EPA Design for the Environment (DfE) Program

The DfE Program works in partnership with a broad range of stakeholders to reduce risk to people and the environment by preventing pollution. DfE focuses on industries that combine the potential for chemical risk reduction and improvements in energy efficiency with a strong motivation to make lasting, positive changes. DfE convenes partners, including industry representatives and environmental groups, to develop goals and guide the work of the partnership. Partnership projects evaluate the human health and environmental characteristics, performance and cost of traditional and alternative technologies, materials and processes. As incentives for participation and driving change, DfE offers unique technical tools, methodologies, expertise and the potential for product recognition.

Located in the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, The DfE Program promotes safer product design and green chemistry alternatives through "informed substitution", the considered transition from a chemical of particular concern to safer chemicals or non-chemical alternatives. The goals of informed substitution are to minimize the likelihood of unintended consequences, which can result from a precautionary switch away from a chemical of concern without fully understanding the profile of potential alternatives, and to enable a course of action based on the best information - on the environment and human health - that is available or can be estimated.

To be considered safer choices, potential alternatives should exhibit as many of the following characteristics as possible:

• they should be technically feasible
• deliver the same or better value in cost and performance
• provide an improved profile for health and the environment
• account for economic and social considerations
• have the potential to result in lasting change

Core EPA DfE Program Included Products

	HydrOxi Pro® Carpet Cleaning Polymer		HydrOxi Pro® Encapsulating Spotter
	Green Logic™ Glass & Surface Cleaner		Green Logic™ Concentrated Degreaser