3M RECEIVES KEEP AMERICA BEAUTIFUL 2002 VISION FOR AMERICA AWARD

Keep America Beautiful, Inc. has announced that 3M is the 2002 recipient of its annual Vision for America Award. Keep America Beautiful is recognizing 3Ms dedication to continuously improve products and manufacturing processes while minimizing impact on the environment and developing strategies for sustainable development. The Award was presented on October 16, 2002.

Keep America Beautiful, Inc. has announced that 3M is the 2002 recipient of its annual Vision for America Award. Keep America Beautiful is recognizing 3Ms dedication to continuously improve products and manufacturing processes while minimizing impact on the environment and developing strategies for sustainable development.

Accepting the award for 3M at a black-tie award dinner at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City on October 16, 2002 was 3M Chairman and Chief Executive Officer W. James McNerney, Jr.

3M is fostering and furthering the understanding of environmental progress," said Keep America Beautiful President G. Raymond Empson. Their history and vision of sustainability and innovation has mirrored the sense of responsibility for the environment Keep America Beautiful works to impress upon citizens. 3Ms farsighted accomplishments are truly worthy of our highest honor."

In 1975, as the environmental movement was gaining momentum in America, 3M adopted the 3M Environmental Policy, believed to be the first global environmental policy with measurable results from a major manufacturing company. That same year, 3M introduced the voluntary Pollution Prevention Pays (3P) Program. By 2001, 3P had prevented the creation of 821,000 tons of pollutants and saved $857 million. More than 4,820 3P projects have been initiated by 3M employees worldwide.

The companys deep commitment continues today. 3Ms process of moving toward long-term sustainable development is called eco-efficiency, first defined by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. The strategy to achieve this goal is advanced by 3Ms Environmental, Health and Safety Management System. This includes continuously improving compliance assurance systems to meet and exceed government and 3M standards.

3Ms Environmental, Health and Safety Management System also involves emphasis on Life Cycle Management, a systematic process applied to ensure appropriate consideration of environmental, health and safety issues during the development of the hundreds of new 3M products each year.

Environmental, health and safety aspects of a products life cycle from development and manufacturing through customer use and final disposal are assessed and considered during product development. Finally, the Environmental, Health and Safety Management System strategy involves moving as close to zero as possible for environmental releases, injuries and illnesses.

3Ms efforts to reduce its generation of solid waste have yielded impressive results. In 2001, resource recovery activities in the U.S. recovered and used or sold more than $61 million worth of equipment, paper, plastics, solvents, metals and other byproducts. Since 1990, the company has achieved a 12 percent reduction in solid waste sent to landfills worldwide.

A high priority too is reducing volatile organic air emissions in manufacturing processes. Substantial reductions have been accomplished through the development of solventless technologies, pollution prevention programs and pollution control equipment. Since 1990, there has been a very significant 91 percent reduction in volatile organic air emissions.

Further reductions have come through focus on greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and some fluorochemicals. Progress is being made through process changes and pollution control equipment. Manufacturing emissions of greenhouse gases were reduced by one-third since 1995, and further reduction plans are under way.

3Ms environmental commitment proves that companies that contribute to sustainability by creating environmentally responsible products and processes also enjoy competitive long-term business benefits," said Empson.

Since 1986, Keep America Beautifuls Vision for America Award has been presented annually to distinguished leaders of honored corporations, whose personal and corporate commitment have significantly enhanced civic, environmental and social stewardship throughout the United States.

Keep America Beautiful, Inc. is a nonprofit organization whose network of more than 500 local, statewide and international affiliate programs educates individuals about litter prevention and ways to reduce, reuse, recycle and properly manage waste materials. Through partnerships and strategic alliances with citizens, businesses and government, Keep America BeautifulÌs programs motivate millions of volunteers annually to clean up, beautify and improve their neighborhoods, thereby creating healthier, safer and more livable community environments.