The Precautionary Principle

"When an activity raises threats of harm to human health or the environment, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause and effect relationships are not fully established scientifically. In this context the proponent of an activity, rather than the public, should bear the burden of proof. The process of applying the precautionary principle must be open, informed and democratic and must include potentially affected parties. It must also involve an examination of the full range of alternatives, including no action." - Wingspread Statement on the Precautionary Principle, Jan. 1998

The Precautionary Principle is a process that citizens can use to protect the commons and themselves. The effectiveness of the principle in achieving its protective goals depend on how it is used and for what. In that respect the Precautionary Principle is like democracy. It all depends on the people engaging in the process and using it for change.

Science and Environmental Health Network, Wingspread Statement and much more. A major group working on the Precautionary Principle in the U.S.

Precautionary Principle Handbook plus much more. This links to homepage but 23 page downloadable handbook is right in the beginning.

Mendocino County California and the Precautionary Principle. The Environmental Commons website has information on this rural county's plan to use the principle for water runoff in rivers.