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Environmentally Responsible Purchasing:
An established and accepted purchasing policy is fundamental to a successful waste management program.
When making purchasing decisions, ask the question “What is the alternative that meets our needs, yet is a better choice for the environment?”
You
can make a difference with every purchasing decision.
CLOSING
THE LOOP:
Recycling is more than just collecting materials.
As purchasers, we all can help stimulate markets for recyclables by buying products made from recycled material.
Many commonly used office supplies can be made with recycled content, not just paper products but also items such as binders, rulers, scissors, pencil holders, calendars, and many others.
Purchasing these kinds of products will help to close the recycling loop.
QUICK START:
What can you do, starting today, to improve purchasing practices and buy environmentally sound products?
- Purchase office paper with high, post-consumer recycled content.
- Buy products that are reusable, durable, repairable and recyclable.
- Reduce packaging waste.
- Switch to cleaning products that are low-phosphate.
- Use re-refined motor oil in vehicles.
- Use mercury-free (or low mercury) batteries.
- Purchase calcium magnesium acetate for de-icing sidewalks in winter.
- Use organic herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers in ground maintenance.
DEFINITIONS:
One definition for Environmentally Preferable is...
Products that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products that serve the same purpose. This comparison may consider raw materials acquisition, production, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, reuse, operation, maintenance, or disposal of the product. An example of an environmentally preferable product is an energy efficient, multi-function office machine with recyclable toners, purchased from a reputable company offering a multi-step recycling program.
The definition of Buying Recycled is…
Purchasing products that are made from or contain recycled materials. An emphasis should be on those products that contain the maximum level of post-consumer content and/or recyclable content without affecting the intended use of the product or service.
Buying
recycled is usually only one aspect of a company's
"Environmental Procurement Policy".
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