Green Purchasing

Buying and using environmentally preferable products (EPPs) has become an integral part of public procurement in recent years because it has become clear that this practice benefits the environment, improves efficiency and, often saves money.

Green Purchasing, also known as environmentally preferable purchasing (EPP), is the coordinated purchasing of goods and services to minimize impacts on human health and the natural environment. Alternatives exist for almost every product used that are less hazardous, save energy and water, and reduce waste. A simple first step is to purchase products made from recycled content that are themselves recyclable. EPP may consider raw materials acquisition, production, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, reuse, operation, maintenance or disposal of the product or service.

Executive Order 76(EO76) Issued Jan.06

Directs State Agencies to purchase environmentally preferable cleaning products that minimize potential impacts to human health and the environment, can use up existing inventories, encourages non-state agencies to do the same. Most importantly, green purchasing attempts to identify and reduce the environmental impact of an organization’s activities and maximize resource efficiency.

Why is it Important to be Green?

• It is important to keep in mind that the purchasing decisions we make affect our local environment and the health of our citizens and workers as well as the global community.
• Green purchasing can also help departments gain competitive advantage when applying for grant and other funding opportunities.
• Many times are less expensive than their conventional counterparts that serve the same purpose. For example, remanufactured toner cartridges cost on average 30-60% less than those produced by original equipment manufacturers, retread tires can save as much as 50% off the cost of a new tire;
• Other EPPs are equal in cost (e.g. carpet, cleaning products, janitorial paper products, energy efficient lighting) and offer the added value of reduced toxic use and waste reduction through the use of recycled materials.

Consolidate orders: By increasing the number of items ordered in a single order, you can reduce the number of campus deliveries and packaging waste. Our suppliers use fewer shipping cartons. By reducing the number of deliveries made to your office, you are reducing fuel use, carbon emissions and traffic congestion.

Switch to on-line ordering: Eliminate the need for paper purchase orders, save time, energy and money. Utilize electronic catalogs: Saves paper, eliminates the need to dispose bulky catalogs every year and frees up valuable desk space.

Purchase items containing recycled material: We are all aware that there is recycled paper available, but did you know that there are binders, pencils and notebooks that contain recycled material? There is flooring and construction material, office furniture, etc. that employ recycled material. 

Choose renewable resources: Lessen the demand for limited natural resources by making the renewable choice. Request vegetable based inks for printing or consider building materials obtained from sustainably harvested forests.

Opt for a non-hazardous alternative: By purchasing alcohol thermometers as opposed to ones filled with mercury, you can lessen disposal costs while removing the potential for a hazardous chemical spill. Likewise the purchase and use of non-toxic cleaning supplies, can improve worker safety by reducing exposure to noxious chemicals.

Look for the most energy efficient model: By purchasing energy efficient products, you are helping to prevent global warming and promote cleaner air without sacrificing the product quality and performance you expect.

Buy locally: It takes fuel to transport goods. Proximity to production not only reduces the energy use required to bring the item to market, it also helps to support the local economy.

Buy only what you need: While it may appear economical to purchase in quantity, the truth is that often the cost to dispose of unused supplies, especially chemicals, far exceeds the original price of purchase. 

Spread the word: Once you see how easy it is to “Buy Green” make sure that everyone else does too!

How the OC&P is Being Green

• Electronic Purchase Orders
• Portals
• Bid Inclusion