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Buying Green Resources
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Print Resource Sheet  |
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Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP)
- Look for these Certifications:
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Electronic Products Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) is an
independent program that certifies “green” electronic equipment such as
computers, monitors and laptops. See www.epeat.net . |
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Energy Star is a joint program of the US Department of Energy and US
Environmental Protection Agency where you can find certified
energy-efficient products (such as light fixtures, exit signs,
appliances and office equipment). See www.energystar.gov . |
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EcoLogo, formerly known as Environmental Choice, evolved from Canada’s environmental product certification
program. It has issued standards for over 300 product categories (such
as flooring, paint, electricity, cleaners, office equipment, and paper
products), many of which are sold in California. See www.EcoLogo.org |
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Forest Stewardship Council certifies lumber and other building products
made with sustainably harvested wood or that reduce wood consumption; go
to www.fsc.org. |
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Green Seal is a nonprofit organization that set standards for
products (such as janitorial cleaners, floor strippers, and paints) and
certifies products that meet those standards. Find certified products,
standards, and Choose Green Reports at www.greenseal.org.
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Green-e is a labeling program established by the nonprofit organization,
Center for Resource Solutions, which verifies electricity that has been
generated using renewable sources such as solar and wind energy. See www.green-e.org. |
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Greenguard is a nonprofit organization that certifies products that
impact indoor air quality. Find products (such as flooring, paints,
furniture, and cleaning products) with low VOCs and other emissions.
Some are certified for use near children: www.greenguard.org.
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Scientific Certification Systems verifies green claims such as
“biodegradable” or “contains recycled content”. SCS also oversees
compliance with the California Gold Sustainable Carpet Standard and
other environmental certifications; see www.scscertified.com. |
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TransFair maintains a Fair Trade label issued to companies that import
products such as coffee, tea, chocolate and rice that have been
manufactured and sold under fair and safe working conditions. For a list
of certified products, go to www.transfairusa.org. |
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US Department of Agriculture allows use of its organic label for
products meeting federal standards that address pesticide and fertilizer
use as well as other approved methods used to grow, harvest and process
food and other agricultural products. Information about this organic
certification program can be found at www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/. |
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Environmentally Preferable Products on California State Contracts
California Integrated Waste Management Board’s online EPP Tool Kit
features an EPP Best Practices Manual and other relevant resources. The
Manual describes applicable State policies, an overview of how to find
“Best Value Through Environmentally Preferable Purchasing,” and links to
specific information about how to procure EPPs in approximately 30
product categories such as rechargeable batteries, recycled carpeting
and paint, low-mercury light bulbs, less-toxic cleaning products, and
more. California’s EPP resources can be found at www.green.ca.gov/EPP/default.htm.
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Other EPP Resources
- Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Network (EPPNet) is a free
electronic list-serv that links public and private officials charged
with purchasing environmentally preferable products and services. It
provides subscribers with quick access to EPP policies, specifications,
vendors, and pricing and performance information. To subscribe, go to: www.nerc.org/eppnet/index.html.
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Green Purchasing Institute provides hands-on technical support to local
governments on EPP issues, including the development of environmental
purchasing policies, bid specifications, contract language and outreach
materials. Email:
info@greenpurchasing.org. |
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GreenSpec Directory is a paper and online directory that lists over
2,100 environmentally preferable building products based on uniform
environmental criteria. It can be found at www.buildinggreen.com. |
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- King County, Washington is a municipal leader in environmental
purchasing and has developed specifications for a wide variety of
recycled, energy-efficient, and low-toxicity products. It issues
periodic bulletins when new environmentally preferable products are
added to County contracts and an annual report publicizing its
successes. Visit www.kingcounty.gov/operations/procurement/Services/Environmental_Purchasing.aspx
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StopWaste is a public agency in Alameda County that promotes waste
prevention, recycling and EPP. It offers an EPP resource guide, model
policy, and fact sheets on rechargable batteries, remanufactured toner
cartridges, recycled content recreation and transportation products, and
environmentally preferable cleaning and office products. See www.stopwaste.org |
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Responsible Purchasing Network (RPN) is a member-based network of
procurement stakeholders that maintains an online clearinghouse of
information on EPP policies, programs, purchasing guides, reports,
upcoming events and other related resources. See www.responsiblepurchasing.org. |
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US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has developed Comprehensive
Procurement Guidelines that recommend minimum recycled-content levels
for dozens of products. For more information, go to www.epa.gov/cpg/products.htm .
US EPA has also developed a suite of tools to help facilitate EPP,
including a database listing:
- Contract language, specifications, and policies created by federal,
state and local governments;
- Vendor lists of product brands that meet federal EPP standards; and
- EPP Updates, guidance documents, fact sheets, and case studies.
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These resources were compiled by The Green Purchasing Institute. |
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Last updated: Monday, 09/27/2010
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Responsible Purchasing Network
Join the experts in buying green - an international network of buyers dedicated to socially responsible and environmentally sustainable purchasing. The network provides small and institutional purchasers alike with cutting-edge procurement tools and resources designed to save money, conserve resources, reduce waste, and improve efficiency. RPN routinely hosts responsible purchasing webinars and has developed Purchasing Guides for a variety of products and services.
responsiblepurchasing.org |
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