Smarter Business: Greening Advisor

Other environmentally preferable product specifications

The environmental impacts associated with an organization or event are not just limited to the categories set forth in this section. Consider all of the other products and services your organization purchases, from promotional products to uniforms to entertainment and everything in between. Take the following attributes into consideration when contracting for the production and distribution of company merchandise or other products your company purchases:

• Products that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or are made with renewable energy
• Products that reduce the use of toxins hazardous to the environment and employee and public health
• Products that contain the highest possible percentage of postconsumer recycled content
• Products that reduce air and water pollution
• Products that reduce waste
• Suppliers who strive to improve their environmental performance and provide environmentally preferable products, and who can document the supply-chain impacts of their efforts
• Reusable products
• Products that serve several functions (e.g., copier/printers, multipurpose cleaners) and reduce the overall number of products purchased

Consult the following resources for assistance in locating environmentally preferable products:

• EPA: Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Database
• Oikos Green Product Database
• American Recycling Markets, Inc.: Recycled Products Guide (Subscription Required)
• Co-op America: National Green Pages
• California Integrated Waste Management Board: Recycled-Content Product Directory (many products listed are available nationwide)
• Building Green: GreenSpec Product Database
• American Chemistry Council: Recycled Plastics Product Directory
• Forest Stewardship Council Supplier Inquiry
• Certified Forest Products Database