Office Products
-
Use the "duplex" function on your copier to make double-sided copies that reduce paper waste and save money. Buy or lease copiers and printers capable of making double-sided copies, and work with vendors to offer training to employees. Set the default mode on all machines for double-sided ("duplex") output.
-
ReuseProducts or materials that, after serving their original function, can be used again in their present form; some are designed to be reused repeatedly, while others not specifically designed for reuse are creatively used to fill a need. paper printed on one side for making draft copies, fax cover sheets or notepads.
-
Buy erasable boards as an alternative to paper flip charts.
-
Use self-stick fax addressing labels instead of printing full-size fax cover sheets (or use half-page sheets if you need to include a message with your fax).
-
Use electronic software presentations (e.g., PowerPoint®) to reduce the use of transparencies.
-
Buy solar-powered calculators and other devices to eliminate the need for batteries.
-
Purchase refillable products such as pens, pencils, and tape dispensers.
-
Reuse file folders and binders; applying new labels extends their usefulness.
-
Post information on bulletin boards or use e-mail rather than distributing paper memos.
-
Reuse paper printed on one side for draft copies or make it into notepads.
-
Rent, lease, or contractA solemn agreement between parties, usually written, with binding legal and moral force, usually exchanging goods or services for money or other consideration. for services, instead of buying infrequently used equipment.
Food Service
-
Buy reusable cafeteria dishware. Reusable dishes are often cost-effective over the long term compared with disposables.
-
Avoid using single-use cups. Many workplaces have eliminated single-use cups in favor of using reusable cups.
-
Use beverage dispensers for milk, juice, or soft drinks.
Packaging
-
Purchase products in reusable, refillable, or returnable containers. For example, receive deliveries in reusable trays, totes, or pallets that can be returned to the vendor for reuse.
-
Buy products in bulk, and only in the amount you need.
-
Purchase products with less packaging. Work directly with vendors to identify ways to reduce packaging.
-
Reduce the use of aerosol spray cans. Significant cost savings and waste reduction can result from using refillable and reusable pump-spray bottles.
General
-
Buy rebuilt, remanufactured, or refurbished products. Specify rebuilt auto shop parts and electric motors, remanufactured laser toner cartridges, re-inked printer ribbons, refurbished office partitions and furniture, and rebuilt machinery (e.g., copy machines).
-
Buy durable products. Evaluate frequently replaced items (or frequently purchased repair parts) to determine if replacing them with longer-lasting, higher-quality products makes sense. Examine in-house repair schedules, maintenance agreements, and extended warranties as ways to extend product life.
-
Set up a reuse system, or use an existing system, that makes unwanted items from one department available to other departments. (Refer to Materials Exchange and State and Local Surplus Programs.)
Products containing hazardous chemicals can pose health risks to employees and the public, as well as threaten the environment. In addition, hazardous products often require special and costly waste disposal methods. Buy products that are labeled with none of the following signal words or those with the lowest level of hazard possible (but that still get the job done).
- Caution: mild to moderate hazard
- Warning: moderate hazard
- Danger: corrosive, extremely flammable, or highly toxic
- Poison: highly toxic
If less-hazardous alternatives are not readily available, use the least amount of a hazardous product needed to accomplish a task. Use up all of the product before throwing the container or packaging away.
Reducing energy use is important because most energy production contributes to problems such as carbon dioxide emissions (tied to global warming), mercury releases, acid rain, volatile organic compounds, and nuclear waste. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy developed the Energy Star label to help purchasers identify energy-efficient products. These products reduce utility bills and help the environment.
Recycled-content products save energy and resources, while also keeping waste out of landfills and incinerators. Recycled-content products can be made with post-consumer content, pre-consumer content, or a mix of both. Products made with post-consumer recycled content support our recycling programs at home and at work. If people do not buy products with post-consumer recycled content, manufacturers will no longer want the paper, cans, glass, or plastic we separate from trash. Pre-consumer content comes primarily from manufacturer scrap, and as such does not directly support such recycling efforts.
Minnesota generates over 5 million tons of municipal solid waste annually, and this amount is increasing every year. Much of this waste comes from disposable and over-packaged products. Preventing waste can conserve natural resources and avoid the need to build new, expensive waste disposal facilities. You prevent waste when:
- Reducing the amount of material you buy to accomplish any task;
- Reusing a product in its original form; or
- Using repairable, refillable, or durable products.
VOCs evaporate ("volatilize") easily at room temperature and often have a sharp smell. They are contained in many products, such as office equipment, adhesives, carpeting, upholstery, manufactured wood products, paints, solvents, pesticides, and cleaning products. Some VOCs can cause cancer in certain situations, especially when they are concentrated indoors. When VOCs hit sunlight, they create ozone, an air pollutant harmful to both people and plants. Many low-VOC versions of products reduce risks to human health and the environment.
Less than 1% of the Earth's water is available for human consumption. There is no "new" water on Earth. Dry spells have reminded us that our water supply can be threatened - even in the Land of 10,000 Lakes - resulting in watering bans in some municipalities. Choosing products and services that conserve water, such as automatic flushers and low-flow faucets and toilets, can conserve this vital resource while reducing water and sewer bills.
What happens to a product after we use it? Some materials cannot go in the trash because they are hazardous in some way and therefore need separate - and sometimes expensive - special management. Some products are more easily recycled than others that do the same job. Making wiser buying choices can prevent a disposal concern at the end of a product's useful life, keep hazardous materials out of the environment, and expand options for recycling and reuse.
Rollover to learn more or view the complete symbols list.
Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Guide published by the Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board, 4/00. The SWMCB includes members from the Minnesota metropolitan counties of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, and Washington, with ex-officio members from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Last Revised April 18, 2008 - 2:31pm