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Environmentally Preferable Purchasing
Businesses and consumers can support sustainable production by purchasing products made by companies that design their products without toxics, to be energy-efficient, and to be easily recycled. This is known as environmentally preferable purchasing (EPP), or as green or responsible purchasing. EPP is the purchasing of goods and services that cause less harm to humans and the environment than competing goods and services that serve the same purpose. This comparison may consider raw materials acquisition, production, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, reuse, operation, maintenance or disposal of the product or service.
- Safer Alternatives for Household Products – This brochure, created by the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments (AVCOG), can help you find alternatives to household products that contain toxic chemicals. Learn more about creating a healthy home.
- Safer Cosmetics and Personal Care Products – Check this database to help decide which products are safest for you and your children to use.
The State of Maine has achieved the Silver Partner level in the State Electronics Challenge. This is a free program that encourages governments, schools and other public entities to save money and conserve resources by “greening” the management of their electronics equipment. This includes environmentally preferable purchasing, using equipment efficiently, and recycling equipment responsibly.
Maine State Government supports sustainable production through implementation of its Environmentally Preferable Procurement Policy.
The National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) has a Green Purchasing Guide to help anyone involved in procurement to understand the benefits of green purchasing, and steps and strategies to implement green purchasing.
Visit the EPEAT© website to learn how to purchase environmentally preferable computers, monitors, televisions, printers, scanners, copiers, and facsimile machines.
Procurement specialists can join EPPnet, the Northeast Recycling Council’s Environmentally Preferable Purchasing listserv. This listserv provides subscribers with quick access to information on availability of product specifications, vendors of environmentally preferable products, pricing information, and strategies to achieve recycled product procurement goals.
For more information on EPP visit the US EPA EPP.