Friday, December 7, 2007

Green Purchasing

Obsolete Computers:

  • The Department of Public Safety estimated in 2004 there were 315 million, obsolete computers in the U.S. With e-waste growing at 3-5% per year, that makes this old technology one of the fastest growing segments. Can it be recycled, redeployed or upgraded to reduce waste?

Recycled paper:

  • Confirm that you supplier carriers recycled stock
  • Stock is 30% or higher post-consumer recycled content and is “processing chlorine free”
  • Each ton of recycled paper reduces wood consumption by 17 trees and energy use by 4000kWh (average annual usage of a single-family home), eliminates about 60 tons of air toxics, and prevents contamination of about 7,000 gallons of process water
  • Recycled stock should not cost more than virgin paper so check multiple sources if necessary

Double-sided printer/copier promotion:

  • Promote copiers and printers with a standard duplex function
  • Enable duplexing on existing models
  • Request that your supplier enable duplexing upon delivery of any new copiers and printers so that the standard is duplex unless actively turned off
  • Paper savings can be substantial

Recycled paper goods in Food Service:

  • Ask your distributor about recycled paper stock especially for items that are used momentarily and then discarded such as paper napkins and towels
  • Most preferable are those with high levels of post-consumer content that are processed, chlorine-free, or unbleached
  • Reusable mug programs are also easy to implement and popular
  • Imprint mugs with your logo and environmental mission statement
  • Discount beverages purchased in them
  • Distribute to all employees

Greener cleaners on distributor contract:

  • See if you can replace glass and all-purpose cleaners, disposable cleaning cloths, or other items for occasional use by non-housekeeping staff with Green Seal-certified cleaning chemicals or reusable items such as micro-fiber dusting cloths. Other things that do not affect Infection Control.

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