Thinking Green

When a need for a good or service is presented, there are considerations such as contracts and SWaM, eVA or Banner, FOAPAL and cost. There is also another aspect of purchasing that can and should be considered; and that is sustainability.

THINKING GREEN, BEST PRACTICES

• Check University Surplus for available items before purchasing new ones.
• Use stocked items from the Central Storeroom to avoid additional transportation costs which include environmental effects as well as monetary.
• Utilize the campus bookstore to save additional transportation costs and environmental effect.
• Purchase Energy Star rated appliances.
• Request drinking water in Dining Services’ cambro units for meetings and events instead of individual serving water bottles if feasible.
• Purchase certified cleaning products such as EcoLogo or Green Seal certified.
• Don’t print emails and documents if not necessary.
• Use remanufactured toner products if equipment will tolerate them.

GREEN PURCHASING PLANNING GUIDELINES

During the planning stages for a purchase, purchasing ‘green’ means considering all stages of a product or service’s life cycle.  Responsible purchasing planning generally means that less of an environmental footprint is left at the end of a good’s useful life. Use Green Purchasing Planning Guidelines to aid your decision making process.

For further information please contact campus sustainability staff.