Issue of the Month: Does your city have an Environmental Purchasing Policy (EPP)?

WHAT?

An Environmental Purchasing Policy (EPP) is designed to promote the purchase and use of recycled or environmentally preferable products for your city and to encourage partnerships with others who follow the same methods. "Environmentally preferable products" are items that are made in a more sustainable manner and respect human health. EPPs focus on the entire lifespan of a product from materials acquisition, to production and packaging, to disposal. By reducing the impact of an item at any stage, these policies can help save your city money too!

WHY?

There are several BENEFITS to your city when implementing EPPs:

Save money through lower upfront costs, lower maintenance costs, reduced replacement costs, and decreased disposal or cleanup costs.
Decrease the negative health impacts in your community.
Generate less waste material by reviewing how supplies, materials and equipment are manufactured, purchased, packaged, delivered, used, and disposed. Reduce your landfill contribution.
Conserve resources through your support of recycled materials.
Encourage other vendors, contractors, businesses and those that you work with to market and use recycled/recyclable materials as well.
Serve as an example for other communities to follow- be recognized for your environmentally friendly practices!

WHO?

Local city governments can institute city wide policies or particular businesses, agencies, schools, or organizations can take the first steps. Even individuals can make a conscious effort to buy GREENER.

WHERE?

Pleasant Hill recently implemented their own EPP.
Contra Costa County encourages participation.
The State of California requires EPPs.

HOW?

Use a step-by-step guide to create your own Environmental Purchasing Program. Also, consider using policies of other agencies or governments as templates for your own.

If looking for more information, the following links are a good place to start:

"Climate-friendly" purchasing.
StopWaste.org resources.
Cases Studies compiled by the Association of Bay Area Governments:
General Information on Responsible Purchasing.

WHEN?

Now of course! Find upcoming events where you can learn more about EPPs.

Contra Costa County Climate Leaders

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