Sustainability

Buy Green — Tips for Environmentally Preferable Purchasing

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines “green purchasing” as the purchase of products or services that have a reduced effect on the environment and human health when compared with competing products or services; however, green purchasing, more properly referred to as environmentally preferable purchasing, is not always easy. That’s why the United States Postal Service^® has developed specific guidance on which products are considered environmentally preferable:

n Products that do not contain any of the 13 targeted chemicals, EPA priority chemicals, or ozone-depleting substances;

n Products that contain recycled materials from post-consumer sources;

n Products made of renewable bio-based materials (i.e. designated BioPreferred by USDA);

n Energy-efficient (i.e., Energy Star qualified products) or water-efficient products (i.e., WasteSense certified); or

n Products that are Ecolabel certified by a reputable third-party organization (e.g., GreenSeal, EcoLogo, and Cradle to Cradle).

Examples include retread tires, recycled antifreeze, re-refined oil, recycled content paper, non-hazardous aqueous parts cleaning solutions, and bio-based adhesives. Whenever you buy a product or service, simply remember that “less is more.” Less product, less waste, less toxics, less raw materials, less energy, and less water is almost always preferable.

Did You Know?

n Energy-efficient choices such as ENERGY STAR products can save families up to a third on their energy bills, with similar savings of greenhouse gas emissions, without sacrificing style or comfort.

n The average household spends as much as $500 per year on its water and sewer bill but could save about $170 per year by retrofitting with water-efficient fixtures.

n Recycled plastics are used to make new outdoor decking, carpeting, and clothing.

What Does This Mean to the Postal Service?

Over the past several years, the Postal Service™ has continuously improved its national Green Purchasing Program. Efforts have focused on the products and services we buy, together with the products and services we provide to our customers. Today and every day, you can become more sustainable by buying green products and services — at work and at home. As an internal customer, you should order and specify products that align with the Green Purchasing Program. Through the decisions you make, you can get the product you want and help make the Postal Service a more sustainable organization. So, how do you “buy green”?

Consider Six Factors:

n Non-Toxic. Avoid buying products that contain toxic and hazardous materials. If the product you are considering contains one or more of the Postal Service’s 13 chemicals targeted for elimination or the EPA’s 31 priority chemicals, do not buy it. Increase your knowledge of the chemicals in the products you buy by reviewing Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs). If the product you want contains a “targeted chemical,” look for an alternative.

n Energy Efficiency. Purchase energy-efficient equipment, lighting, and appliances whenever possible, by looking for the ENERGY STAR logo.

n Water Efficiency. When replacing old faucets and toilets, look for products bearing the EPA WaterSense label. These products are certified to perform as well or better than their less efficient counterparts and are 20 percent more water-efficient than average products in that category. This means measurable water savings.

n Made from Recycled Content. Products that contain high levels of post-consumer content have less of an impact on the environment. Post-consumer recycled materials are obtained from discarded consumer products. For example, if you buy copy paper, choose 30 percent post-consumer recycled content paper. Also, look for items that are reusable and/or refillable.

n Bio-Based. Natural bio-based materials, such as vegetable-based hydraulic oils or soy-based adhesives, are known as “USDA BioPreferred.” These products use renewable resources and help reduce adverse effects on the environment and human health.

n Packaged with Minimal and Recyclable Packaging. Consider choosing products with minimal packaging or packaging that can be easily recycled, like paper or cardboard.

What Should Employees Know?

n Avoid Buying Products Containing Chemicals Targeted for Elimination. Whether at work or at home, avoid exposure to hazardous chemicals. If the product you want contains one of the 13 chemicals targeted for elimination, do not buy it.

n Buy Recycled Content Materials. When you buy a recycled content product, you reduce environmental impact. Less extraction of raw materials from the ground or from forest resources reduces soil erosion as well as air and water pollution.

n Look for the USEPA Energy Star & WaterSense Logos. When buying appliances, lights, or computer equipment, look for the Energy Star logo. When buying faucets, showerheads, and toilets, look for the WaterSense logo. Buying energy- and water-efficient products reduces costs and conserves resources.

n Read Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Review the MSDS to determine if a product is environmentally preferable. You can determine if the product contains an EPA-banned substance, has negative health effects, or has an adverse effect on the environment.