Using this Guide to Select Environmentally Preferable Products

Use this Guide to help you:

• Choose more environmentally preferable products and services in numerous categories.
• Write environmental specifications into your bid solicitations.
• Tap into Web sites and other resources related to environmentally preferable purchasing.
• Identify ways you can reduce waste in your office, shop, or facility.
• Locate surplus and reuse programs to obtain low-cost or used equipment and supplies.

The subject matter specific sections* of the Guide cover specific products and services commonly purchased by government. To help you make informed purchasing decisions, the following topics will be addressed for each product or service:

• general product Background
• related Environmental and Health Issues
• applicable Laws and Guidelines
• history of Performance
• Cost considerations
• product Vendors
• sample Specifications
• additional Resources and Web Sites [43] 

*Subject matter specific sections will be added over the next few months. The first one that is available covers copier paper, and future sections will cover the full range of products and services that State agencies use, including, but not limited to, office supplies and machines, vehicles and other transportation-related products, outdoor furnishings, maintenance and operations products, and building materials. Please stay tuned!