Green Purchasing, also known as environmentally preferable purchasing (EPP), is the coordinated purchasing of goods and services to minimize impacts on human health and the natural environment. Alternatives exist for almost every product used by municipalities that are less hazardous, save energy and water, and reduce waste. A simple first step is to purchase products made from recycled content that are themselves recyclable. Green Purchasing moves beyond recycled materials, however, to also take into account:

• The raw materials, including energy and water, used to manufacture products.

• The production process itself.

• The packaging and distribution method.

• The distance of transport and proximity of production.

The goal of this action is to encourage the municipality to commit to environmentally preferable purchasing by enacting an official policy via a resolution. This Green Purchasing Policy should outline standards and procedures for selecting products based on environmental criteria. To establish a Green Purchasing Program, start small and build on success!

Green Purchasing actions will assist your municipality in improving purchasing practices and finding more environmentally friendly products and services. Green Purchasing Programs have been carried out successfully by municipalities, businesses, universities, and the federal government. 

Why is it Important? 

Green Purchasing (or EPP) refers to “products or services that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose.” This comparison applies to raw materials, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, use, reuse, operation, maintenance, and disposal.

Benefits of EPP include:

• Improved ability to meet environmental goals.

• Improved worker safety and health.

• Reduced liability.

• Reduced health and disposal costs.

• Increased availability of environmentally preferable products in the marketplace.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency cites the following benefits of Green Purchasing:

• Green Purchasing is an easy and cost-effective way for municipalities to become more environmentally friendly. Implementing a Green Purchasing Program can:

• Protect the Environment - Green products eliminate waste, reduce hazardous toxins in landfills, and use more efficient manufacturing processes.

• Save your Municipality Money - Reducing and reusing products means less purchasing.

• Protect Human Health– Green products eliminate exposure to corrosive or irritating materials containing toxic compounds.

• Preserve Natural Resources, Save Energy and Create Jobs - In addition to preserving natural resources and saving energy, recycling employs almost 27,000 people in New Jersey and adds almost $6 billion in annual receipts to the state’s economy.

• The State of New Jersey purchases a variety of recycled products for its government operations, including recycled copy paper, paper towels, garbage bags, toner cartridges, antifreeze, traffic cones, and road construction aggregate.