Securing some near-term sustainable procurement wins will help create momentum and demonstrate value. There are a variety of options for low-hanging fruit related to safer chemicals and products. Our focus is on making it as easy as possible for procurement staff to address the issue by providing ready to use contract language and specifications. A number of these example specification also cover issues related to recycled content, energy use reduction, and zero waste goal.
HomeFree raises awareness of toxic building materials and their associated health hazards. The database can help you make informed decisions to procure less toxic building products.
Version 1: October 2015. A public procurement guide to safer products for new construction and existing buildings
November 2018. Environmental attributes for healthy flooring in health care
November 2018. Condensed 2 page guide for environmental attributes for healthy flooring.
Getting it right from the start. A checklist for new child care providers to avoid common sources of toxic chemicals.
Version 2.0 December 2016. This document provides guidance for hospitals working to meet the requirments of the Green Cleaning goal of the Healthier Hospitals Safer Chemical Challenge
EPEAT is global ecolabel program for electronics. The Green Electronics Council managest the program which provides independent verification of manufacturers’ sustainability claims. The EPEAT online Registry lists sustainable products from many different manufactures. EPEAT for Purchasers has many other resources for municipal, institutional, and state purchasers.
Single-use food containers are often treated with chemicals known as PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances) to make them water and grease resistant. This infographic provides recommendations for PFAS-Free foodware options.
Updated December 21, 2018. Table formatted list of plates, bowls & soup containers, clamshell and take-out containers, food trays, cups, lids, and straws.
How to avoid fluorinated chemicals in compostable service ware
Srate of New York specifications for food service containers and wrappers.
A Purchaser's Guide to Safer Foodware
State of New York specifications on single use foodw
December 2015. This document provides guidance for institutions and suppliers wishing to meet the requirements for the Healthy interiors goals of the Healthier Hospitals Safer Chemicals Challenge.
This guide, developed by the State of MN, Clean Water Action MN, and the Center for Environmental Health, will help furniture purchasers identify healthier furniture options without the use of formaldhyde, VOCs, antimicrobials, flame retardant chemicals, PVC, or fluorinated chemicals.
A database of environmentally preferable furniture products created as part of the State of Minnesota's Participating Agreement to join the NASPO office furniture contract led by the State of Utah.
New York State specifications for pest management in outdoor spaces.
New York State specifications for pest management in indoor spaces.
The actual packaging that a product comes in is important to consider as well in terms of purchasing. The State of New York has model packaging specifications to consider.
This website lists many different products in a diverse array of product categories which meet the City of San Francisco's model health and environmental requirements.
New York State offers many specifications that meet their environmentally preferable purchasing policy via their website.