EPPnet Listserv Archive April 2007 – November 2011

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EPPnet Listserv Archive

April 2007 – November 2011

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Table of Contents

Recycled Silicone Sheet Rubber – ½” thick, April 2007 12

Local Businesses with Green Offices, April 2007 13

Remanufactured Toner Cartridges, April 2007 16

Old Windows, April 2007 18

Green Stairway Material, May 2007 20

Green Paint Needed, May 2007 21

Impact of Purchasing Individual Serving Containers vs. Multiple Serving Containers 23

Model Office Supply Contract Language, May 2007 24

Request for Green Biking Product Info, May 2007 26

Green Sealer, Granite Countertop, May 2007 28

Bio-based Oil Approvals from Manufacturers? May 2007 30

EPEAT Specs, June 2007 31

City of Portland Posts Online Studies, June 2007 33

Specs for computer servers, networks and switches, June 2007 34

Battery contract, July 2007 36

Remanufactured Toner Cartridges & Warranties on Printers, August 2007 38

Cell phone recycling, procurement language, August 2007 40

Water responsible truck washes, August 2007 46

Compostable garbage can liners, August 2007 48

Fluorescent Bulb Recycling Statewide Contracts, August 2007 49

Trade show/Vendor booth banner, August 2007 51

Looking for "green" catering & function contracts, August 2007 53

Life cycle comparison of reusable bags, paper bags, & plastic bags, August 2007 54

Water conservation EPP resources, August 2007 56

Source Reduction Boilerplate Language, September 2007 57

Hybrid Electric Bus Information, September 2007 58

EPP Cleaners in Schools, September 2007 60

Remanufactured toner cartridges, October 2007 61

Request for bid language, October 2007 65

City Recycling System, November 2007 67

Organic Pesticides & IPM, December 2007 69

Government Vendor Requirement, December 2007 71

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Question about Prizes, February 2008 73

RFP questions to differentiate fuel efficiency, etc. for deliveries, February 2008 75

States' mercury-free purchasing guidance, February 2008 76

Carbon footprint of a water bottle, February 2008 77

Paper & office supply policies, specs & RFP language, February 2008 79

Restroom stall advertising, March 2008 80

EPP professional job description, March 2008 81

Bamboo flooring, March 2008 86

LEDs vs. CFLs, March 2008 87

Aluminum Wheel Cleaner, March 2008 88

Promotional items - seeking green specs & contract language, April 2008 90

Reuse/Recycle of 3-gallon toilets, April 2008 91

Compressed air for cleaning of computers, April 2008 93

Reusable shopping bags for City distribution, April 2008 95

Green furniture purchasing, April 2008 97

Construction Contract Question, May 2008 98

Rags: wiping & sorbent material, May 2008 99

Cleaning Standards: EcoLogo & Green Seal Harmonization, May 2008 100

Swimming pools, May 2008 102

Hand sanitizers, May 2008 103

Electrolyzer, Corp., June 2008 104

Hand dryers, June 2008 105

Coffee stir sticks, June 2008 106

New abrasive blasting technique, June 2008 107

Post-consumer paper cost, June 2008 109

Left over paint, June – October 2008 111

EPP in promotional items, July 2008 114

Food Packaging - life cycle Assessments, content comparisons, & opinions, July 2008 117

In-vessel composting systems, July 2008 118

Mulch/compost purchasing policies, July 2008 119

Specs for dry cell batteries, July 2008 120

Furniture RFI/RFP information, July 2008 121

Green Janitorial Services specs, July 2008 124

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Refuse/recycling contracts: focus on waste reduction, recycling, August 2008 128

Defining low VOC, August 2008 130

EPP training for purchasers, August 2008 134

Polystyrene trays at schools, September 2008 136

Multi-stream Recycling to Single Stream Recycling Conversion, September 2008 138

Funding for green building - public projects, October 2008 141

Task Chairs, October 2008 144

30% post-consumer content paper, November 2008 145

Microfiber towels for bathing, November 2008 146

Deicers, November 2008 147

All ‘n One Cleaners & Disinfectants, December 2008 151

Looking for decision making tools, January 2009 152

Dining service policies, January 2009 154

An Ideal Green Company Profile, January 2009 156

Consolidated Deliveries, January 2009 159

EPP Preference, February 2009 160

Recycled Content for Carts, February 2009 162

Food Service Greening Language, February 2009 163

Vehicle Maintenance Products, February 2009 164

Green IT Policy, March 2009 165

EPP Model Policy, March 2009 167

Idling Policies, March 2009 168

EPP custodial products, April 2009 170

Paper Policy Questions: Reduction & Environmental Qualities, April 2009 171

Alternative Food Service Ware Success, April 2009 174

EPP Product Information: Disposable Food Containers, April 2009: Alternative Food Service Ware

Discussion 182

Contract for refilling toner cartridges, April 2009 185

Air Conditioning Filters, April 2009 186

Federal EPP Requirements, April 2009 187

EPP Hospital Case Studies, April 2009 190

LED Traffic Light Policies, May 2009 191

Graffiti Removal Sustainable Specifications, June 2009 192

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Paper calculator that includes sanitary papers, June 2009 195

State Agency employee travel/preference for "green" facilities, June 2009 197

Green Savings, July 2009 198

Water Saving Device, July 2009 200

LEED requirements in furniture contracts, July 2009 201

Amount of material sent to landfills, August 2009 203

Sample carpet RFQs, August 2009 205

How Should Suppliers Market to Us? September 2009 210

Effective anti-mold cleaners for locker rooms, September 2009 212

Responding to product vendors, September 2009 213

Recycling Old Car Seats, October 2009 214

Suggestions Needed for EPP Exercise Room Wipes, October 2009 215

Pro’s & Con’s - EPA's DfE Program, November 2009 217

EPP Scorecard & Report, November 2009 223

Mattress Recyclers, November 2009 225

Anyone familiar with Grenk remanufactured cartridges, November 2009 226

EPP & Cost Savings, November – December 2009 227

Specs for green product substitution in office supply contracts, January 2010 229

Tracking & Reporting on Sustainable Purchasing, February 2010 232

Looking for service vendor sustainability questionnaire, February 2010 237

Recycling food service gloves, February 2010 239

CD Mailers - looking for guidance, March 2010 240

Solar powered waste handling equipment, March 2010 242

Fragrance free institutional bathroom deodorizer, March 2010 243

Swimming Pool Solutions, March 2010 248

Business Card Printing, April 2010 250

Compostable Food Service Ware In Jails and Hospitals, April 2010 252

10,000 lb. Hotel Bed and Bath Linens to Donate, April 2010 254

Recycling pharmaceutical bottles, April 2010 255

Elevator purchase, install, maintenance, April 2010 258

History of Recycling Collection, April 2010 259

Wanted: Info Life Cycle Costing, May 2010 260

Chemical do not use list - construction, May 2010 262

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Post-consumer content for paper bags, May 2010 263

Green specifications for toilets, standard & composting, June 2010 264

Sustainable criteria for home compost bins, June 2010 265

Paint certifications, June 2010 266

Sustainable Printing Policies, July 2010 270

Designing Sustainable Learning Resources 277

Energy Saving Vending Machine Services Contract Ideas, July 2010 280

Cooperatively Bid RFPs, August 2010 281

Health care provided to the employees of your vendors, August 2010 282

Trade show displays, August 2010 283

Contract language for inclusion in EPA EPP Database, August 2010 285

Carpet & Resilient Flooring Specifications, September 2010 286

Manufacturers for Trash Liners with 10% or 20% PCRC, September 2010 287

Green hand soap packaging, October 2010 288

Environmentally "Best” disposable cups for Bottled water cooler/dispenser, October 2010 289

Seeking alternative deicing products, October 2010 290

City of Portland Posts Green Specification Examples, October 2010 292

Accelerated hydrogen peroxide, November 2010 293

The Curious Case of the TerraChoice 2010 Greenwashing Report & EPEAT, November 2010 294

Recycling at State Parks, December 2010 295

Recommend a good retail bag for use by an art gallery, December 2010 297

Nontoxic railroad cross ties, January 2011 300

Cleaning Railroad Yards, January 2011 302

Integrated pest management, January 2011 303

Remanufactured Toner Cartridges for HP 5550DN, January 2011 304

Portable recycling stations-containers, January 2011 306

Durable Delivery Totes, January 2011 307

Dealing with product claims in the absence of 3rd party certification, January 2011 308

Quieter electric hand dryers, February 2011 310

Green cleaning in correctional facilities, February 2011 311

Trash can liners, March 2011 312

Paper statistics, March 2011 314

Returnable Packaging, March 2011 315

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Recycled content aluminum for sign manufacture, March 2011 317

Contract Language for Sourcing Green Office (Copy) Paper, April 2011 318

Environmentally preferable, April 2011 321

Soy-based laser toner cartridges, April 2011 325

Sustainable Cleaners for Concrete & Asphalt, April 2011 326

EPP Vendor Questionnaires, June 2011 327

Testing laboratories for laser cartridges, July 2011 328

Office supplies contract language, July 2011 329

Green professional services contract, July 2011 331

Road salt, July 2011 334

Language to specify water efficient fixtures, August 2011 339

Tools or sample contracts on how to weight environmental considerations, September 2011 340

Sustainable IT policies, September 2011 341

Laundry service specifications, October 2011 342

Strategies to Reduce Paper Towel Waste, October 2011 343

Attachment A – Paper Towel Rolls vs. Folded 345

Attachment B – Hand Dryers Article, 2000 352

Attachment C – Paper Towel Composting 353

Cities that have Eliminated Plastic Foam Packaging, October 2011 356

Standardized Environmental Questions for Medical Products, October 2011 358

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Index

Air quality ................................................................................................................................. 97, 144, 201, 207, 208, 249, 333 Aluminum ............................................................................................................................................................................ 87, 88, 313 Asphalt .................................................................................................................................................................................. 32, 33, 325 Automotive .................................................................................................................................................................................... 58, 88 Bathroom(s) ................................................................................................................................... 105, 212, 243, 343, 352, 354 Battery(ies) .................................................................................................................. 36, 42, 74, 93, 120, 213, 215, 229, 276 Bid ......... 1, 43, 49, 65, 90, 97, 99, 115, 121, 126, 162, 170, 173, 182, 202, 227, 248, 260, 263, 281, 286, 332,

340, 347 Biobased ....................................................................................................... 22, 30, 51, 52, 89, 182, 187, 258, 268, 284, 325 Cafeterias ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 177 Calculators ........................................................................................................ 145, 195, 198, 199, 232, 233, 234, 235, 346 Carpet ........................................................................................................ 14, 51, 52, 60, 124, 151, 205, 206, 207, 208, 286 Case studies ................................................................................................................................................................................... 14, 33 Catering .............................................................................................................................................................................. 53, 163, 331 Cell phones .............................................................................................................................................................. 40, 41, 42, 43, 44 Certification ..... 5, 20, 41, 43, 70, 104, 127, 130, 154, 160, 163, 166, 185, 200, 207, 208, 217, 260, 279, 294,

308, 318, 321 CFL ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 49, 87 Cleaners/Cleaning supplies ............................................................................ 60, 93, 124, 125, 151, 158, 190, 293, 326 Compost(ing) . 68, 118, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 180, 182, 252, 253, 264, 265, 343, 344, 345, 351, 353, 354 Compostable . 48, 117, 124, 136, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 213, 252, 253, 254, 289,

297, 312, 313 Computers ..................................................................................................... 31, 32, 34, 57, 93, 94, 159, 229, 261, 356, 357 Concrete .................................................................................................................................................................................... 133, 326 Construction .................................................................................................................................................................................. 18, 19 Containers 23, 67, 71, 113, 116, 117, 121, 124, 138, 159, 162, 175, 176, 177, 179, 180, 182, 183, 184, 233,

243, 252, 256, 265, 275, 283, 288, 306 Contract Language ....................................................................................................................................... 24, 34, 240, 276, 318 Correctional facilities/Jail/Prison ........................................................................................................................ 180, 252, 311 Cost savings ......................................................................................................................................................... 174, 198, 227, 346 Custodial (products) ....................................................................................................................................................... 3, 170, 212 Deicer(s) ................................................................................................................................. 147, 148, 149, 290, 334, 335, 336 Delivery(ies) ...... 18, 36, 43, 57, 72, 75, 115, 116, 159, 224, 271, 276, 307, 316, 318, 330, 332, 333, 356, 357 Disinfectant(s) .................................................................................................................................................... 103, 151, 215, 293 Energy Star ...................................................................................34, 49, 56, 126, 165, 166, 200, 229, 234, 260, 280, 322 EPEAT .......................... 31, 32, 34, 76, 97, 165, 187, 199, 224, 229, 232, 260, 271, 294, 305, 321, 322, 341, 342 Filter(s) ......................................................................................................................................... 77, 93, 125, 126, 186, 240, 248 Flame retardants ............................................................................................................................................... 116, 122, 144, 208 Food .. 48, 53, 69, 117, 118, 136, 149, 154, 163, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 182, 183, 184, 239, 249,

252, 280, 283, 297, 312, 336, 344, 356, 357 Formaldehyde ............................................................................................................................................................................... 20, 97 Fuel efficiency ............................................................................................................................................................................ 75, 260 Furniture ....................................................................................................................................................... 97, 121, 122, 144, 201 Glass ................................................................................................................................................................... 18, 19, 125, 164, 244 Green building ............................................................................................................................................... 14, 65, 102, 141, 142 Green IT ........................................................................................................................................................................... 232, 294, 341

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Green Seal . 22, 54, 95, 100, 101, 104, 109, 125, 126, 127, 130, 131, 132, 163, 215, 219, 220, 229, 266, 267, 288, 311, 318, 321, 322, 330

Greenwashing ............................................................................................................ 190, 193, 194, 218, 223, 224, 294, 327 Integrated Pest Management (IPM) ......................................................................................................................... 69, 70, 303 Hand dryer ...................................................................................................................................... 105, 310, 346, 348, 350, 352 Healthcare ............................................................................................................................................................ 118, 123, 190, 358 Hospitals ................................................................................................................................................................................... 190, 214 Hydrogen peroxide ................................................................................................................................................................ 151, 293 Janitorial ................................................................................................... 124, 127, 128, 146, 171, 173, 199, 284, 347, 352 Job description .................................................................................................................................................................................... 81 LED(s) ............................................................................................................................................. 26, 27, 87, 191, 258, 280, 292 LEED ................. 29, 100, 102, 119, 121, 122, 130, 168, 190, 201, 262, 280, 292, 300, 306, 310, 327, 328, 343 Life cycle....... 63, 72, 77, 87, 106, 117, 142, 145, 163, 180, 205, 209, 227, 232, 260, 261, 284, 297, 325, 345,

348, 350, 358 Lighting ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 13, 33 Mattress ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 225 Mercury ............................................................................................................ 49, 76, 90, 115, 116, 131, 232, 258, 273, 321 Model contract language ............................................................................................................................................... 53, 69, 128 Model Policy ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 167 Motor Oil ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 30, 33 Office paper .................................................................................................................................................................................. 71, 278 Office Supply(ies) ............................................................................................... 13, 24, 36, 37, 93, 110, 172, 229, 329, 333 Office supply contract ............................................................................................................................................................... 24, 38 Packaging . 23, 31, 50, 54, 57, 72, 116, 117, 121, 125, 126, 131, 140, 156, 159, 171, 180, 184, 224, 240, 252,

263, 268, 275, 278, 279, 288, 298, 299, 315, 316, 318, 321, 323, 327, 330, 342, 346, 347, 356, 357 Paint ..................................................................... 18, 20, 21, 22, 33, 111, 112, 113, 115, 131, 199, 239, 262, 266, 267 Paper ....... 13, 51, 54, 55, 65, 67, 72, 79, 95, 105, 109, 110, 115, 136, 138, 140, 145, 160, 171, 172, 173, 174,

175, 183, 184, 187, 195, 196, 199, 215, 229, 233, 234, 235, 240, 252, 263, 272, 273, 274, 276, 277, 278, 279, 289, 297, 298, 299, 312, 314, 318, 319, 320, 322, 323, 329, 332, 333, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 357

Paper bags ................................................................................................................................................................................... 54, 263 Pesticides ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 69 Plastic, 1, 16, 54, 55, 65, 73, 80, 95, 106, 113, 116, 138, 156, 162, 176, 177, 178, 179, 183, 185, 198, 201,

214, 224, 233, 239, 252, 255, 273, 275, 287, 288, 297, 298, 299, 300, 301, 307, 312, 313, 316, 323, 324, 333, 353, 356, 357

Plastic bags............................................................................................................................... 54, 116, 138, 297, 312, 313, 324 Printers ............................... 16, 38, 39, 61, 171, 173, 270, 273, 274, 275, 276, 278, 279, 298, 304, 305, 314, 330 Printing ......................... 72, 95, 115, 171, 173, 250, 251, 270, 271, 272, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 298, 314, 318 Professional services ................................................................................................................................................. 331, 332, 333 Promotional items ......................................................................................................................................................... 90, 114, 275 Railroad ........................................................................................................................................................................... 300, 301, 302 Recycled content . 65, 67, 72, 79, 109, 114, 115, 117, 121, 145, 146, 160, 161, 162, 171, 173, 183, 184, 187,

188, 195, 208, 215, 216, 229, 233, 240, 250, 251, 265, 275, 277, 278, 286, 287, 289, 297, 307, 308, 312, 317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 323, 329, 333

Remanufactured ...................................................................................... 16, 38, 39, 61, 63, 185, 198, 226, 304, 305, 328 Remanufactured toner ................................................................................................................. 16, 38, 39, 61, 185, 198, 304 Restaurants ................................................................................................................................................. 118, 154, 163, 177, 356 Reusable bags ......................................................................................................................................................... 54, 114, 297, 298 RFP ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 24, 36, 37

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Rubber ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 12, 33 Salt ......................................................................................................................... 102, 147, 148, 290, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338 Sanitizers .................................................................................................................................................................................. 103, 248 School(s) .............................................................................. 18, 60, 70, 73, 101, 118, 122, 136, 167, 168, 179, 217, 354 Sealer ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 28, 29 Shopping bags ..................................................................................................................................................................... 54, 95, 324 Single stream ..................................................................................................................................................................... 67, 138, 139 Source reduction ......................................................................................................................... 57, 66, 68, 113, 226, 270, 295 Soy ................................................................................................................................................ 22, 88, 89, 95, 96, 273, 325, 326 Specifications ... 31, 40, 51, 52, 65, 79, 84, 90, 95, 98, 114, 115, 117, 122, 127, 128, 132, 144, 147, 149, 152,

161, 162, 176, 185, 186, 192, 197, 201, 205, 210, 215, 229, 230, 243, 258, 263, 264, 270, 280, 281, 286, 291, 292, 318, 319, 321, 322, 334, 336, 338, 340, 342,346

Styrofoam .................................................................................................................................. 31, 174, 175, 182, 229, 289, 357 Swimming pool(s) .......................................................................................................................................................... 33, 102, 248 Tires ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 33 Toilets ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 91, 264 Toner ............................................................ 16, 38, 61, 62, 63, 79, 185, 198, 199, 226, 229, 304, 305, 314, 325, 328 Towels ..................... 105, 146, 172, 195, 215, 216, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354 Toxics ................................................................................................................................. 18, 90, 115, 190, 243, 274, 298, 299 Trade show ................................................................................................................................................................................. 51, 283 Training ........................ 70, 82, 118, 125, 126, 134, 151, 163, 167, 170, 179, 217, 219, 237, 260, 261, 318, 330 Trash liners .................................................................................................................................................................... 287, 312, 313 Trays ..................................................................................................................................................... 93, 136, 174, 175, 183, 252 Vehicles ....................................................................................................................................................... 33, 58, 88, 164, 168, 281 Vending ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 280 VOC ........................................................................................................ 28, 88, 121, 130, 131, 201, 206, 207, 208, 274, 286 Waste reduction .................................................................. 20, 128, 174, 195, 237, 256, 288, 292, 297, 343, 346, 349 Water .. 14, 21, 22, 28, 36, 46, 47, 56, 61, 69, 73, 75, 77, 79, 88, 102, 103, 105, 114, 115, 124, 147, 148, 152,

158, 163, 177, 178, 181, 183, 193, 197, 198, 199, 200, 206, 208, 215, 226, 229, 233, 237, 248, 249, 267, 273, 275, 276, 277, 289, 324, 325, 329, 334, 335, 339, 342, 344, 345

Water bottle ................................................................................................................................................................................... 73, 77 Wood......................................................................................................... 20, 28, 65, 106, 145, 148, 208, 275, 300, 335, 346

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Introduction

This document is a compilation of selected postings to the EPPnet listserv during the period of April 2007

– November 2011.

What is included: Only postings for which there was a dialogue – at least one response – are included.

Table of contents: The contents are organized by date of posting.

The Index: The Index captures topics and phrases that were most frequently mentioned in the postings.

There are additional topics included in this compilation that are not specifically reflected in the Index.

For more information, contact Lynn Rubinstein, NERC Executive Director.

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Recycled Silicone Sheet Rubber – ½” thick, April 2007

2 Posts Original post: Does anyone know of a manufacturer of this material? Also - I've lost my bookmark for the recycled materials directory, if anyone can send it. Thanks! Tabitha Leigh Anderson THRIVE urban gardens 206 406 8025 Response: Hello, Tabitha, I suggest you contact the Washington State Recycling Association to help find the recycled product you're looking for and perhaps also the materials directory - their annual trade show and conference is this week in Vancouver WA ( at the Vancouver Hilton) * that may be a good place for you to find connections as well. Washington State Recycling Association 6100 Southcenter Blvd., Suite 180 Tukwila, WA 98188 Phone: 206-244-0311 Fax: 206-244-4413 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.wsra.net

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Local Businesses with Green Offices, April 2007 5 Posts Original post: Hi – I am developing a workshop for local businesses in Massachusetts on how to “green” their offices. Currently, I am looking for material to include in the workshop manual connecting environmental initiatives with financial and other benefits for businesses. If you know of one or more businesses (not necessarily in Massachusetts) that have implemented at least one of the following initiatives and saved money or successfully marketed their efforts, please let me know or encourage them to contact me! Energy efficiency and renewable energy: energy/lighting retrofits, purchasing energy efficient products, purchasing renewable energy. Recycling: businesses that have established recycling programs for paper and/or other materials and saved money or achieved other benefits (especially businesses that convinced their landlords to provide recycling programs). Green purchasing: businesses that purchase more durable, recycled-content, less-toxic or other EPPs, businesses that implemented green cleaning initiatives, renovated their offices using “greener” building materials and made other changes to their purchasing practices. Staff behavior change: businesses that implemented behavior change campaigns to encourage staff to turn off lights and equipment in the office, examples of businesses that encourage staff to make changes at home.

Green marketing: businesses that have made the changes above and successfully incorporated information about their “green” initiatives into their marketing. I will be grateful for any additional resource recommendations (books, articles, guides, people to talk to, etc.)! Thank you, Dmitriy Nikolayev, Procurement Manager Facilities and Environmental Services Operational Services Division Commonwealth of Massachusetts One Ashburton Place, Room 1017 Boston, MA 02108 Phone: 617-720-3351 Fax: 617-727-4527 [email protected] Responses: 1. EPA did a report called Private Sector Pioneers: How Companies are incorporating Environmentally Preferable Purchasing in 1999. A little dated now, but may still be worth a look: http://www.epa.gov/epp/pubs/doccase.htm. We also did a report called Buying Green Online: Greening Government E-Procurement of Office Supplies. Although it highlights federal government effort to green their office supply purchases, you may want to use some of the examples there. The EPA has a green office supply Blanket Purchase Agreement which

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could be copied by many institutional purchasers. Document can be found at same URL - http://www.epa.gov/epp/pubs/doccase.htm. Hope this helps! Holly Elwood USEPA The Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program USEPA Headquarters, MC 7409-M EPA East Building 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20460 Email: [email protected] Ph: 202-564-8854 Fx: 202-564-8901 www.epa.gov/oppt/epp 2. Hi Dmitriy, I work with green cleaning people and have many contacts with businesses that have incorporated such things into their cultures. I teach green cleaning (especially in regards to carpet & tile) and have a presentation that I'd be happy to share with you if you're interested. Regards, Debbie Deborah Lema Research and Education Racine Industries, Inc. [email protected] 3. Hello, Dmitriy, In Seattle and King County, WA, there are a few resources you might refer to in identifying green businesses: One is the Seattle Public Utilities Resource Venture, our conservation/waste prevention services for business customers of the department I work for. I've cc'd a contact person for you above, and you can also see the website for featured businesses and those recognized by the program in the past: www.resourceventure.org. These services relate to water conservation, waste prevention and recycling, stormwater pollution prevention, and green building. Another is the Envirostars program of the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program, a multi-jurisdictional program including Seattle, King County, and other local cities. Envirostars' originated with a focus on hazardous waste management; businesses are audited and ranked with one-to-five stars. http://www.envirostars.com/ Shirli Axelrod Senior Environmental Analyst Seattle Public Utilities PO Box 34018 700 5th Ave. Suite 4900 Seattle WA 98124-4018 Phone 206-684-7804 E-mail [email protected]

4. Hi, regarding the recent request for local businesses with "green" offices, you can find many case studies at the StopWaste.Org website, www.stopwaste.org and go to the StopWaste Partnership (click on "Meet the Heroes"). It describes local businesses that have reduced waste and/or purchased green and

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how/what they saved. You can also find case studies of businesses and agencies buying "green" by clicking on the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing links and review the fact sheets. In the Bay Area, we have a Bay Area Green Business Program that certifies businesses as green. For more information, visit http://www.greenbiz.abag.ca.gov/index.html. Beth Eckl EPE Consulting Danville, CA (925) 838-2731

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Remanufactured Toner Cartridges, April 2007 3 Posts Original posting: Hello, EPPNet'ers, Issues about using remanufactured toner cartridges have arisen again for us, and I wonder if any of you have recent experience and/or studies you can share with me. Are your jurisdictions buying remanufactured cartridges still? Are you using them in printers, copiers, or both? Do you have standards or performance requirements in your contracts for remanufactured cartridges? Do you know of recent statistics on performance? Do you know of life-cycle studies? One of the claims I've heard recently is that "virgin" OEM cartridges last much longer, so have a smaller environmental impact over the life-cycle, even if they are shredded into plastic pellets rather than remanufactured after use * I'd like to know more about this. Thanks for your help. Shirli Axelrod Senior Environmental Analyst Seattle Public Utilities PO Box 34018 700 5th Ave. Suite 4900 Seattle WA 98124-4018 Phone 206-684-7804 E-mail [email protected] Responses: 1. If you have some questions about inkjet and toner cartridges and what are some of the best manufacturers in the market place. I would love to give you some information. Please feel free to give me a call at 303-875-7733. Thank you! Gilbert L. Bailey Environmental Preservation Solutions Consultant 2. FYI - Rochester Institute of Technology's Remanufacturing Center has done a lot of research and testing of remanufactured toner cartridges in an effort to help standardize product and product testing, and improve performance and cost-effectiveness. I'd consider them an excellent resource on this subject, and suggest you contact the Center directly: Ctr for Remanufacturing and Resource Recovery Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) 133 Lomb Memorial Dr. Rochester, NY 14623-5603 Phone: (585) 475-5385 Fax: (585) 475-5455

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E-mail: [email protected] http://www.reman.rit.edu/ Brenda Grober Environmental Services Unit Empire State Development 30 South Pearl Street Albany, NY 12245 (518) 292-5342 / FAX (518) 292-5886 [email protected]

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Old Windows, April 2007 6 Posts Original post: I’m writing to see if anyone on this list knows of a glass recycling company that will accept and recycle one or two windows on an individual basis? Of course, many recyclers have dumpsters set up at construction sites, but I’m thinking more of the individual homeowner who has one or two old windows that they don’t want to add to landfills.... This is for a story I’m writing for a major metropolitan newspaper. I’m leading readers to places like architectural salvage yards, reuse web sites, and Habitat for Humanity....but still wonder if there’s a recycling company that accepts small deliveries..... I’d love to hear from you if you know of any companies that fit this bill! Thanks kindly! Tiffany Meyers [[email protected]] Responses: 1. Sounds like most of the PCB caulking is from commercial buildings; but I don’t find that particularly comforting. http://www.pcbinschools.org/Studies%20on%20PCB.htm. I wouldn’t know if recycle/refurbish/reuse systems are taking precautions (as they should). The same would be true for the potential for paint containing lead on window frames, and leaded glass windows. This is yet another reason not to grow edible fruits, flowers, and vegetables next to my house. Doug Douglas Reed, Purchasing Agent Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Hoover State Office Building, Level A Des Moines, IA 50319-0105 [email protected] Phone: (515) 242-6151 2. We have heard about PCB content in window caulking and are wondering how recycling centers separate the glass from the caulking. Our concern has been occupational exposure but I would assume it is an environmental issue as well. Tolle Graham MassCOSH Organizer, Healthy Schools Coordinator USW local 9358-1 42 Charles St., Suite F Dorchester, MA 02122 P. 617-825-7233 x19 F. 617-822-3718 [email protected] 3. Your landfill/or recycling agency may have a program for collecting ‘other’ (not-clear container, ceramic, tempered, and plate) glass. One of the largest sources is auto glass stores, so you might check with them if they have found solutions. ‘Other’ glass is a bad contaminant when mixed in the container glass recycling stream. Small percentages (usually less than 1%) can replace some of the aggregate in concrete without adding an extra binder. It is better placed in the lower levels of blacktop. You might check with your local solid waste agency or Department of Natural Resources. Just one blacktop hiking

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or biking trail project can use a large amount of ‘other’ glass. See http://www.epa.gov/jtr/jtrnet/aggregat.htm and http://www.epa.gov/jtr/jtrnet/glass.htm At one time they were grinding glass to a point that they were using it in playground sand (possible liability nightmare); but it could be used for filling emergency sand bags and the like. They can use a small amount in fiberglass production, sandblasting medium, and as a drainage material around septic fields, etc. Have you checked for your local C & D recycling centers (like http://www.phoenixrecycling.net/aboutus.htm). Then there are the innovative things like http://optics.org/cws/article/research/19184. As you mentioned, you can donate usable home construction materials to any one of the chain of ReStore locations or find a local, non-chain facility in your area like a Home Recycling Exchange . They exist upon small purchasers…so they should welcome small material donations. Doug Douglas Reed, Purchasing Agent Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Hoover State Office Building, Level A Des Moines, IA 50319-0105 [email protected] Phone: (515) 242-6151 4. Dlubak Glass with 6 locations in Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Arizona and Texas, recycles window plate glass, see http://www.dlubak.com/locations.htm and http://www.dlubak.com/index.htm You can also look on www.earth911.org, with the zip code of where you are looking to recycle the glass and clicking on Recycling Services and then scroll down to the Glass category and click on Other Glass. Mike Giuranna, Solid Waste Specialist EPA, Region III 1650 Arch Street (3WC21) Phila, PA 19103-2029 ph: 215-814-3298 fax:215-814-3163 [email protected] 5. Doug et al, NYSDOT has successfully used crushed glass cullet for construction projects for filtering out hydro-demo concrete on bridges or retaining walls and sediment pumped behind coffer dams. http://www.pwmag.com/industry-news.asp?sectionID=765&articleID=271433. If you have any questions, please let me know. Chris Christopher E. Anderson Environmental Specialist I NYSDOT - Syracuse Office Environmental Services - Western Zone 333 E Washington St. Syracuse, NY 13202 (315) 428-4628

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Green Stairway Material, May 2007 2 Posts Original post: I would appreciate learning of any information you might have on “green” stairway material for basements, especially that material that comes bullnosed on one side for the treads. Typically basement stairs are being built with particleboard (urea – formaldehyde bonded). The particleboard off gasses the formaldehyde. Some companies such as Sierra Pine have received environmental certification for their recovered/recycled wood fiber content from such organizations as Scientific Certification Systems, but it is particleboard and does not seem to denote whether it contains formaldehyde. Does anyone know of materials for stairs other than Forest Stewardship Council certified wood stairs since basement stairs do not have to be made from such a valuable resource and other than Trex stairs since often folks want to paint their basement stairs? Look forward to hearing from you----Sandra Sandra Cannon Tel. 509-529-1535 [email protected] Response: Hi Sandra – just a personal experience – we were able to make our cellar stairs out of cut ends of planks that had been used for joists. They aren’t beautiful (and they aren’t bullnosed) but they are very sturdy and strong, and have worked just fine for five years now. Based on our house building experience, there are a lot of cut ends on a construction job that can be used for other purposes – waste reduction! PS Apologies to all for personal posting yesterday – I forget sometimes that this listserv defaults to the whole list, since the listserv isn’t in the incoming address (obviously others besides me sometimes forget this as well!) Sarah O'Brien EPP Program Manager Hospitals for a Healthy Environment (H2E) One Lyme Common P.O. Box 376 Lyme, NH 03768 802 479 0317 Phone 866 379 8705 Fax www.h2e-online.org

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Green Paint Needed, May 2007 5 Posts Original posting: I’m trying to find what I think of as biodegradable spray paint. We need to do some surface geophysics at and need to mark our path. It’s over 20 acres so it would add up to quite a bit and would probably even be visible from the air. The site is in a remote and pristine area and I’m trying to find a paint that is biodegradable or at least won’t last too long (weeks) and is non-toxic. I struck out at the major home supply places. Surveyors Supply and Holman’s both have a water-based spray paint that may work. I poked around online for truly biodegradable paint but could only find sources in Europe. Any thoughts on this? Have you run across spray paint that is specifically labeled as biodegradable? Most traditional paint will break down pretty fast under our intense UV; that coupled with a water-base may be sufficient. But I appreciate any ideas or sources you may know of. Thx, Mike Mike Goodrich, RG Project Manager/Hydrogeologist Shaw Environmental and Infrastructure 2400 Louisiana Blvd. NE AFC Building 5, Suite 300 Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110 505.262.8908 direct 505.262.8855 fax www.shawgrp.com Responses: 1. Michael was looking for rapidly biodegradable markings for a pristine area. He should pose his question to a coatings association like the National Paint and Coatings Association (NPCA) http://www.paint.org/contact.cfm (Not a New Mexico branch; but there is a Dallas and Oklahoma branch), or Canadian Paints and Coatings Assn. http://www.cdnpaint.org/ He may rather be looking for an inexpensive ‘white wash’ type material or dye rather than paint; but I’m sure they can help him with the right solution to his request. Even white wash (hydrated lime) can be caustic and a dust hazard in its raw form. Most all liquids can be put in aerosol or pump container form and the associations should be able to make suggestions in that regard too. If not; commonly local auto body shops will custom mix paints and will put them in aerosol form for customers. Doug Douglas Reed, Purchasing Agent Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Hoover State Office Building, Level A Des Moines, IA 50319-0105 [email protected] Phone: (515) 242-6151 2. What about the vegetable-based dyes that golf courses and professional fields use to make the greens look greener (if available in a color other than green)? Or the blue dye that is sometimes added to make

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water more blue? Or the end zone paint used by major sports arenas that use real grass? I would guess they might be less permanent than a "regular" paint. Mark Mark T. Petruzzi Vice President of Certification 336-956-2211 (NC office) [email protected] www.greenseal.org 3. Milk paint is an interesting example of a green-conundrum. Many milk paints do not have the same performance as “green” paints certified by Environmental Choice EcoLogo (www.environmentalchoice.com) or Green Seal (www.greenseal.org). In fact to get adequate performance, many milk paints require the use of special primers that have some pretty non-green ingredients. When I’ve used milk paints in the past, I’ve avoided the primers completely. I’ve used it on things like a children’s toy box and some homemade book shelves. The milk paint alone (without the primer) gives a nice artsy, old-fashioned looking finish. It’s not something that most commercial facilities would be comfortable putting on their walls. - Scot Scot Case TerraChoice Environmental Marketing 1706 Friedensburg Road Reading, PA 19606 (w) 610 779-3770 (c) 610 781-1684 [email protected] 4. Milk and soy based paints are biobased. Some even come in spray paint version, though they may clog equipment so be sure to check with the manufacturers about the equipment you are using. A quick internet search for milk paints will bring up a number of manufacturers. Purchasing the powdered mix is a good option because it only requires water to reconstitute and does not contain toxic solvents, though the colorants may be hazardous. Be sure to read the MSDS sheets and ask the manufacturer about any colorants. Milk paint is usually manufactured from waste milk solids and typically biodegradable. Because Every Purchase Matters, Mary Jo Snavely Fellow Responsible Purchasing Network Center for a New American Dream 6930 Carroll Ave., Suite 900 Takoma Park, MD 20912 301.891.3683 x. 118 (ph) 301.891.3684 (fax) www.responsiblepurchasing.org

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Impact of Purchasing Individual Serving Containers vs. Multiple Serving Containers, May 2007 2 Posts Original post: Hello, has anyone calculated or found a site that looks at the impact of purchasing individual serving containers versus multiple serving containers? Of course, I am assuming that the individual portions are consumed on reusable containers from the multiple use containers. I've looked some on the 'net, but am only finding process change suggestion instead of the calculations behind the process and materials. Thank you. Tessa Tessa David, Director North Central Regional Solid Waste Cooperative [email protected] Response: In response to your question go to... The MN Pollution Control Agency has done some extensive research and marketing on product packaging. They list some of the info on their website. http://www.pca.state.mn.us/oea/p2week/everyone-packaging.cfm http://www.pca.state.mn.us/oea/p2week/everyone-intro.cfm http://www.pca.state.mn.us/oea/reduce/handbook2.cfm For more info contact the MN Pollution Control Agency Thanks, Nathan Reinbold Planning Analyst/Recycling Specialist Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Lead by Example Incentive Fund Administrator Hennepin County Environmental Services 417 North 5th Street, Suite 200 Minneapolis, MN 55401-3206 PH. (612) 596-0993 [email protected] www.hennepin.us

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Model Office Supply Contract Language, May 2007 2 Posts Original post: Hi, I am researching model language for inclusion in our new office supply contract. If anyone has a recent model they like, I would appreciate seeing it. Thanks, Deborah Deborah Fleischer San Francisco Department of the Environment Green Purchasing Specialist 11 Grove Street San Francisco, CA 94102 Tel. (415) 355-3707 Fax. (415) 554-6393 [email protected] Response: Hi Deborah, I am part of EPA's Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program, the team mandated by the President to help federal agencies (including EPA!) green our purchases of products and services. EPA has a nationwide Green Office Supply Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA). We set green criteria for the office supplies we buy through this BPA. This BPA is our mandatory source for all our office supply purchases. I was the green lady on the EPA's Green Office Supplies Blanket Purchase Agreement Team until moving over to cover electronics. Here is the URL for the EPA BPA ecatalogue website (without the pricing info - only available through EPA's intranet): www.epasupplies.com To see the green office supply criteria we set, from www.epasupplies.com: 1. Click on "About EPA" 2. Click on "Green Office Supplies" 3. Click on "Green Criteria for Office Supplies" under the photo of the desk in the forest. This will get you to the green criteria we are using under this BPA. To read about how other agencies are greening their office supply BPAs, go to: http://www.epa.gov/epp/pubs/buying_green_online.pdf To view EPA's RFP for Green Office Supplies, go to http://www.epa.gov/oam/green/index.htm Please feel free to call me if you have any questions! Sincerely, Holly Elwood USEPA The Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program

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USEPA Headquarters, MC 7409-M EPA East Building 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20460 Email: [email protected] Ph: 202-564-8854 Fx: 202-564-8901 www.epa.gov/oppt/epp

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Request for Green Biking Product Info, May 2007 8 Posts Original post: A friend is planning a cross-continental bike trip and is wondering whether there are any means of generating electricity (either from the revolving wheels or a solar mechanism) while riding; he would be looking to potentially recharge cell phone, digital recorder etc., palm pilot type product...(trip will be recorded on blog...) Any ideas on these or related issues he should know about? thanks, kamala [email protected] Responses: 1. While picking up some other bike gear a couple months ago, I saw some pedals that generate power to make LED's flash via the circular motion between the pedal and the pedal bars. I'd also heard that someone powered their TV while on a stationary bike. Maybe the pedal charging could be adapted to other voltages? Samuel McCord Pollution Prevention Sandia National Laboratories [email protected] 505.845.7935 (w) 505.844.9977 (f) 2. A solar powered backpack could be a good option - http://www.voltaicsystems.com Matt Kittell Program Manager Responsible Purchasing Network Center for a New American Dream 6930 Carroll Ave., Suite 900 Takoma Park, MD 20912 301.891.1004 301.891.3684 (fax) www.ResponsiblePurchasing.org 3. The most recent issue of Bicycle magazine featured a bike which had a modern power generator. In the front wheel hub, I believe. If I remember correctly it works on the same principles as an electric motor i.e. magnetically coupled. Very elegant. I would email the magazine editors and ask them if they can identify the bicycle maker who in turn could point you to the manufacturer, provided it is not proprietary technology. Stephen Bickel D&R International, Ltd. 1300 Spring Street, Suite 500 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Tel: 301-588-9387

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Fax: 301-588-0854 [email protected] 4. I think the pedal LEDs which are being referred to may be Pedalites - http://www.pedalite.com/ProductCode=PEDALITE Kinley Deller 5. Does anyone know whether a system is being developed to generate power from stationary bikes for lighting/TV’s at workout facilities? i.e.; 24 Hour Fitness, Bally's etc. Debra Taevs PPRC 503-336-1256 www.pprc.org 6. I don't know this, but when I was a kid (quite a few years ago) we got an ad for a flour mill powered by a stationary bike. I remember it vividly because my family thought the "model" demonstrating it looked a lot like my cousin. Next time they visited from CA, we found out it had been her... Thanks, everyone who is sending ideas!--I am forwarding to my friend (and saving them for a time when I can perhaps use them myself...) Kamala Platt 7. There was a story on NPR recently about a gym in Hong Kong that is doing exactly that. I can't remember if it was on MarketPlace or All Things Considered, but I'm sure you could search on the site and come up with it. Lise Glaser Cascadia Consulting Group, Inc. 1109 First Avenue, Suite 400 Seattle, WA 98101

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Green Sealer, Granite Countertop, May 2007 5 Posts Original post: I’m a writer working on a story for a major newspaper, in which I would like to provide examples of a very specific product. From my research, it seems to be rather uncommon. The product is this: I’m looking for a green sealer for granite countertops, one that is healthy in terms of the environment as well as for the homeowners. I’ve found a water-solvent product, but this of course doesn’t mean it’s VOC-free. I have also found green sealants for concrete and wood. But I am still looking for something that works with granite. If anyone knows of such a project on the market, I would be absolutely thrilled to hear from you. I would also be interested to be in touch with an expert on the subject of VOC’s as it pertains to products such as sealers. Thank you, Tiffany Meyers [mailto:[email protected]] Responses: 1. I do not know which manufacturers sells a “green” sealer for granite countertops but I have cc’d some gentleman who might. Dr. Fernando and Dr. Jones are both professors at CalPoly and experts on VOC in paints, but I don’t know if they are also experts in sealers or someone who is. I have also cc’d Robert Wendoll with Dunn-Edwards paints as he may know of such products. Good luck! Heidi Heidi Sanborn R3 Consulting Group 4811 Chippendale Drive, Suite 708 Sacramento, CA 95841 Office: 916-576-0306 E-mail [email protected] www.r3cgi.com 2. Here is some info I found when I snooped around. http://www.greenhomeguide.com/index.php/product_detail/121/C135

Safecoat MexeSeal. Extremely durable finish for porous, unpolished Mexican clay tile, stone, granite, concrete and stone pavers and masonry surfaces where oil and water repellency are desired. http://www.greenhomeguide.com/index.php/product/C135

Hope this is helpful. I'm sure there are other products out there. This website lists two products that would work. Thanks, Nathan Reinbold Planning Analyst/Recycling Specialist Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Lead by Example Incentive Fund Administrator

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Hennepin County Environmental Services 417 North 5th Street, Suite 200 Minneapolis, MN 55401-3206 PH. (612) 596-0993 [email protected] www.hennepin.us 3. Ecologo (Environmental Choice Program) certifies surface coatings. Product listings are available for Responsible Purchasing Network (RPN) members at http://www.ResponsiblePurchasing.org website or check EcoLogo's site for product listings. Mary Jo Snavely, Program Manager The Center for a New American Dream Responsible Purchasing Network 301.891.3683 x.110 w [email protected] 6930 Carroll Avenue, Suite 900 Takoma Park, MD 20912 http://consciousconsumer.org www.ResponsiblePurchasing.org 4. Hi TM, I am building a ten-room eco-inn in Northwestern Massachusetts according to LEED Platinum guidelines and going the extra mile with all nontoxic building materials and organic beds and linens. I used Brightstone Universal Stone Sealer on my IceStone countertops. The product is advertised as working well on granite as well as other stones. It was a pleasure to use with no VOCs. http://www.brightstn.com/stoncarprod.html My Inn is a showcase for the green products it is built from - American Clay Earth Plaster, AFM Safecoat paints and sealers and more. I sell Brightstone Universal Stone Sealer in my green store - Green Topia at Topia Inn. www.TopiaInn.com Cheerio, Caryn Caryn Heilman Nana Simopoulos CoOwners Topia Inn 10 Pleasant Street Adams, MA 01220 413.743.9605 917.592.5709 cell [email protected]

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Bio-based Oil Approvals from Manufacturers? May 2007 2 Posts Original post: Hello, EPPNetters, Two requests relating to our efforts to use more vegetable-based oils in our operations: 1. Have any of you obtained written statements from equipment manufacturers regarding use of vegetable-based oil in their products? We are trying some bio-based oils in different applications, and staff sometimes wants reassurance that the equipment makers are "okay" about those oils. We've heard that some manufacturers even offer "factory-fill", but I would like to provide some written/electronic statements if they are available. 2. Have any of you determined whether there are third-party independent test results of biodegradability of vegetable-based oils? I have seen test results from the suppliers of these oils, but have been asked whether there's any "independent" testing to verify. If anyone can send to me (use my direct e-mail address, please: [email protected]) or let me know if any are available on-line such as on a manufacturer's website. Thanks for your help. Shirli Axelrod Senior Environmental Analyst Seattle Public Utilities PO Box 34018 700 5th Ave. Suite 4900 Seattle WA 98124-4018 Phone 206-684-7804 E-mail [email protected] Response: Shirli, PPRC did an EPP Rapid Research page on the question of warrantees for biodiesel that may be helpful for your first question. John Deere was the only equipment manufacturer using any biodiesel as factory fill in January 2007. http://pprc.org/research/epp/WarrantiesForBiodieselUse.pdf Hope this helps! Debra Taevs PPRC 503-336-1256 www.pprc.org

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EPEAT Specs, June 2007 4 Posts Original posting: We are in the process of developing specifications for our new computer contract. If anyone has model language that they have successfully integrated into a computer contract, I would love to see the language. I am also researching Styrofoam packaging and trying to identify which computer companies are able to deliver their products without using it--any information on this issue would also be great. Thanks, Deborah Deborah Fleischer San Francisco Department of the Environment Green Purchasing Specialist 11 Grove Street San Francisco, CA 94102 Tel. (415) 355-3707 Fax. (415) 554-6393 [email protected] Responses: 1. Hi Deborah, We've started inputting this EPEAT clause in our computer contracts, but I think it will probably have to be revised since for federal entities, a new Executive Order came out that I believe requires (not just "recommends") at least 95% of applicable purchases be EPEAT registered. Section O. ENVIRONMENTAL PREFERABLE PRODUCTS All desktops, laptops, and computer monitors provided under this contract are recommended to have achieved Bronze registration or higher under the Electronic Products Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT). EPEAT is a procurement tool designed to help large volume purchasers evaluate, compare, and select desktop computers, laptops, and monitors based upon their environmental attributes as specified in the consensus-based IEEE Standard for the Environmental Assessment of Personal Computer Products (1680). [12/06] Samuel McCord Pollution Prevention Sandia National Laboratories [email protected] 505.845.7935 (w) 505.844.9977 (f) 2. Deborah, Please take a look at EPA's EPPnet Database of Environmental Information for Products and Services for Computers at http://yosemite1.epa.gov/oppt/eppstand2.nsf/Pages/ListTables.html?Open&Computer%20Store&Computers&Type=A and also at the New American Dream's web page on computer purchases at http://www.newdream.org/computers/index.php

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Mike Giuranna, Solid Waste Specialist EPA, Region III 1650 Arch Street (3WC21) Phila, PA 19103-2029 ph: 215-814-3298 fax:215-814-3163 [email protected] 3. Deborah, Below are three more resources that may help you. In addition, RPN's Responsible Purchasing Guide for Computers (http://www.responsiblepurchasing.org/purchasing_guides/computers/) has a number of resources on EPEAT computers. Feel free to call me for more info. Sample federal government EPEAT contract language - http://www.epeat.net/ContractLingo.aspx Massachusetts contract specifying EPEAT - http://www.responsiblepurchasing.org/UserFiles/File/Computers/Specs/Massachusetts_RFRITC16_2004.pdf There's more at http://www.responsiblepurchasing.org/

Please keep us updated on your progress! Matt Kittell Program Manager Responsible Purchasing Network Center for a New American Dream 6930 Carroll Ave., Suite 900 Takoma Park, MD 20912 301.891.1004 301.891.3684 (fax) www.ResponsiblePurchasing.org

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City of Portland Posts Online Studies, June 2007 2 Posts Original post: Hello, Just a quick announcement that the City of Portland, Oregon has posted 12 new green procurement case studies http://www.portlandonline.com/omf/index.cfm?c=44701&. Each case study discusses the scope of the purchase, benefits, costs, performance, and lessons learned. There are many more examples of green purchasing/EPP taking place at the City, and we hope to add more case studies over time. The following is a list of the case studies posted:

Antifreeze - Recycled & Extended-Life Asphalt Release Agent - Soy-Based Crumb Rubber - Sports Fields Electricity Generation, On-Site - Wind Electricity Generation, On-Site - Biogas Inks, Print Shop - Vegetable-Based Lighting - Sports Fields Motor Oil - Rerefined Paint - Recycled Latex Parking Meters - Solar Powered Tires - Retreaded UV Filters - Pool Sanitation

And if you are curious about the author of these great case studies, that would be Kelly Panciera (formally with the Center for a New American Dream), who has been helping our office out for the past few months to put these together. If you have any comments on the above case studies, both Kelly and I would be interested in hearing them (Kelly will be with working with our office through the end of June). Email: [email protected] and [email protected]. Thanks! -Stacey Stacey Foreman Sustainable Procurement Program Specialist City of Portland, Oregon, Bureau of Purchases Response: Stacy & Kelly, These are FABULOUS. Thanks for doing such a great job. These case studies are short and to the point, all structured the same, and nicely laid out. Thank you for doing this and sharing it with others. Karen Hamilton , Environmental Purchasing Program King County Procurement and Contract Services Seattle, WA 98104 (206)263-4279 www.metrokc.gov/procure/green

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Specs for computer servers, networks and switches, June 2007 3 Posts Original post: Many thanks to everyone who responded to my earlier request regarding green computers. To be even more specific, we are now researching specs to help guide the purchase of servers, networks, and switches, which currently are not covered by EPEAT or Energy Star. Has anyone researched these categories and developed contract language? If so, we would love to see what you have come up with. This is my last week with the City, so please direct your responses either to the list or respond directly to Chris Geiger at [email protected]. THANKS, Deborah Deborah Fleischer San Francisco Department of the Environment Green Purchasing Specialist 11 Grove Street San Francisco, CA 94102 Tel. (415) 355-3707 Fax. (415) 554-6393 [email protected] Responses: 1. Greetings -- In my work supporting the Green Electronics Council and EPEAT, the green computer standard, I've collected a number of reports and articles about the energy intensive nature of servers. I haven't yet seen any good contract language, but I'm happy to share the reports with anyone who is interested. And, as mentioned by others on this listserv, the EPEAT website does include recommended contract language and a continually incomplete list of purchasers specifying EPEAT. It's just tough to keep the list up-to-date because more and more folks are specifying EPEAT. Other quick EPEAT news -- Over the last two weeks, both HP and Dell have registered the first EPEAT-Gold products. By almost any standard that could be designed, these are some of the greenest electronic products ever made available. Check out -- www.epeat.net Contract Language & List of Purchasers -- http://www.epeat.net/Procurement.aspx Let me know if anyone has any questions. - Scot Scot Case TerraChoice Environmental Marketing 1706 Friedensburg Road Reading, PA 19606

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(w) 610 779-3770 (c) 610 781-1684 [email protected] 2. Like Scot said I wasn’t able to find any really current contract language; but I was glad to see that WSCA (Western States Contract Alliance) Computer cooperative purchasing had put some green language for computer equipment, software, peripherals and related services in their master agreements back in 2004, especially item # 17. I complimented them on their foresight in 2004 the other day, and was told they are in the process of updating the language for when those contracts get replaced. You might check with them. Federal Electronics Challenge has some Key Environmental attributes at http://www.federalelectronicschallenge.net/resources/aquisit.htm then select Key Environmental Attributes to Consider for the FEC (PDF, 90 KB) and there are some sample document links there for the Department of Interior ‘Consolidated IT Hardware Buy’ RFQ # NBQ030027 Amendment No. 3. , especially section VI ‘Environmental Preferability’. Doug Douglas Reed, Purchasing Agent Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Hoover State Office Building, Level A Des Moines, IA 50319-0105 [email protected] Phone: (515) 242-6151

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Battery contract, July 2007 3 Posts Original post: Has anyone done anything environmentally-related with a batteries contract? For instance, have you: - Required/Requested the supplier, if they have retail sites, to participate in the RBRC program? - Required/requested suppliers, when a customer selects a non-rechargeable battery, to indicate that rechargeable batteries are available that can substitute for the customer's selection? - Required/requested suppliers to provide information about battery recycling at the point of sale or delivery? - Required the supplier to actually provide battery recycling services? - Anything else? Please let me know if you have done anything, and send copies of RFP/RFI or contract language you have used, and whether you found vendors to meet those requests/requirements. Thanks! Lara Lara Sutherland Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Health Care Without Harm ph: 303-377-7048 [email protected] Responses: 1. Would it make sense to have them provide testing equipment so people can check if maybe their old batteries are not really dead before they throw them out? Ensure that the used batteries are stored safely - many hazards involved here, with acids and water reactives. Rick Reibstein, OTA 2. Hey Lara et al, We covered batteries in the EPA Green Office Supply BPA. We required our vendor to have rechargeable batteries and the battery chargers for sale in their catalog, and to place an "EPP" logo next to those products. We also required them to set up a battery recycling program throughout our facilities nationwide, which they did with RBRC. Let me know if you need any more information. Below is EPA's internet web site for Acquisition. You will note that there is a section on Green Purchasing. Click on that link - it will take you to another page that gives the EPP link but also provides a sample of our Statement of Work for the BPA: http://www.epa.gov/oam/ EPA has a nationwide Green Office Supply Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA). We set green criteria for the office supplies we buy through this BPA. This BPA is our mandatory source for all our office supply purchases. Here is the URL for the EPA BPA ecatalogue website (without the pricing info - only available through EPA's intranet): www.epasupplies.com

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To see the green office supply criteria we set: 1. Click on "About EPA" 2. Click on "Green Office Supplies" 3. Click on "Green Criteria for Office Supplies" under the photo of the desk in the forest. This will get you to the green criteria we are using under this BPA. To read about how other agencies are greening their office supply BPAs, go to: http://www.epa.gov/epp/pubs/buying_green_online.pdf To view EPA's RFP for Green Office Supplies, go to http://www.epa.gov/oam/green/index.htm Holly Elwood USEPA The Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program USEPA Headquarters, MC 7409-M EPA East Building 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20460 Email: [email protected] Ph: 202-564-8854 Fx: 202-564-8901 www.epa.gov/oppt/epp

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Remanufactured Toner Cartridges & Warranties on Printers, August 2007 4 Posts Original post: Hello - We have a new office supply contract which includes remanufactured toner cartridges but does not require their use exclusively. We are encouraging all departments to use them and have received some push back with the comment that if they use them, it will void the manufacturer’s warranty for the printer. While we realize that this is likely just an excuse, we want to provide more detailed information to alleviate their fears. Does anyone have more specific information from manufacturers on how using reman's affects warranties and/or information on the legality of a manufacturer requiring the use of OEM's or forfeit the warranty? FYI, we did addressed faulty cartridges in our contract by requiring that the reman. vendor warrant the cartridges and the repair of machines damaged by faulty cartridges. Thanks, Karen Cook County of Alameda Responses: 1. Hi. We are in a similar situation with remanufactured cartridges provided on state contract but not mandated. When we first started introducing the idea to people, we heard a lot of different excuses. I have attached a flyer that we created to address the issue. I hope this helps. Meranda Reifschneider Waste Reduction, Grants, and Public Outreach Bureau of Waste Management Kansas Department of Health and Environment Curtis State Office Building 1000 SW Jackson, Suite 320 Topeka, Kansas, 66612 (785) 296-1617 voice (785) 296 1600 main 2. Many of the companies that manufacture the OEM cartridges have remanufactured cartridges available on their web-sites as well. Companies like Xerox and Dell both sell remanufactured and OEM cartridges for their machines. It doesn't void there warranties, and because the market for remanufactured and compatible cartridges is increasing daily. Many of the companies who are not offering then will probably jump on board as well. There are a lot of companies producing remanufactured cartridges and they are not producing a quality product either due to lack of experience or not using quality cores to produce them. It is important to search the market place to find the best cartridges that you can get. One has to also keep in mind that even the best cartridges sometimes fail to produce a quality print. There are some measures that agencies can take to prepare themselves for when they have a defective cartridge. Since most cartridges are purchased and shipped to the customer and turn around for defective cartridges can take up to 5 days or more. Planning plays and important roles in avoiding your operation from being shut down for long periods of time until you can get a replacement for the defective cartridge. Here are some tips:

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If at all possible always order at least one back up cartridge for your printers. Purchase your cartridges from a company that focuses on good customer service. Purchase your cartridges from a company that has a live answering service and that returns your calls. Purchase your cartridges from a company that can drop ship to your location using next day services when necessary. Purchase your cartridge from companies that only use the OEM core once and don’t use non-virgin cores. Train agency employees how to solve the small problems that occur sometimes when using remanufactured cartridges It is the belief of Environmental Preservation Solutions that there is still a lot of education to be done in both government and private sector on the benefits of using environmentally preferable products and services in our everyday workplace where it is feasible, and when they meet the price, performance and availability criteria. If you would like to discuss contract language please feel free to give me a call at: Gilbert L. Bailey Consultant Environmental Preservation Solutions 2323 S. Troy Street Bldg. 5-209 Aurora, Colorado 80014 Phone 303-875-7733 3. Karen, The U.S. Department of Energy has a protocol for selecting quality remanufactured toner cartridges on their website at http://www.hss.energy.gov/nuclearsafety/nsep/p2/epp/cartridges.html. At that location, we also have a copy of a warranty letter from Hewlett Packard. We look forward to learning from your experience as well. Sandra Sandra Cannon, Technical Support U.S. Department of Energy Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program Tel. 509-529-1535

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Cell phone recycling, procurement language, August 2007 4 Posts Original post: I am looking for examples of procurement language that would support environmentally responsible recycling of cell phones. Please send language samples or links to contracts that contain these specifications. Thanks! Molly Chidsey Pollution & Waste Prevention Specialist Multnomah County Sustainability Program (503) 988-4094 www.co.multnomah.or.us/sustainability Responses: 1. We have a convenience contract for state agencies to recycle all electronic equipment. It's pretty cool. Check it out at http://www.doa.state.nc.us/PandC/926a.pdf. Rachel Eckert Recycling and Green Purchasing Coordinator NC Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance 1639 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1639 919-715-6505 919-715-6794 (fax) www.p2pays.org/epp www.re3.org 2. Hi Molly, In California we have a state law (AB 2901 Cell Phone Recycling Act -- see bottom of my message) that requires take back of cell phones. It also directs state agencies to incorporate take back into their contracts (see Article 5). Consequently, the state contract developed after passage of this bill incorporates take back language. I don't have a copy of the actual contract and I don't see it on-line. The user's guide at http://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/pd/strategic/WirelessUserInstructions2.pdf has this information about recycling: http://www.pd.dgs.ca.gov/StratSourcing/wireless.htm This web page has additional information. Here is the bill language: BILL NUMBER: AB 2901 CHAPTERED BILL TEXT CHAPTER 891 FILED WITH SECRETARY OF STATE SEPTEMBER 29, 2004 APPROVED BY GOVERNOR SEPTEMBER 29, 2004 PASSED THE ASSEMBLY AUGUST 25, 2004 PASSED THE SENATE AUGUST 24, 2004

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AMENDED IN SENATE AUGUST 19, 2004 AMENDED IN SENATE JULY 8, 2004 AMENDED IN SENATE JUNE 16, 2004 AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY MAY 20, 2004 AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY APRIL 20, 2004 INTRODUCED BY Assembly Members Pavley and Kehoe (Coauthors: Assembly Members Hancock, Jackson, Koretz, Levine, and Lieber) (Coauthors: Senators Kuehl and Romero) FEBRUARY 20, 2004 An act to add Chapter 8.6 (commencing with Section 42490) to Part 3 of Division 30 of the Public Resources Code, relating to solid waste. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AB 2901, Pavley. Solid waste: cell phones: recycling. Existing law requires the California Integrated Waste Management Board to administer state programs to recycle various specified materials, including the Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003, which governs certain electronic devices with display screens greater than 4 inches in size. This bill would enact the Cell Phone Recycling Act of 2004 and would make it unlawful to sell, on and after July 1, 2006, a cell phone in this state to a consumer, as defined, unless the retailer of that cell phone complies with the act. The bill would require a retailer selling a cell phone in this state to have in place, by July 1, 2006, a system for the acceptance and collection of used cell phones for reuse, recycling, or proper disposal. The bill would require the system to include specified elements. The bill would require the Department of Toxic Substances Control on July 1, 2007, and each July 1 thereafter, to post on its Web site an estimated California recycling rate for cell phones, as specified. The bill would impose requirements upon state agencies that purchase or lease cell phones regarding a certification of compliance with the act by prospective bidders. The bill would contain a severability clause. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. Chapter 8.6 (commencing with Section 42490) is added to Part 3 of Division 30 of the Public Resources Code, to read: CHAPTER 8.6. CELL PHONE RECYCLING ACT OF 2004 Article 1. General Provisions 42490. This act shall be known, and may be cited as, the Cell Phone Recycling Act of 2004. 42490.1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following: (a) The purpose of this chapter is to enact a comprehensive and innovative system for the reuse, recycling, and proper and legal disposal of used cell phones. (b) It is the further purpose of this chapter to enact a law that establishes a program that is convenient

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for consumers and the public to return, recycle, and ensure the safe and environmentally sound disposal of used cell phones, and providing a system that does not charge when a cell phone is returned. (c) It is the intent of the Legislature that the cost associated with the handling, recycling, and disposal of used cell phones be the responsibility of the producers and consumers of cell phones, and not local government or their service providers, state government, or taxpayers. (d) In order to reduce the likelihood of illegal disposal of hazardous materials, it is the intent of this chapter to ensure that all costs associated with the proper management of used cell phones is internalized by the producers and consumers of cell phones at or before the point of purchase, and not at the point of discard. (e) Manufacturers and retailers of cell phones and cell phone service providers, in working to achieve the goals and objectives of this chapter, should have the flexibility to partner with each other and with those private and nonprofit business enterprises that currently provide collection and processing services to develop and promote a safe and effective used cell phone recycling system for California. (f) The producers of cell phones should reduce and, to the extent feasible, ultimately phase out the use of hazardous materials in cell phones. (g) Cell phones, to the greatest extent feasible, should be designed for extended life, repair, and reuse. (h) The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the safe, cost free, and convenient collection, reuse, and recycling of 100 percent of the used cell phones discarded or offered for recycling in the state. (i) In establishing a cost effective system for the recovery, reuse, recycling and proper disposal of used cell phones, it is the intent of the Legislature to encourage manufacturers, retailers and service providers to build on the retailer take-back systems initiated recently by some cell phone service providers. (j) An estimated 5 percent of obsolete cell phones are currently being recycled through a mechanism, whereby private sector recyclers provide retailers with a postage paid box for mailing returned cell phones to the recycler at no cost to the retailers. In some instances, the scrap value of these used phones is sufficient for the recycler to either pay the retailer or make a financial contribution on behalf of the retailer to a nonprofit charity. It is the intent of the Legislature that this model system be substantially expanded as a result of the enactment of this act. Article 2. Definitions 42493. For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms have the following meanings, unless the context clearly requires otherwise: (a) "Cell phone" means a wireless telephone device that is designed to send or receive transmissions through a cellular radiotelephone service, as defined in Section 22.99 of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations. A cell phone includes the rechargeable battery that may be connected to that cell phone. A cell phone does not include a wireless telephone device that is integrated into the electrical architecture of a motor vehicle. (b) "Consumer" means a purchaser or owner of a cell phone. "Consumer" also includes a business, corporation, limited partnership, nonprofit organization, or governmental entity, but does not include an entity involved in a wholesale transaction between a distributor and retailer. (c) "Department" means the Department of Toxic Substances Control. (d) "Retailer" means a person who sells a cell phone in the state to a consumer, including a manufacturer of a cell phone who sells that cell phone directly to a consumer. A sale includes, but is not limited to, transactions conducted through sales outlets, catalogs, or the Internet, or any other similar electronic means, but does not include a sale that is a wholesale transaction with a distributor or retailer.

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(e) (1) "Sell" or "sale" means a transfer for consideration of title or of the right to use, by lease or sales contract, including, but not limited to, transactions conducted through sales outlets, catalogs, or the Internet or any other, similar electronic means, but does not include a wholesale transaction with a distributor or a retailer. (2) For purposes of this subdivision and subdivision (d), "distributor" means a person who sells a cell phone to a retailer. (f) "Used cell phone" means a cell phone that has been previously used and is made available, by a consumer, for reuse, recycling, or proper disposal. Article 3. Cell Phone Recycling 42494. (a) On and after July 1, 2006, every retailer of cell phones sold in this state shall have in place a system for the acceptance and collection of used cell phones for reuse, recycling, or proper disposal. (b) A system for the acceptance and collection of used cell phones for reuse, recycling, or proper disposal shall, at a minimum, include all of the following elements: (1) The take-back from the consumer of a used cell phone that the retailer sold or previously sold to the consumer, at no cost to that consumer. The retailer may require proof of purchase. (2) The take-back of a used cell phone from a consumer who is purchasing a new cell phone from that retailer, at no cost to that consumer. (3) If the retailer delivers a cell phone directly to a consumer in this state, the system provides the consumer, at the time of delivery, with a mechanism for the return of used cell phones for reuse, recycling, or proper disposal, at no cost to the consumer. (4) Make information available to consumers about cell phone recycling opportunities provided by the retailer and encourage consumers to utilize those opportunities. This information may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: (A) Signage that is prominently displayed and easily visible to the consumer. (B) Written materials provided to the consumer at the time of purchase or delivery, or both. (C) Reference to the cell phone recycling opportunity in retailer advertising or other promotional materials, or both. (D) Direct communications with the consumer at the time of purchase. (c) Paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) does not apply to a retailer that only sells prepaid cell phones and does not provide the ability for a consumer to sign a contract for cell phone service. 42495. On and after July 1, 2006, it is unlawful to sell a cell phone to a consumer in this state unless the retailer of that cell phone complies with this chapter. Article 4. Statewide Recycling Goals 42496.4. On July 1, 2007, and each July 1, thereafter, the department shall post on its Web site an estimated California recycling rate for cell phones, the numerator of which shall be the estimated number of cell phones returned for recycling in California during the previous calendar year, and the denominator of which is the number of cell phones estimated to be sold in this state during the previous calendar year. Article 5. State Agency Procurement 42498. (a) A state agency that purchases or leases cell phones shall require each prospective bidder, to certify that it, and its agents, subsidiaries, partners, joint venturers, and subcontractors for the procurement, have complied with this chapter and any regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter, or to demonstrate that this chapter is inapplicable to all lines of business engaged in by the bidder, its agents, subsidiaries, partners, joint venturers, or subcontractors. (b) Failure to provide certification pursuant to this section shall render the prospective bidder and its agents, subsidiaries, partners, joint venturers, and subcontractors ineligible to bid on the procurement of

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cell phones. (c) The bid solicitation documents shall specify that the prospective bidder is required to cooperate fully in providing reasonable access to its records and documents that evidence compliance with this chapter. (d) Any person awarded a contract by a state agency that is found to be in violation of this section is subject to the following sanctions: (1) The contract shall be voided by the state agency to which the equipment, materials, or supplies were provided. (2) The contractor is ineligible to bid on any state contract for a period of three years. (3) If the Attorney General establishes in the name of the people of the State of California that any money, property, or benefit was obtained by a contractor as a result of violating this section, the court may, in addition to any other remedy, order the disgorgement of the unlawfully obtained money, property, or benefit in the interest of justice. Article 6. Effect of Act 42499. This chapter shall not be construed to affect Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 25100) of Division 20 of the Health and Safety Code, any regulation adopted pursuant to that chapter, or any obligation imposed on a person pursuant to that chapter, relating to cell phones or used cell phones. SEC. 2. The provisions of this act are severable. If any provision of this act or its application is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application. Kathy Kathleen Frevert California Integrated Waste Management Board 1001 I street, PO 4025, MS 13A Sacramento, CA 95812 Website: www.ciwmb.ca.gov Phone: 916-341-6476 Email: [email protected] 3. Hi Molly, Check out these links for more information on various types of e-waste (including cell

phones). MN E-Waste Recycling Info (MPCA) MN Pollution Control Agency Click HERE MN Product Stewardship Initiatives and Laws for Electronics Click HERE E-waste Initiatives in Other States: Click HERE

The State of California Act is more directed at your question.

Cell Phone Recycling Act of 2004 Click HERE

Thanks, Nathan Reinbold Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Lead by Example Incentive Fund Administrator Hennepin County Environmental Services

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417 North 5th Street, Suite 200 Minneapolis, MN 55401-3206 PH. (612) 596-0993 [email protected] www.hennepin.us

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Water responsible truck washes, August 2007 2 Posts Original post: I am trying to find some literature on truck wash systems that conserve water, enable water to be recycled and meet occupational health and safety requirements. The situation we have is for a truck wash in a cattle and sheep saleyard. The system would need to be able to cater for B-Doubles. Any information on existing systems or research would be greatly appreciated. I am also interested in learning about other saleyards that already have these systems in place. Kind regards, Mikaela Griffiths CSO GLENRAC Response: Diana, we have assisted several companies with this situation. There are a number of wash water capture, treatment and reuse systems. I believe the initial impetus for this technique may have been developed for military operations such as aircraft washing stations etc. Here are some example vendors and case studies- Closed Loop Wash Rack Case Study http://p2library.nfesc.navy.mil/P2_Opportunity_Handbook/11_3.html Danco Metal Surfacing Case Study http://www.nmfrc.org/pdf/ro.htm Water Efficiency: Water Management Options http://www.p2pays.org/ref/04/03104.pdf Riveer Company 233 Veterans Blvd South Haven MI 49090 (269) 637-1997 or (888) 857-7304 Fax: (269) 637-0177 Email: [email protected] http://www.cyclonator.com/ Pressure Island 3925 Bohannon Drive, Suite 100 Menlo Park, CA 94025 Toll Free: (888) DE-GREASE (334-7327) Fax: (650) 780-9988 [email protected] http://www.pressureisland.com Hydro Engineering, Inc. 865 W. 2600 S. Salt Lake City, UT 84119 (800) 247-8424 Fax: (801) 972-3265 Email: [email protected] http://www.hydroblaster.com/HydrokleenWastewaterFiltration.htm

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*Hydrobay indoor portable wash rack system http://www.hydroblaster.com/3picsinsidewashbay.htm CPR Systems 1400 South Main Street South Bend, Indiana 46613 (800) 897-7515 Fax: (574) 233-3899 Cleaner Phosphoric Recycling Systems http://www.cprsystemsonline.com/phosphatizing.html *A CPR System recycles the wash water and reclaims the cleaner thus monitoring and record keeping of industrial wastewater discharge is not required. This system can reduce chemical consumption by 70 to 80 percent over typical wash water discharge methods. Ron Smith Ohio EPA, Office of Compliance Assistance & Pollution Prevention 614-644-2813 614-644-2807 fax [email protected] http://www.epa.state.oh.us/ocapp/ocapp.html

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Compostable garbage can liners, August 2007 5 Posts Original post: Has anyone encountered sacks or liners for garbage cans that are compostable? I'm looking for a way to contain food wastes so that the garbage cans do not need to be sanitized as often. Thanks, Tom Barron, Civil Engineer Responses: 1. Tom, Yes, this is a common practice which works very well. contact The Bag Company: http://www.thebagcompanyinc.com/main.htm, Mansfield Paper: http://www.mansfieldpaper.com/environmentallysafe.html OR Biobag: http://www.biobagusa.com Amy Donovan Program Director Franklin County Solid Waste Management District 50 Miles Street Greenfield, MA 01301 Tel: (413) 772-2438 Fax: (413) 772-3786 [email protected] http://www.franklincountywastedistrict.org/ 2. If you go to Resourceful Bag & Tag, they have a compostable liner. Their website www.bagandtag.com. Virginia Walton, Recycling Coordinator Town of Mansfield 4 South Eagleville Rd Storrs, CT 06268 860-429-3333

3. BioBag has 3, 13 and 33 gallon compostable kitchen and lawn and leaf bags, see http://www.biobagusa.com/Consumer.htm Mike Giuranna, Solid Waste Specialist EPA, Region III 1650 Arch Street (3WC21) Phila, PA 19103-2029 ph: 215-814-3298 fax:215-814-3163 [email protected] 4. We get ours from the link below. http://www.ecoproducts.com/Home/home_biobags/home_index_biobags.htm Judy Usherson, Senior Environmental Analyst Eastern Research Group (ERG) 2300 Wilson Blvd. #350 Arlington, VA 22201 [email protected] 703-841-0503 703-841-1440 (fax)

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Fluorescent Bulb Recycling Statewide Contracts, August 2007 4 Posts Original post: Our governor recently signed a bill that requires all state facilities in buildings greater than 1,000 square feet to recycle their fluorescent bulbs. It also requires that only Energy Star bulbs be purchased in the future. So we're going to be recycling a lot of CFLs in the future. Geographically, Illinois is a pretty large state, and many of our buildings are in rural areas. We currently have a state wide fluorescent bulb recycling contract, but since recycling was not mandatory when we bid it out, rural areas aren't covered on the contract. Does anyone have examples of how we can set up a statewide program that will reach facilities in the entire state? We would like to avoid the use of drum top crushers. Thanks, Becky Lockart Office of Pollution Prevention Illinois Environmental Protection Agency P.O. Box 19276 Springfield, IL 62794-9276 Phone: (217) 524-9642 Responses: 1. Vermont has a contract that includes bulk recycling of mercury-containing lamps for higher use areas and container (kit) recycling for rural (low volume) users. The contractor is also able to transport the spent lamps to a central facility in some cases. See contract #8262 at our web site http://www.bgs.state.vt.us/PCA/purcont.htm#Electrical Items 53 – 57 are the recycle options. Judy Jamieson, Senior Purchasing Agent Purchasing and Contract Administration State of Vermont 1078 US Route 2-Middlesex Drawer 33 Montpelier VT 05633-7601 phone (802) 828-2217 - fax (802) 828-2222 http://www.bgs.state.vt.us/pca 2. I see the Vermont contract includes container recycling for CFLs (line item 56). How is the "fiber drum" designed to prevent breakage during collection and transport? Perhaps there are some lessons learned for new retailer collection programs, e.g., Wal-Mart's recent events. I've recently been asked by the press how safe CFL collection might take place. Any thoughts? Lloyd Hicks Program Advisor INFORM 212-361-2400 x244

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3. Here is a link http://veoliaes-ts.com/OnyxPak to the collection and recycling subcontractor working with VT’s lamp & ballast supplier. This provides some insight into compliance issues, packaging and may address some of your questions. Judy Jamieson, Senior Purchasing Agent Purchasing and Contract Administration State of Vermont 1078 US Route 2-Middlesex Drawer 33 Montpelier VT 05633-7601 phone (802) 828-2217 - fax (802) 828-2222 http://www.bgs.state.vt.us/pca

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Trade show/Vendor booth banner, August 2007 5 Postings Original posting: I apologize if this topic has sailed across this listserv before. I am looking into getting a banner printed that can be hung from a table during events like vendor fairs and other trainings. It wouldn't necessarily need to be durable enough to withstand outside conditions, but it should be reusable and handle a little abuse. I think regular paper would be unacceptable. Have you come across anything: Biodegradable? Cool. Recycled content? Good. Low impact? Please. Has anyone done this research? Looking for some good starting places. I have almost two months to get it spec'd, ordered and delivered. Any info is appreciated. Thanks! Liz Kunz Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Pollution Prevention & Sustainability Division Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program Washington State Department of Ecology 360.407.6358 [email protected] Responses: 1. Liz, have you looked at the natural carpet makers (i.e. sisal, wool, linen, jute, cotton)? It would probably be pricey, but many of the mills will custom make something to your size specifications with something either printed on it or woven into it. Some even will add grommets for hanging for you. All these fibers are biobased, and some are recycled as well. Fibers such as linen and cotton would need a little more care than the others, but they're easier to print and travel/hang lighter. The others are thicker, might last longer, and can be beat up somewhat. Here's a link to one off the top of my head (there are many more) to start you off if you're interested: http://www.meridameridian.com/ 2. Liz and all, Fastsigns International, a local (Kirkland, Washington) company is promoting a material called BIOflex, made by New Jersey-based Ultraflex Systems, as an alternative and green material for banners. Short article in Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Monday, Aug 20, Business section column called "The Insider." (in the continuation on page E3) I haven't researched the product/material, but yours might be a good occasion to try it out and let us know what you think. The article doesn't say what material is used, but the claim is that it's "biodegradable." That could mean a variety of things, of course. There was a "Green Print Summit" in Seattle last spring, attended by many graphic design and print services firms, so ask the ones on contract with the state, or contact me directly if you want to see the list of those who have contracts with the City of Seattle, because State of WA can use those -- I don't mean to suggest they will immediately have a banner material for you, but you can ask them what they can find for you...

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Shirli Shirli Axelrod, Senior Environmental Analyst Seattle Public Utilities PO Box 34018 700 5th Ave. Suite 4900 Seattle WA 98124-4018 Phone 206-684-7804 E-mail [email protected] 3. New American Dream purchased its canvass matte cotton (unfortunately not organic cotton) banner from www.pingo.com. Mary Jo Snavely, Fellow Responsible Purchasing Network Center for a New American Dream 6930 Carroll Ave., Suite 900 Takoma Park, MD 20912 301.891.3683 x. 116 (ph) 301.891.3684 (fax) www.responsiblepurchasing.org 4. Liz, Have you looked at the natural carpet makers (i.e. sisal, wool, linen, jute, cotton)? It would probably be pricey, but many of the mills will custom make something to your size specifications with something either printed on it or woven into it. Some even will add grommets for hanging for you. All these fibers are biobased, and some are recycled as well. Fibers such as linen and cotton would need a little more care than the others, but they're easier to print and travel/hang lighter. The others are thicker, might last longer, and can be beat up somewhat. Here's a link to one off the top of my head (there are many more) to start you off if you're interested: http://www.meridameridian.com/ Regards, Debbie Deborah Lema, Research and Education Racine Industries, Inc.

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Looking for "green" catering & function contracts, August 2007 3 Postings Original post: Hi all: I'm in the process of developing a green event contract and am looking for examples of contract language or RFP language that specifies local/organic/fair trade food and other "green" event criteria (e.g., everything from waste separation available in the event rooms to food presentation and dishes etc. to room set up). Does anyone have any examples of this that they can share? thanks, Lynda Lynda Rankin, Environmental Analyst Nova Scotia Department of the Environment and Labour Box 697, Halifax Nova Scotia B3J 2T8 Tel: (902) 424-2578 email: [email protected] Responses: 1. Lynda, A few months ago I was looking into this for our own meetings. As a first crack one can follow the general guidelines from Oceans Blue Foundation's BlueGreen Meetings http://www.bluegreenmeetings.org/HostsAndPlanners/Food.htm I did, however come across some model contract language. I'll take a quick look for it this afternoon and get back to you. The Green Meeting Industry Council may have some specific language available. Jeremy Brown Trade and Environment Program Commission for Environmental Cooperation 393, rue Saint-Jacques, Suite 200 Montreal, QC H2Y 1N9 Canada Tel: (514) 350-4302 [email protected] 2. Lynda, My colleague has done some work around this for several Health Care Without Harm events, but he is out of the country right now. In the meantime, I'll point you to a brochure put out by the Society for Nutrition Education http://www.sne.org/guidelinesformeetings.htm on serving local food at meetings. They include some contract suggestions, though they are pretty general. Marie Kulick, Senior Policy Analyst, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy Co-Coordinator, Health Care Without Harm Purchasing Work Group 2105 First Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55404 612-870-3422 [email protected]

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Life cycle comparison of reusable bags, paper bags, & plastic bags, August 2007 5 Postings Original post: Can you point me in the direction of such a study? Virginia Walton Recycling Coordinator Town of Mansfield 4 South Eagleville Rd Storrs, CT 06268 860-429-3333 Responses: 1. Try looking at http://www.epa.gov/region1/communities/shopbags.html and http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=535932 . Mike Giuranna, Solid Waste Specialist EPA, Region III 1650 Arch Street (3WC21) Phila, PA 19103-2029 ph: 215-814-3298 fax:215-814-3163 [email protected] 2. I assume you are asking about shopping bags. Shipping bags (such as those used in e-commerce) are addressed in a report and summary documents available here: http://www.deq.state.or.us/lq/sw/packaging/resources.htm (scroll down to “Life Cycle Inventory Analysis”). David Allaway Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Solid Waste Policy & Program Development 811 S.W. Sixth Avenue Portland, OR 97204 phone: (503) 229-5479 fax: (503) 229-6977 TTY: (503) 229-6993 Toll Free in Oregon: 1-800-452-4011 3. Hi Virginia, There have been several LCA studies comparing paper vs. plastic, but here is one of the only ones I found that included reusable bags: http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/publications/waste/plastic-bags/analysis.html Thanks! Christine Chase Green Seal 1001 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 827 Washington, DC 20036 ph: 202.872.6400 [email protected]

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www.greenseal.org 4. If you Google "paper vs. plastic" or "paper versus plastic" you will find some info. Everything I've read says that reusable is the way to go. And there are pros and cons to paper and plastic with no clear winner. This was also recently debated on Grist.org on Ask Umbra's archives. Katherine Murray Waste Diversion Planner City of Austin Solid Waste Services 512-974-9043 fx: 974-9048 www.AustinRecycles.com

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Water conservation EPP resources, August 2007 3 Posts Original post: Is there anything equivalent to Energy Star for water conservation? A resource to help purchasers figure out how to spec products that go beyond regulations? Lara Lara Sutherland Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Health Care Without Harm ph: 303-377-7048 [email protected] Responses: 1. There's a fairly new program at EPA called Watersense for that purpose. There's a link to their website http://www.epa.gov/watersense/. Julie Julie Shannon, Chief Prevention Integration Branch Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics US Environmental Protection Agency 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (7409M) Washington, DC 20460 202-564-8834 202-564-8899 (fax) [email protected]

2. Lara, EPA has an initiative called WaterSense, see http://www.epa.gov/watersense/ and also http://www.epa.gov/waterinfrastructure/waterefficiency.html. Mike Giuranna, Solid Waste Specialist EPA, Region III 1650 Arch Street (3WC21) Phila, PA 19103-2029 ph: 215-814-3298 fax:215-814-3163 [email protected]

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Source Reduction Boilerplate Language, September 2007 2 Posts Original post: Hi, I’m curious if anyone has truly had success with boilerplate language regarding reduced packaging and other source reduction methods when putting out bids/RFPs. I added boilerplate language years ago when I worked for a County and it had no measurable impact. The better route would be to expand beyond boilerplates and use specifics based on packaging and transportation options. Thoughts? Beth Eckl EPE Consulting Danville, CA (925) 838-2731 Response: Beth, I understand several years ago Boeing added “take back packaging” to their electronic equipment contracts and it worked. The computers began to be delivered not only with less packaging but what was there went away with the delivery truck. At the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, we included “take back packaging” in our contract with our local office product supplier. They were using their own trucks and appreciated not having to continually buy new pallets, etc. In that case, the take back only referred to the “large packaging” such as pallets and case boxes. The lesser packaging (ream wrappers) for instance were kept on for storage until used. -----Sandra Sandra Cannon, Technical Support U.S. Department of Energy Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program Tel. 509-529-1535

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Hybrid Electric Bus Information, September 2007 6 Posts Original post: Greetings – Someone just called me looking for a list of hybrid electric bus manufacturers for a potentially substantial purchase. I know King County, Washington, has bought them so I’ll reach out to them. Does anyone else on the listserv have any experience or can you recommend any potential bidders? Thanks. Scot Scot Case TerraChoice Environmental Marketing Inc. 29 North Carolina Avenue Reading, PA 19608 (w) 610 779-3770 (c) 610 781-1684 [email protected] Responses: 1. Scot, We have busses made by Orion here in Syracuse http://www.orionbus.com/orion. They are diesel-electrics and seem to be working ok... our transportation professional group will be going for a ride on one next month. Regards, Chris Christopher E. Anderson Environmental Specialist I Region 3 Environmental Services 333 E Washington St. Syracuse, NY 13202 (315) 428-4628

2. Scot, My mistake. The CNG's were made by Orion not the DieselElectrics here's the link for CENTRO http://www.centro.org/news/hybrid.htm. Chris Christopher E. Anderson Environmental Specialist I Region 3 Environmental Services 333 E Washington St. Syracuse, NY 13202 (315) 428-4628

3. Metro Transit/Metropolitan Council in Minnesota has purchased several 40-foot hybrid buses from Gillig Corporation in Hayward, CA. http://www.gillig.com/New%20GILLIG%20WEB/hybrid.htm

The public contact at Met Council for transportation questions is David Vessel at [email protected]

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Mark Snyder Senior Pollution Prevention Specialist Environmental Economic Development Unit Prevention and Assistance Division Minnesota Pollution Control Agency [email protected] 4. Scot, Albuquerque, NM is building up an inventory of nice diesel-electric hybrid buses from New Flyer: http://www.newflyer.com/index/hybrid_buses_intro http://www.cabq.gov/transit/rapidbus2.html Samuel McCord Pollution Prevention Sandia National Laboratories [email protected] 505.845.7935 (w) 505.844.9977 (f) 5. Hi Scot, King County's original purchase of 214 hybrid electric articulated buses in 2004 were made by New Flyer of America with a Caterpillar engine and Allison hybrid transmission. You can find out more at: http://transit.metrokc.gov/am/vehicles/hy-diesel.html In 2007, King County Metro Transit announced the intention to purchase 500 buses over the next five years. These buses will be built by New Flyer of America using a hybrid drive built by General Motors and an engine built by Cummins Engine Company. http://www.metrokc.gov/procure/green/BUL102.pdf There are lots of links to explore on the website that will lead you to contract details, background, etc. Hope this helps. Karen Hamilton Environmental Purchasing Program King County Procurement and Contract Services 401 5th Avenue, 3rd Floor Seattle, WA 98104 (206)263-9294 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.metrokc.gov/procure/green

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EPP Cleaners in Schools, September 2007 4 Posts Original post: Hi, Can anyone provide names of schools, preferably school districts in CA, which have switched to green cleaning products? Thanks, Beth Beth Eckl EPE Consulting Danville, CA 94526 (925) 838-2731 Responses: 1. Beth, I know at least Hanford School District and Visallia USD are doing green carpet cleaning, if that helps.

Deborah Lema Research and Education Racine Industries, Inc. 2. Chicago Public Schools switched. New York and Illinois have state laws requiring schools to use green cleaners. NY has guidelines and other information on the web (http://www.ogs.state.ny.us/bldgadmin/environmental/default.html) The IL law was just signed by the gov in August. We are in the process of developing our guidelines. Becky Lockart Office of Pollution Prevention Illinois Environmental Protection Agency P.O. Box 19276 Springfield, IL 62794-9276 Phone: (217) 524-9642

3. Try contacting the Healthy Schools Network in Albany, NY for more information. (www.healthyschools.org) Robert Guillemin Environmental Protection Specialist US EPA, Region 1 (SPP) One Congress Street, Suite 1100 Boston, MA 02114-2023 Phone: 617-918-1814 Fax: 617-918-0814 Email: [email protected]

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Remanufactured toner cartridges, October 2007 5 Posts Original post: Questions about remanufactured toner cartridges abound. Do they work? Do they void manufacturer warranties? Are there reliable third party standards or testing procedures? Between October 9 and November 9, RPN is soliciting questions on remanufactured toner cartridges from procurement and sustainability professionals. Questions will be circulated to experts from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the International Imaging Technologies Council. Answers will be made public in early December. Email your question(s) today to Matt Kittell at [email protected]. Because Every Purchase Matters, Matt Kittell Program Manager Responsible Purchasing Network Center for a New American Dream 6930 Carroll Ave., Suite 900 Takoma Park, MD 20912 301.891.1004 301.891.3684 (fax) www.ResponsiblePurchasing.org Responses: 1. Matt, yes, remanufactured cartridges abound. Yes, they work, but just like any product (including OEM cartridges) there are top quality remanufactured cartridges on the market and lower quality ones. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory began testing remanufactured cartridges in 1997. The results of roughly 6 years of testing brought us to the following conclusions: all printers work well with QUALITY remanufactured cartridges; some printers work well with even low end remanufactured cartridges; different brands of quality cartridges seem more amenable to certain printers than others. DOE has posted a protocol for selecting quality remanufactured cartridges on their Environmentally Preferable Purchasing website at http://www.hss.energy.gov/nuclearsafety/nsep/p2/epp/cartridges.html. Feel free to call any time with questions----Sandra Sandra Cannon, Technical Support U.S. Department of Energy Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program Tel. 509-529-1535 2. Can anyone point me to a resource that discusses resources saved from using remanufactured cartridges compared with traditional cartridges and related costs? We’re trying to get energy use info to calculate GHG emission reductions from the recycled products we purchase. Thanks very much for any input! Julie Weiss City of Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant 2501 Embarcadero Way Palo Alto, CA 94303

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650.329.2117 fx: 650.494.3531 3. Julie, You might contact the International Imaging Technology Council (Tricia Judge, Tel. (702) 838-4279, [email protected])----Sandra 4. Several years ago, NYS invested in research on problems that might hinder the remanufacture of toner cartridges by the Ctr for Remanufacturing and Resource Recovery at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). I encourage to review the project summary below, which was prepared in 2002, and if the information is still useful and you would like more information, feel free to contact Robert Maresic at RIT via email at [email protected] http://www.cims.rit.edu/

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New York State Environmental Investment Program

Research Project Summary

Rochester Institute of Technology

Background The replacement toner cartridge market is nearly $6 billion per year and it is growing rapidly in the United States. This rapid growth presents a disposal problem affecting the environment unless the toner cartridge remanufacturing industry can increase its reuse of cartridge components. Currently, 75% of some 30.9 million units used in the U.S. every year are not remanufactured, but are recycled or go to landfill. Effective remanufacturing of these cartridges could help limit the number that need to be produced from virgin materials or end their useful life in landfills each year. NYS is home to over 400 toner cartridge remanufacturing companies, with over 2000 employees. This project was initiated to provide NYS remanufacturers with reliable reuse procedures for key cartridge components. Project Description The National Center for Remanufacturing and Resource Recovery (NCR3) at RIT partnered with two NYS remanufacturing companies for this project. The study focused on the reusability of two key components contained in all-in-one toner cartridges: the organic photo-conducting (OPC) drum and the wiper blade. The objective of the project was to identify and assess measurement techniques that determine the remaining life of each component to enable their reuse. The project resulted in the selection of the best methods to evaluate the remaining life of each component. Project Results Extensive life testing was conducted to quantify the physical changes in the components throughout their life cycle. Over 10,000 independent observations were made to characterize the life cycle of these components. The key findings of this study are:

For the models tested, re-use of OEM OPC drums is not recommended. Wiper blades are highly reusable (as many as ten times) but only if the condition of the cleaning

edge can be assessed. The research found that there was insufficient remaining life on the OPC drums to reliably perform another life cycle. The partner companies will be able to significantly improve their product quality by eliminating the possibility of mid-cycle OPC drum failures. This study also demonstrated that wiper blades might be reusable up to ten times, if certain procedures are followed. One partner company plans to implement a new business based on these findings, worth over one million dollars annually and adding three new jobs. If just half of the New York State remanufacturers began to reuse OEM wiper blades with an estimated 65% reclaim rate, it would reduce landfill by 65 tons per year and create a total savings of over two and a half million dollars per year.

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Contractor: Rochester Institute of Technology National Center for Remanufacturing and Resource Recovery 133 Lomb Memorial Drive Rochester, NY 14623

Investment:

County: Monroe NYS EIP: $200,000 Contract Project Manager:

Simon Jessop Contractor Match:

$90,810

Phone: 585.475.6091 Total: $290,810 ESD Project Manager: Phone:

James Gilbert 585.325.1944

Completion Date:

July 2002

Brenda Grober Environmental Services Unit Empire State Development 30 South Pearl Street Albany, NY 12245 (518) 292-5342 / FAX (518) 292-5886 [email protected]

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Request for bid language, October 2007 4 Posts Original post: Hello Everyone, We are evaluating the feasibility of starting a small scale plastic lumber recycling facility in Vermont that would use agricultural film plastics. I am researching how state purchasers (or other purchasers) might specify the end products in their bid documents. This might include specs that include sourcing products made from local feedstocks or any other strategies state purchasers do to encourage local recycling market development. Thanks in advance for any bid language or recommendations Carolyn Grodinsky Waste Prevention Coordinator Waste Management Division 103 South Main Street Waterbury, VT 05671 (802) 241-3477 http://www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/wastediv/R3/DECwpPLAN.htm Responses: 1. Carolyn, Roger Guttentag of Resource Recycling has listed several links to information about Ag Plastic on their web site at http://www.resource-recycling.com/cyberspace.html#June%202003 Mike Giuranna, Solid Waste Specialist EPA, Region III 1650 Arch Street (3WC21) Phila, PA 19103-2029 ph: 215-814-3298 fax:215-814-3163 [email protected] 2. Hi Carolyn, for recycled content products, purchasers typically spec the percentage of recycled content in a product. I've included some references below. Although green building projects receive credit for sourcing local building materials, I'm unaware of this aspect for plastic lumber. Environmentally preferable wood products (lumber and paper) now included a "chain of custody" approach for sustainable forestry practices (certified by the Forest Stewardship Council), but a similar situation does not exist for local sourcing for plastic lumber -- although it is a very interesting idea. The EPA's Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines (CPG) for recycled content products includes criteria for plastic lumber. Purchasing officers use these criteria as specifications in their contracts. Visit: http://www.epa.gov/cpg/products/timbers.htm King County (WA) is a progressive "green" purchaser that is well respected by state and local government purchasing officers. For insight on the procurement of plastic lumber, bid language, see their fact sheet on "plastic lumber" http://www.metrokc.gov/procure/green/plastic.htm. I also found the following link on bid language, which may be helpful. http://vendornet.state.wi.us/vendornet/recycle/4plast27.asp

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Let me know if I can be of any additional help. Rob Robert Guillemin Environmental Protection Specialist US EPA, Region 1 (SPP) One Congress Street, Suite 1100 Boston, MA 02114-2023 Phone: 617-918-1814 Fax: 617-918-0814 Email: [email protected] 3. Hi Carolyn, I'm not sure if this is what you are looking for - but there is a list of CT state statutes and policies that support and guide environmentally preferable purchasing efforts in Connecticut at: http://www.das.state.ct.us/Purchase/Epp/regulations.htm . Also a factsheet at: http://www.das.state.ct.us/Purchase/Epp/General_Information.htm Hope this is what you are looking for. Judy Judy Belaval CT DEP Office of Source Reduction and Recycling (860) 424-3237

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City Recycling System, November 2007 4 Postings Original posting: The City of Walla Walla is switching to a co-mingled collection system for their recyclables. They are selling these co-mingled materials to Material Recovery Facilities. Because the facilities are across the state, we have yet to visit any of them but have questions about whether they are separating out the materials so they can be redirected to their respective waste streams and indeed end up in recycled content products or whether they are selling the co-mingled materials to overseas buyers or…. Our calls have not been answered by the Material Recovery Facilities involved. We also wonder if the claims by the paper manufacturers that they do not have access to enough used paper to produce more recycled content paper is not perhaps the result of such co-mingled systems. I would appreciate hearing from you as to whether 1) your communities are still source separating and 2) any information you have about Materials Recovery Facilities, especially any located in the state of Washington----Sandra Sandra Cannon, Chair Walla Walla Area Resource Conservation Committee Tel. 509-525-8849 E-mail [email protected] Responses: 1. If you haven't already, suggest you read Conservatree's Single Stream Recycling Best Practices Manual which covers this issue. www.conservatree.org. Judy Usherson Senior Environmental Analyst Eastern Research Group (ERG) 2300 Wilson Blvd. #350 Arlington, VA 22201 [email protected] 703-841-0503 703-841-1440 (fax) 2. I run a large MRF in Boulder, Colorado, that is a 2-stream facility (paper and containers) that is switching over to “single stream recycling” which allows all recyclables to be put into one bin. I have been designing and running recycling facilities for decades, so I thought I’d share my thoughts on this situation. The Conservatree SS Manual you reference is written by my two good friends, and I was on the “advisory” panel that helped guide the report development. The authors are experts in their fields, but, we have been “mudwrestling” this SS issue for a few years now. So, there is a degree of uncertainty and controversy here. My view… I support SS and am investing $5 million to upgrade our facility with modern technology so that the recyclable paper I sell to the world will go to the same buyers at the same price. I understand the issue of “glass shards” in the fiber, but after doing my own research, I am convinced that the screening and cleaning technology at the modern paper mills can handle it. One big problem is that all the

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“modern” paper mills are being built outside the USA. However, I can’t solve the problems that globalization creates. The demand for recycled paper is fantastic right now, and the prices paid to MRF’s has been high for many years now. I think this situation will not change in the future. My career is recycling and Zero Waste. I am convinced that a great leap forward will be accomplished if we can convert the world away from a “1-bin trash can” and over to a “3-bin world – recycling/composting/trash”. If we can get all the households and the businesses of the world to sort their discards three ways, then the economics of recovering those valuable resources (recycling and composting) will put a dagger through the heart of landfills and incinerators … which is where scarce natural resources go to die. The Conservatree Manual is a good document and rightly warns the world that SS recycling can be done wrong and on the cheap. That is true, and we must all confront that when we see it. I will volunteer to call the MRF that is servicing Walla Walla to see if they are doing it correctly. The key statistic for any MRF is how much material is going to the landfill AFTER it’s been processed in the MRF. This is called a “contamination” rate, and that is the place to start asking questions. There is no “right number”, but if that rate goes over 10%, then you have a problem. Hope this is helpful, Eric Eric Lombardi Executive Director Eco-Cycle Inc. 5030 Pearl St. Boulder, CO. 80301 303-444-6634 www.ecocycle.org 3. You might also want to read the article "Rethinking Recycling" that appeared in the August 2007 issue of Resource Recycling. Judy Belaval CT DEP Office of Source Reduction and Recycling (860) 424-3237

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Organic Pesticides & IPM, December 2007 4 Posts Original post: The Commonwealth of MA is working on a new integrated pest management (IPM) contract. One of the significant issues we are looking at is trying to incorporate organic pesticides into the contract, if it is feasible. A few factors make this difficult. · Our IPM contract has a goal of reducing and eliminating the use of any pesticides (organic or not). An encouragement to use organic pesticides may sound contrary to the goal of the contract. Some organic pesticides do not necessarily represent a lower risk to human health. According to the MA Department of Agricultural Resources, “Just because a product is "organic" it does not necessarily mean low or reduced risk. Pyrethrums, for example, are pesticides derived from plant extracts but are currently listed as a 'likely' human carcinogen by EPA.” Our questions are: · How do other organizations deal with the factors listed above? · Are there organic pesticides that are definitely lower risk than “regular” ones and (if yes) what are the ways to specify those? · Does any organization currently promote the use of organic pesticides in their pest management contract and (if yes) what is their process/specification for this? Thank you for your help! Dmitriy Nikolayev Procurement Manager Facilities and Environmental Services Operational Services Division Commonwealth of Massachusetts One Ashburton Place, Room 1017 Boston, MA 02108 Phone: 617-720-3351 Fax: 617-727-4527 [email protected] Responses: 1. I have never hear of an organic pesticide.....and I'm not sure this is a good distinction to make....Here's what [I think] you should include in your specs: encourage the use of non-volatilizing pesticides like baits and gels, also boric acid....Discourage or prohibit the use of sprays, bombs and foggers. For all pesticides, require "spot treatments" rather than "broadcast applications," don't allow for scheduled pesticide "treatments." Minimize pesticide use by allowing their use only when absolutely necessary. For rodents, encourage the use of snap traps, instead of rodenticides (which poison more kids every year than any other class of pesticides, according to the Amer Assoc of Poison Control Centers). Make sure your contract specs address key elements of IPM such as monitoring and inspections, pest identification, education, and eliminating the conditions that lead to infestations (presence of food, water and harborage or a "way in" for critters that belong outdoors) rather than relying on the use of chemical controls.. EPA has worked with the National Center for Healthy Housing to develop model contract language for IPM in affordable housing...It is posted on: http://www.healthyhomestraining.org/ipm/index.htm

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(See sidebar at right)... You can find IPM contract language for schools at: http://schoolipm.ifas.ufl.edu/Florida/list.htm GSA has developed good contract language for office buildings (which I have in PDF versions) but they are not posted on the web. Finally, there are several emerging training and cert programs for IPM providers ("exterminators" who practice greener pest control). They include Green Shield, Eco-Wise and Quality Pro Green. Kathy Seikel Environmental Protection Agency Office of Pesticide Programs (7506C) 1200 Penna. Ave., NW Washington, DC 20460 703-308-8272 (ph) 703-305-5558 (fax) visit: www.epa.gov/pesticides

2. From the Safer Pest Control Project, an Illinois NGO: The best resource we have is the City of San Francisco, they have a very comprehensive website-that outlines an approved list of pesticides. They also have a very good system for allowing pesticides to be used. I think the phrase 'organic pesticide' is misleading. He is right, pyrethrums are just as toxic as other products. Since pesticides are toxins designed to kill living things, they all have levels of risk. The challenge is to measure the use of least toxic within good IPM plans that promotes prevention, maintenance and monitoring. The city of Santa Clara in California also has a very good website that has samples of contracts, procedures and policies. 3. I cannot remember who asked the original question but one example of a successful local law that has restricted the use of certain classes of pesticides (on public properties, at least!) is Local Law 37 in NYC. This law prohibits the use of Tox Category 1 pesticides; pesticides that are classified as known, probable or possible carcinogens; and pesticides classified by California's Office of Enviro Health Hazards as developmental toxins. The law is posted at: http://www.nyccouncil.info/pdf_files/bills/law05037.pdf , and here's a summary: https://a816-health12ssl.nyc.gov/ll37/PDF/1%20-%20Summary%20LL37%20100605.pdf Two other resources for using IPM approaches to pest mgmt are: Eco-Wise, a certification program based out of the SF Bay area....I believe Eco-Wise certified practitioners commit to NOT using certain classes of pesticides. The web site is: http://www.ecowisecertified.org/ The guy who manage this program is Bart Brandenburg. Bart could answer questions about specific pesticides. [email protected] Also, Tom Green at the IPM Institute of North American runs a training and cert program for IPM practitioners called Green Shield. You can read about it at: http://www.greenshieldcertified.org/ or contact Tom at [email protected]

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Government Vendor Requirement, December 2007 3 Posts Original post: Is anyone aware of any state or local government requiring vendors to certify they have a recycling program in place before being able to do business with the state or local government? Suzanne Boroff, Environmental Specialist II Florida Department of Environmental Protection Waste Reduction Section, Recycling Program 2600 Blair Stone Rd., MS 4570 Tallahassee, FL 32399-2400 Voice 850-245-8718 (Suncom 205-8718) Fax 850-245-8803 (Suncom 205-8803) E-mail [email protected] Web http://www.dep.state.fl.us Responses: 1. As of 1993, businesses in Montgomery County, Maryland, must have recycling programs, but I do not know if Contracting Officers check for compliance with this law before awarding contracts. http://www.hca.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/dpwt/solidwaste/store/documents/sorrt/sorrt_guidebook_eng.pdf Best wishes, Sam Kanaga, ContractDesk Inc, [email protected], www.contractdesk.com, 877.879.3375 2. Massachusetts included the following language in our grocer contract, but in all honesty we have not followed up to ensure that the recycling is going as promised. On-site Recycling – All Bidders must agree to have in place at the time of contract or within three months of contract award the following recycling programs:

All corrugated cardboard generated at any company operations Recycling/repair reuse for all pallets.

Contractors must also agree to take back from all customers any working pallets at a schedule to be determined by the contractor and contract user. It is desirable that bidders have in place or agree to implement other recycling programs at their facilities such as, but not limited to:

Office paper Mixed containers Organics Other materials

The following is additional language that we include in most of our contracts. It does not require the Bidder to have anything in place, but it does keep an open door for us to follow up with the awarded vendors to investigate and encourage various sustainable activities and practices. Environmental Plan – Beginning the first year of the contract and throughout the life of the contract, awarded Contractors must agree to work with OSD and the PMT to examine the feasibility of implementing an environmental plan. Such a plan may include but not be limited to, the following:

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Periodically review and upon mutual agreement, determine where additional recycled, and/or other environmentally preferable products may be added to the contract.

Consider the introduction of recycled and/or environmentally preferable products into other operational areas such as using recycled paper that meets that federal standard for all printing/publishing and/or advertising needs (brochures, catalogs, etc.) vehicles maintenance re-refined oil and antifreeze retread tires).

Examine the feasibility of source reduction efforts to reduce or eliminate the use of primary packaging (e.g. cardboard, cartons) and secondary packaging (e.g. polystyrene, shrink-wrap).

Develop a plan to implement collection and recycling of additional materials at the manufacturer’s distributor’s facility (ies).

Encourage environmental initiatives at a corporate/manufacturing level, such as clearly identifying recycled content of packaging on the packaging, product life cycle assessments, the elimination of ozone depleting chemical usage in the manufacturing process and internal environmental auditing related to pollution control, for the purpose of identifying ways to reduce the impact of manufacturing on the environment.

Work with the PMT to develop and distribute information and/or materials to Commonwealth customers on the Contractors environmental practices and initiatives throughout the term of the contract.

Implementation of green design initiatives in building renovation or construction projects. Utilize alternative fuel vehicles for delivery and/or vehicles equipped with diesel emission control

devices. Marcia Deegler Director of Environmental Purchasing Operational Services Division One Ashburton Place, Room 1017 Boston, MA 02108-1552 617-720-3356, 617-727-4527 fax [email protected] Visit the EPP Website at www.mass.gov/epp

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Question about Prizes, February 2008 6 Posts Original Post: Hi: I'm helping my son's elementary school initiate a recycling program and they want to run a contest. Does anyone have a suggestion for prizes that could be awarded for K-6th grade? Thanks Fran McPoland Responses: 1. -How about a Kleen Kanteen water bottle? It is made from stainless steel and is reusable and does not leach like plastic: www.kleenkanteen.com (Maybe the grand prize) -Canvas tote bags -Check out Signature Marketing; they make items out of 100% recycled plastic. The drawback is you may have to buy a large quantity. This page in particular: http://www.signaturemarketing.com/page/31 -another company like the one above (bigger selection): http://www.amerimarkdirect.com/ProductHome.aspx?Catalog=Recycling -A tree to plant -Wooden pencil or one made from recycled materials -A trophy made of reused materials Good luck! Amy Donovan Program Director Franklin County Solid Waste Management District 50 Miles Street Greenfield, MA 01301 Tel: (413) 772-2438 Fax: (413) 772-3786 Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.franklincountywastedistrict.org/ 2. Fran, How about: Solar powered backpack (maybe expensive) Wind up radio Wind up torch/phone charger Otherwise we have a comprehensive list of green products at our database ECO-Find at www.ecobuy.org.au This may give you some other ideas. Regards Hugh Hugh Wareham Email [email protected] Phone (03) 9349 0401

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3. What about a dynamo/battery-less flashlight? Charen Fegard Environmental Health Programs Manager Association of Vermont Recyclers 43 State Street; Suite 8 Montpelier, VT 05601 802.224.1000 [email protected] www.vtrecyclers.org 4. T- Shirts are also popular with most kids K-6. Here are a few T-Shirt sites, if you don't have something available locally. http://www.cafepress.com/buy/environmental http://www.printfection.com/earth/Recycle-Every-Day/_s_44309 http://www.defdesigns.com/environmenttshirts.htm Good luck! A. Georgiana Ball Recycling Coordinator Virginia Department of General Services [email protected] 5. Bicycles are always good - every age one for a girl and one for a boy and they're not too expensive. You may even get a local vendor to donate!

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RFP questions to differentiate fuel efficiency, etc. for deliveries, February 2008 2 Posts Original Post: Has anyone required anything of suppliers/distributors related to fuel efficiency and other environmental impacts of deliveries? I'm particularly interested in a way to accurately compare different bidders to each other. I've thought of a lot of questions, but all of them seem to have biases: * Average Gallons of petroleum fuel used per delivery (this would favor those who have more warehouses, because they will travel less miles from warehouse to delivery location, but it doesn't take into account the additional fuel they use to stock those warehouses) * Average gallons of petroleum fuel used per miles traveled from warehouse to delivery (same problem as above) * Average number of miles traveled by empty trucks per delivery (although this encourages distributors to schedule pickups to coincide with deliveries, this could also favor those with more warehouses, etc.) * Fuel efficiency per delivery improvement over last 5 years (favors those who had a lot of improvement to do) * Requiring participation in EPA's SmartWay transport program (because SmartWay allows participants to set their own goals, this would not differentiate those with more ambitious goals or achievements). Lara Lara Sutherland Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Health Care Without Harm ph: 303-377-7048 [email protected] Response: What about simply fuel efficiency per delivery (leave off the improvement part)? Also, requiring SmartWay at least identifies companies that are setting goals (are conscientious) and could be a screening criterion. Just a few thoughts off the top of my head. Beth Beth Martin 410-436-5202 Chief, Compliance and Pollution Prevention Ground Water and Solid Waste Program

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States' mercury-free purchasing guidance, February 2008 2 Posts Original post: Our DMB is in the process of updating their contractual boilerplate language for solicitations, included in a section on Environmental Provisions (see attached) It includes a small paragraph on mercury. It has been almost 4 years since we last commented on the section and I wondered what other states in the NEWMOA's jurisdiction were doing. Do you have any recommended language that other states are using effectively to guide state purchasing decisions? Suggestions? Recommendations?? Referrals?? Thanks in advance !! Steve Steven J. Kratzer Mercury P2 and Policy Specialist Environmental Science and Services Division Michigan Dept. of Environmental Quality P.O. Box 30457 Lansing, MI 48909 517/373-0939 tx 517-241-0858 fax e-mail: [email protected] Response: Purchasers can buy EPEAT registered computer desktops, laptops, and monitors to get products that meet the RoHS Guidelines which cover mercury. The list of EPEAT registered products is at www.epeat.net. Holly Elwood USEPA The Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program USEPA Headquarters, MC 7409-M EPA East Building 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20460 Email: [email protected] Ph: 202-564-8854 Fx: 202-564-8901 www.epa.gov/oppt/epp

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Carbon footprint of a water bottle, February 2008 4 Posts Original post: Are there any life cycle studies on PETE water bottles? Virginia Walton Recycling Coordinator Town of Mansfield 4 South Eagleville Rd Storrs, CT 06268 860-429-3333 Responses: 1. The US Conference of Mayors has put together a report BOTTLED WATER: THE IMPACT ON MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAMS which is on the web at http://www.usmayors.org/uscm/mwma/bottledwaterfactsheet08.pdf Also the Container Recycling institute has a report on bottled water's impact entitled: Water, Water Everywhere: The growth of non-carbonated beverages in the United States which is on their web site at: http://www.container-recycling.org/assets/pdfs/reports/2007-waterwater.pdf Mike Giuranna, Solid Waste Specialist EPA, Region III 1650 Arch Street (3WC21) Phila, PA 19103-2029 ph: 215-814-3298 fax:215-814-3163 [email protected] 2. Also see the Responsible Purchasing Guide on Bottle Water, with discussions of social & environmental issues, best practices, cost and supply considerations, and more. Available for viewing and download at http://www.responsiblepurchasing.org/purchasing_guides/bottled_water/ Matt Kittell Program Manager Responsible Purchasing Network Center for a New American Dream 6930 Carroll Ave., Suite 900 Takoma Park, MD 20912 301.891.1004 301.891.3684 (fax) www.ResponsiblePurchasing.org 3. I need to comment on this. Maybe I'm a rarity in this whole issue, but I don't think so. I drink bottled water when I'm away from home and I recycle my bottles. I don't drink any other bottled beverages, whether they are alcoholic, carbonated, or sports drinks. Occasionally I drink fruit drinks. I filter my water at home because it tastes better than what comes out of my faucet in my 50 year old

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house - and see lots of evidence of particulates in the filter that are probably lead. That has nothing to do with the quality of our municipal water but I am not going to replace all the plumbing coming into my house. And I know that the municipal water tastes different even coming out of different drinking fountains in our state building. Who knows what those devices are adding to the water (does anyone on the list serve know?) besides bad tastes. When are the same arguments going to be raised against people who drink all the more expensive, calorie high sugary drinks full of chemicals that are manufactured in factories that have larger carbon footprints than the bottled water I prefer? They are also a much larger percentage of what is being consumed than bottled water. According to the second attachment, bottled water in 2005 was 14% of the market share compared to soda (42%), beer (29%), wine and liquor (2%) and flavored non-carbs (13%). I'd rather see people drinking bottled water than any of the other choices. Thanks, I try not to rant too often. Laurie Laurie J. Tenace Environmental Specialist Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS 4555 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400 PH: (850) 245-8759 FAX: (850) 245-8811 [email protected]

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Paper & office supply policies, specs & RFP language, February 2008 2 Posts Original post: Greetings, all. The City of Palo Alto is revising its specifications for copy paper and its contract for office supplies. If you have any of the following that you could forward, I would be much obliged. -Specs for 100% recycled content PCF paper (or similar) and vendor you purchase from -Specs/RFP language for office supplies and vendor you contract with -Specs for copier contracts and vendor Many thanks!!! Julie Weiss City of Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant 2501 Embarcadero Way Palo Alto, CA 94303 650.329.2117 fx: 650.494.3531 Response: Julie, Just one advice that I can pass along from experience is to check with your copier vendor to ensure they have a recycle program (or a program is available through a vendor) for used toner cartridges. A change in vendors was made and the new equipment does not have a recyclable toner cartridge. We are actively seeking an option for the spent equipment. Hope this helps. Regards, David John Flammio Environmental, Health and Safety Manager Pall Life Sciences - Long Island Operations 2200 Northern Boulevard East Hills, New York 11548 Phone: 516.801.9009 Cell: 516.369.0683 Fax: 516.484.3818

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Restroom stall advertising, March 2008 2 Posts Original post: Hello, Has anyone out there done a restroom stall advertising campaign? If so, did you buy a plastic case to hold the signage up on the door or wall of the stall? Where did you buy them? How much did they cost? Is it necessary to buy and install a plastic holder/cover for the signage? Any suggestions and feedback are appreciated. Thanks! Amber Wells Education and Outreach Specialist II Thurston County Solid Waste 929 Lakeridge Drive SW Bldg. 4, Room 100 Olympia, WA 98502 Phone: (360) 754-3355 ext. 7669 Fax: (360) 754-4682 Response: Hi, As Sandia National Laboratories, we use a venue called the Porcelain Press. It’s a monthly newsletter that addresses safety and environmental topics; 3-4 topics per issue. We use a simple plastic file cover taped on the door. The old issue is recycled and the new issue slipped inside the cover monthly. I think the issues would get too dog-eared without the cover. Kristin Kristin Klossner Sandia National Laboratories Division 2000 Environmental Management System Coordinator Org 4131/MS 0958 Bldg. 878 Room A203 Albuquerque, NM 87185 (505) 844-9204 Fax (505) 844-2894 [email protected]

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EPP professional job description, March 2008 2 Postings Original post: Hello- I am working with a municipality that is interested in filling a position for an EPP professional. Does anyone have access to a job description- or thoughts on what should be included in such a job description- for an entry or mid-level employee that will be responsible for researching and specifying greener products- particularly for public office facilities. Thanks! Abigail Corso, PE Delta Institute 53 West Jackson, Suite 230 Chicago, Illinois 60604 312-554-0900 ext. 25 www.delta-institute.org www.deltacarbon.org Response: See next page.

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STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES DUTY STATEMENT GS 907T (REV. 03/05) SHADED AREA TO REFLECT RECLASS POSITION NUMBER ONLY INSTRUCTIONS: Refer to the Essential Functions Duty Statement Manual for instructions on how to complete the Duty Statement.

RPA- -PROC

EFFECTIVE DATE:

DGS OFFICE OR CLIENT AGENCY Procurement Division

POSITION NUMBER (Agency - Unit - Class - Serial) - - -

UNIT NAME AND CITY LOCATED Engineering Unit – West Sacramento

CLASS TITLE Associate Procurement Engineer (EPP)

WORKING DAYS AND WORKING HOURS Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

SPECIFIC LOCATION ASSIGNED TO West Sacramento

PROPOSED INCUMBENT (If known)

CURRENT POSITION NUMBER (Agency - Unit - Class - Serial) - - -

YOU ARE A VALUED MEMBER OF THE DEPARTMENT’S TEAM. YOU ARE EXPECTED TO WORK COOPERATIVELY WITH TEAM MEMBERS AND OTHERS TO ENABLE THE DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF SERVICE POSSIBLE. YOUR CREATIVITY AND PRODUCTIVITY ARE ENCOURAGED. YOUR EFFORTS TO TREAT OTHERS FAIRLY, HONESTLY AND WITH RESPECT ARE IMPORTANT TO EVERYONE WHO WORKS WITH YOU. BRIEFLY (1 or 2 sentences) DESCRIBE THE POSITION’S ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING AND MAJOR FUNCTIONS Under the direction of the supervising engineer you are responsible for statewide Environmental Preferable Purchasing (EPP) Program. Your duties include integration of environmental friendly products into State purchasing operations, maintaining a web based best practices manual, training state employees on EPP awareness, and working with others to accomplish the business goals of the Procurement Division.

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% of time performing duties

Indicate the duties and responsibilities assigned to the position and the percentage of time spent on each. Group related tasks under the same percentage with the highest percentage first. (Use additional sheet if necessary)

35%

30%

25%

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS In order to integrate environmental friendly products into State purchasing operations you are responsible for identifying commodities or groups of commodities for Product Life Cycle Assessment, Benefits to Human Health, the Environment, conservation of natural resources, and Economy that have a reduced effect on human health and the environment as compared to competing goods serving the same purpose by conducting research, working with environmental agencies, manufacturers, reviewing state procurements, and prioritizing products in terms of their potential environmental benefits and expenditures. In order to promote EPP, work in cooperation with other agencies and organizations as appropriate, support progress toward the goals of the Governor’s Green Action Team, recommend additional actions, mandates or legislation that may be warranted to ensure progress is consistent with Assembly Bill 498 by using technical research, technical expertise, and networking. In order to ensure State Purchasing Operations are in compliance be cognizant of existing and new Laws, Mandates, and Guidelines relating to Environmentally Preferable Purchasing by using technical research, expertise, and networking with others and organizations. In order to promote EPP, work in cooperation with other agencies and organizations as appropriate, support progress toward the goals of the Governor’s Green Action Team, recommend additional actions, mandates or legislation that may be warranted to ensure progress is consistent with Assembly Bill 498 by using technical research, technical expertise, and networking.

SUPERVISOR’S STATEMENT: I HAVE DISCUSSED THE DUTIES OF THE POSITION WITH THE EMPLOYEE SUPERVISOR’S NAME (Print)

SUPERVISOR’S SIGNATURE

DATE

EMPLOYEE’S STATEMENT: I HAVE DISCUSSED WITH MY SUPERVISOR THE DUTIES OF THE POSITION AND HAVE RECEIVED A COPY OF THE DUTY STATEMENT The statements contained in this duty statement reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absence of relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload. EMPLOYEE’S NAME (Print)

EMPLOYEE’S SIGNATURE

DATE

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STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES DUTY STATEMENT GS 907T (REV. 03/05) RPA- 6900-PROC % of time performing duties

Indicate the duties and responsibilities assigned to the position and the percentage of time spent on each. Group related tasks under the same percentage with the highest percentage first. (Use additional sheet if necessary)

10%

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS In order for successful procurement of goods, increased EPP awareness, and to keep current in the field and emerging technologies coordinates and participates in meetings, workshops, and conferences with customers, suppliers, and colleagues by using technical expertise, oral and written communication, visual aids, handout literature, etc. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES Knowledge of: Engineering mathematics, engineering fundamentals, dimensional tolerance, testing methods and limitations as to repeatability, accuracy and reliability; purchasing standard and specification development, and aspects of rejecting nonconforming purchases. Ability to: Make engineering computations; analyze design capabilities of equipment, determine compliance with written specifications and determine relevance of deviation from specifications; prepare accurate and concise reports; speak and write effectively; and develop accurate and concise standards of specifications reflecting product suitability, adaptability and utility of items in relation to their use. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS Intermediate computer skills including electronic mail, routine database activity, word

processing, spreadsheet, graphics, flow charts, internet, etc. Ability to write comprehensively, communicate with all levels of management, including

executive and peers, attorneys, and external customers.

SPECIAL PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS Dependable; responsible; positive attitude Ability to lead and participate in teams Ability to provide objective overview of situations Willingness to accept challenges and handle multiple projects simultaneously Ability to effectively handle stress and deadlines WORK ENVIRONMENT, PHYSICAL OR MENTAL ABILITIES Professional office environment, appropriate business attire required Daily use of phone, fax, copiers and general office and communication equipment Occasional use of cell phone, pagers, and laptop computer. Frequent use of a computer and related software applications and the Internet at a

workstation Sitting in a seated position for extended periods of time Travel throughout the State to survey State agencies and suppliers Occasional off-site meetings within Sacramento and occasional out-of-town meetings within

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STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES DUTY STATEMENT GS 907T (REV. 03/05) RPA- 6900-PROC % of time performing duties

Indicate the duties and responsibilities assigned to the position and the percentage of time spent on each. Group related tasks under the same percentage with the highest percentage first. (Use additional sheet if necessary)

California that may require the use of various transportation modes, i.e. airplane, taxi, car, etc.

Use of a hand cart to transport documents and/or equipment up to 15-20 lbs., i.e. laptop computer, files, reference manuals, solicitation documents, etc.

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Bamboo flooring, March 2008 2 Posts Original post: Does anyone know whether there is a way to ensure/certify that bamboo flooring is safe from toxic glues and other toxic materials? Most bamboo comes from China. Anyone hear of Teragren Signature Bamboo? Any type that you can recommend? Scott Cassel, Executive Director/Founder Product Stewardship Institute, Inc. 137 Newbury Street, 7th Floor Boston, MA 02116 617-236-4822 (ph) 617-859-9889 (fax) [email protected] www.productstewardship.us Response: I do know that there is a lot of poor quality bamboo that will not last. Bamboo should be 3 or 4 years old before it is harvested, that is when it gets a much denser hard composition. Some bamboo is harvested way to young and the bamboo is softer and so will not last or be as strong.

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LEDs vs. CFLs, March 2008 2 Posts Original post: I'm writing to inquire if any of you have done, seen, or have data, case studies, or links to life cycle analysis done on LED lighting vs. CFL lighting? Cost benefit/utility, etc.? We're looking into how to plan current and future buildings and their replacement. Recognizing T-8 fluorescent are specified for most current projects. Thanks, Frank Kinder Sustainability Project Coordinator 1638 Elwell Street, Bld. 6236 Fort Carson, CO 80913-4000 Office: 719-526-4682 Cell: 719-337-5522 Website: http://sems.carson.army.mil Response: Frank , The U.S. Department of Energy is developing the ENERGY STAR standard for white LEDs. Manufacturers are presently having their white LEDs tested against the standard. ENERGY STAR criteria are based on luminaire efficacy (not the device/chip) so the entire luminaire needs to be tested. I'd encourage you to read the criteria (http://www.netl.doe.gov/ssl/). Some LEDs being tested are only marginally more efficacious than incandescent. Some outperform CFL luminaires. Your best assurance is to make sure the LEDs you consider have the ENERGY STAR label. We should see the first products available after Sep. 30, 2008----Sandra Sandra Cannon, Technical Support U.S. Department of Energy Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program Tel. 509-529-1535

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Aluminum Wheel Cleaner, March 2008 3 Posts Original post: Does anyone have any experience with environmentally preferable aluminum wheel cleaners? Maybe the soy based ones? Thanks. Karen Hamilton Environmental Purchasing Program King County Procurement and Contract Services Seattle, Washington Responses: 1. Hi, Karen, I don't personally, but one of my favorite resources, California's Institute for Research and Technical Assistance (IRTA) has done studies on various solvents for automotive applications. From this page: http://www.irta.us/reports.htm. Comes this report: Automotive Aerosol Cleaning Products; Low-VOC, Low Toxicity Alternatives - 2006 (No Appendices). This project was sponsored by Cal/EPA's Department of Toxic Substances Control. The project involved working with 10 auto repair facilities in the southern California area to assist them in converting away from toxic and high VOC aerosol cleaners for at least a three month period. Facilities decided to convert to various alternatives including spray bottles using water-based cleaners instead of aerosols, water-based brake cleaning systems in place of aerosols and alternative water-based, vegetable based and acetone low-VOC aerosols developed by IRTA. The results demonstrated that auto repair shops can convert to low-VOC, low toxicity alternatives. And, Safer Alternatives to Solvent Aerosol Automotive Cleaning Products - 2004 (No Appendices) The Hazard Evaluation System and Information Services (HESIS) contracted with IRTA to identify and test alternative safer water-based aerosol cleaning products. The focus was on developing and testing alternative aerosol cleaners for four categories of automotive cleaning including engine degreasing, carburetor and fuel injection system cleaning, brake cleaning and general purpose degreasing. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) also contracted with IRTA to conduct a related project that involved investigating low-VOC, low toxicity alternatives and the research and testing for the HESIS project were expanded and enhanced. The reports prepared for CARB can be accessed on their website at http://www.arb.ca.gov/homepage.htm I hope it helps. Diana Ruth Olegre Washington State Department of Ecology Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program Community Outreach and Environmental Education Specialist [email protected] 360-407-6609

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2. Karen, In 2005, the Idaho National Laboratory tested soy based “SAFE CARE Aircraft and Metal Cleaner” (From Gemtek www.gemtek.com) in different applications and found most to work well: rubber surfaces, fender flares, aluminum wheels. INL found it to be a good cleaner and polish but not abrasive enough to take off initial road grit: “We found that the biobased metal cleaner keeps the wheels sparkling and it reduces significantly the amount of the harsher abrasive used to remove corrosion.” If you think your fleet folks are interested, I could put them in contact with the person in charge of the testing at Idaho----Sandra Sandra Cannon, Technical Support U.S. Department of Energy Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program Tel. 509-529-1535

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Promotional items - seeking green specs & contract language, April 2008 2 Posts Original post: Does anyone have any experience with environmentally preferable aluminum wheel cleaners? Maybe the As MA prepares to go out to bid for a state contract for promotional items, I am looking for current specifications and contract language to strengthen the selection of environmentally preferable products on contract and address a broader range of environmental impacts. For example, any language, specs or suggestions you may have to eliminate the use of mercury, lead, and other toxics in promo items, preference (or requirements where appropriate) for use of recycled materials, specifications directed at social responsibility issues, metrics to measure any specifications or criteria referenced, evaluation tools or strategies to provide preference to vendors offering sustainable solutions, etc. Your comments and sample language along these lines is welcome. Thank you. Marcia Deegler Director of Environmental Purchasing Operational Services Division One Ashburton Place, Room 1017 Boston, MA 02108-1552 617-720-3356, 617-727-4527 fax [email protected] Response: Ms. Deegler, You might check King County, WA's site: http://www.metrokc.gov/procure/green/index.htm Theirs seems to be one of the most comprehensive EPP programs around. Also, Eric Nelson of King County is a phenomenal resource, you might try contacting him. Eric Nelson, Environmental Purchasing Manager [email protected] (206)263-9300 Regards, Ashley Ashley Wilson NYSDEC - Pollution Prevention 625 Broadway, 4th Floor Albany, NY 12233-1750 E-mail: [email protected] P: 518.402.9175 F: 518.402.9168

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Reuse/Recycle of 3-gallon toilets, April 2008 3 Posts Original post: We are working with the construction community in Walla Walla to cross share information on more environmental construction methods and materials. One of the items we are struggling to handle as a result is the 3-gallon toilets. As folks install the dual flush (0.8 – 1.6 liters), we have an excess of toilets that we do not want reused as toilets nor do we want them going to the landfill. We have checked with our local supplies of stone and fill and they do not take porcelain. How are your communities recycling toilets? Appreciate your help---Sandra Sandra Cannon, Chair Walla Walla Area Resource Conservation Committee Tel. 509-525-8849 Responses: 1. San Antonio used their glass crusher on the toilets and made a walking path with the product... 2. Sandra, Here's a story from Waste News a few years back: WMI converts old toilets into new homes for oysters, By: Susanna Duff October 29, 2001 Howard Burns wants your toilet. He'll take worn tubs, old sinks and chipped china, too. The regional manager for Waste Management Inc.'s landfill in Hampton, Va., is collecting porcelain to help save oysters in the Chesapeake Bay. ``The only unknown is if we'll get enough,'' Burns said. The Chesapeake Bay's oyster population has dropped by more than 98 percent in the past century. An effort to increase it tenfold by 2010 has been hampered by the oysters' self-sufficiency. They live in reefs made from their own shells. Fewer oysters mean fewer reefs, which leads back to fewer oysters. Toilets and other appliances are a logical substitute, said Cheryl Copper, environmental manager for the city of Hampton. ``Porcelain appliances are smooth on one side and rough on the inside, just like an oyster shell,'' she said. Following a successful pilot that added porcelain to an existing reef, Copper and Burns launched the porcelain project in June. Local plumbers and construction and demolition haulers have brought old appliances, typically with the plumbing removed, to the landfill. Volunteers arrive throughout the day to smash the porcelain into small pieces. Sometimes Waste Management employees help with the smashing. WMI stores the crushed porcelain on-site. Since June, it has collected 100 cubic yards from local markets, including plumbers and construction and demolition companies. ``We're uncovering sources,'' Burns said. ``We've had calls from as far away as Rhode Island. But it's not enough.'' Copper estimates the project will need a total of 1,000 cubic yards. If it relied only on the local market, collection could take 30 months. ``The real coup is tapping into manufacturers,'' Burns said. The two are working out a deal with a porcelain manufacturer who would transport damaged porcelain to the landfill. The quantity could speed the collection to possibly three months, Burns said.

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While he is offering storage space, Burns has a personal interest in the oyster bed. The plan was hatched when Burns became one of 50 waterfront homeowners raising oysters for the project. ``Most people get into this industry because of their interest in the environment,'' he said. ``The porcelain project is just an example of Waste Management's environmental stewardship.'' Contact Waste News reporter Susanna Duff at (202) 662-7210 or [email protected] Mike Giuranna, Solid Waste Specialist EPA, Region III 1650 Arch Street (3WC21) Phila, PA 19103-2029 ph: 215-814-3298 fax:215-814-3163 [email protected]

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Compressed air for cleaning of computers, April 2008 3 Posts Original post: Hi, Does anyone have any information regarding the global warming potential of compressed air used to clean computers? I have read that using HFC152a instead of HFC134a is "better" for the environment, but you have any suggestions for other alternative products that perform similarly? Or know of any alternative cleaning methods? Thanks for your help, Johanna Johanna Kertesz Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Specialist Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (651) 297-5518 [email protected] Responses: 1. Johanna, The Port of Seattle has eliminated the use of compressed "air" for cleaning keyboards, computers, etc. We stopped using it for two reasons; ozone damage and possibility of exacerbating conditions like asthma. We use battery powered or plug in mini-vacs for those basic cleaning jobs now. Some folks still use the compressed air in a limited capacity, like for blowing out the filters in fire detectors and cleaning some internal components for computers where a vac or blower is simply not powerful enough. Here is a copy of a statement that our Health and Safety Team put out a few months ago. Product Alert FROM: Health and Safety Team RE: Product Alert: Compressed Air Keyboard Cleaners products May Be Harmful Compressed air keyboard cleaner products can be harmful to your health and the environment. Health and Safety is in the process of reviewing the Port's chemical inventory. As part of this review, it was noted several organizations list compressed air products for cleaning of computer keyboard trays. These products include Dust Off, Office Duster, Dust Free, Air Duster, and other products available from Keeney's Office Supply. Many of these products are labeled "nonflammable" and "ozone safe". However, a review of the material safety data sheet (MSDS) for these products indicate that these products are comprised of chemicals that can exacerbate pre-existing health conditions for certain people and are a hazard to the ozone layer. The Port is committed to environmental stewardship and providing a healthy and safe workplace. Therefore, Health & Safety and Seaport Environmental are requesting your support in discontinuing use of compressed air products for computer keyboard cleaning. As an alternative, an environmentally friendly and self-regenerating product can be purchased for keyboard cleaning, such as the Battery Operated Dust Blower listed on page 501-F of the 2007 Keeney's catalog. Hope this helps Rob Lane Port of Seattle, Marine Maintenance

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2. The best way to clean PC/MACs and components is compressed air from an AIR COMPRESSOR. There is not enough air pressure (or volume of air) in any can to actually clean anything, plus as this message points, out there are chemicals in cans that could pose a health risk. I have been cleaning computers for over 15 years, and at 60 - 80 PSI with a suitable air nozzle, using compressed air from a small portable compressor. This cleans hidden dust from the power supplies and all nooks and crannies. BTW, I do not recommend using a vacuum cleaner on any laptop keyboards or delicate internal circuitry as damage may result from static or physical contact. -Daniel Hoviss Dosolutions Inc.

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Reusable shopping bags for City distribution, April 2008 3 Posts Original post: Is anyone aware of a Reusable Shopping Bag that fits this specification? Objectives: Bag price to be less than $1 each Supplier to have capability for large quantities – up to 500,000 in three months Bags to be made in USA or, if overseas, in a factory meeting Fair Trade standards or conforming the to

the Workers’ Rights Coalition Code of Conduct (used by U.S. colleges and universities) Delivery of 10% of order by July 1, 2008 Balance of order delivered by Sept. 1, 2008 Bags will last through regular shopping trips for 3—5 years Type of product: Reusable shopping bag Product specifications: Made 100 % from recycled material Fully recyclable in Seattle curbside collection program at end of life Sewn or otherwise constructed so there is flat bottom equal to the flat bottom of a standard

disposable paper shopping bag typically used at grocery stores. Dimensions of rectangular bottom: to come at least XX inches deep Depth of standard paper grocery bag, dimension come

A handle on each of the long sides Available in various colors Logos printed on both long sides Text/graphics to come Printing to be done with soy-based inks

Thank you in advance, Jason L. Edens Purchasing and Contracting Services Dept. of Executive Administration City of Seattle 206-684-0445 Office 206-233-5155 Fax [email protected]

Responses: 1. Hi Jason, Green Seal is working on a standard for reusable shopping bags, I'd love to touch base with you about your specifications. As far as recycled materials, I think your best bets will be recycled PET (plastic soda bottles) and recycled cotton, although I am not sure if they are being offered at 100%. Your typical recyclable material is non-woven polypropylene (PP). It's equivalent to a plastic #5, so it may/may not be able to be handled by curbside recycling. As far as the PP, I know of several companies that can be made in bulk, can be many different colors and logos and some of them say that they meet Fair Trade standards. For the most part,

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those are your typical bags that you see in the grocery stores. Not sure about the soy-based inks. For more specific information, I'd recommend getting in touch with Vincent Cobb at www.reusablebags.com. He may know more about what products are available. Hope that helps! Christine Chase [email protected] 202-872-6400 2. The city of Austin just paid $4/bag for a USA-made, fair-wage bag, but we bought in small quantity. If you'd like to contact the lady that purchased these and find out who the vendor is, call Rebecca Hays, 512-974-1986. You can also look into a US woman-owned company to see if they fit your specs: http://www.enviro-tote.com/ Katherine

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Green furniture purchasing, April 2008 3 Postings Original post: I am looking for EPP standards for the purchase of office furniture, ideally something similar to the EPEAT criteria for electronics. Can anyone help? Thanks! Christina Christina Reeves Conservation Resource Analyst Whatcom County, WA (360)676-6700 ext. 50121 Response: 1. Christina, Try our EPP web page for office furniture at http://yosemite1.epa.gov/oppt/eppstand2.nsf/Pages/DisplayAisle.html?Open&Office%20Store&Furnishing&Type=2 or http://yosemite1.epa.gov/oppt/eppstand2.nsf/Pages/ListTables.html?Open&Office%20Store&Furnishing&Type=A homepage is at http://yosemite1.epa.gov/oppt/eppstand2.nsf Mike Giuranna, Solid Waste Specialist EPA, Region III 1650 Arch Street (3WC21) Phila, PA 19103-2029 ph: 215-814-3298 fax:215-814-3163 [email protected] 2. Christina, There are several EPP standards that may apply to office furniture: The Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer's Association (BIFMA, www.bifma.org) has released a draft Sustainability Assessment Standard (SAS) for office furniture. This is cutting-edge and can be found at http://bifma.org/public/SusFurnStd.html. Unfortunately, this is not final so no product is certified as meeting it. BIFMA also has a standard for Formaldehyde and TVOC (toluene) Emissions of Low-emitting Office furniture and seating which can be found at www.bifma.org/standards. Scientific Certification Systems certifies office furniture meeting SCS's Indoor Air Advantage and California's Section 01350 for indoor air quality. You can find certified products at www.scscertified.org/iag. Greenguard is another that certifies to indoor air quality, www.greenguard.org. The State of CA has released an office furniture bid for modular office furniture that has stringent environmental requirements, http://www.cscr.dgs.ca.gov/ads/contract_ad_detail.asp?AdNbr=A55017. This will not be awarded until later this year. In the SF Bay Area, local vendors can be found at www.builditgreen.org/guide and check under "furnishings."

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Construction Contract Question, May 2008 2 Posts Original post: Greetings – A recent participant in one of NIGP’s green purchasing webinars sent me a question and I’m hoping someone on this list can help: [We are] trying to develop a worksheet for our [construction] contract specifications which will request that contractors include a breakdown of costs for recycling, etc. in their contract bids. Are there any templates or examples you can recommend that will aid us in developing this worksheet? Can anyone help? - Scot Scot Case TerraChoice Environmental Marketing Inc. 29 North Carolina Avenue Reading, PA 19608 (w) 610 779-3770 (c) 610 781-1684 [email protected] Response: Hello Scott, I assume there are lots of versions out there so no need to start from scratch. Our Agency of Natural Resources developed a job-site form and it is available on our website at http://www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/wastediv/recycling/planning.htm#tracking. You can use the Excel form or calculate simpler projects in Word. The University of Vermont also developed a tracking form which I will send in a separate email. Carolyn Carolyn Grodinsky Waste Management Division 103 South Main Street Waterbury, VT 05671 (802) 241-3477 http://www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/wastediv/recycling/CandD.htm

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Rags: wiping & sorbent material, May 2008 3 Posts Original post: Hi, does anyone have any environmental specs for rags? One of our contract specialists is looking into developing a contract for the following: "The rags will be made of both recycled and new materials, 100% cotton. And the sorbent materials will consist of booms, socks, pads, spill kits, etc. that would be used to soak up both oil and other liquids." Thanks in advance for your help, Johanna Johanna Kertesz Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Specialist Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (651) 297-5518 [email protected] Responses: 1. It sounds to me like you're looking for absorbents. Both USDA's Biobased products program and the CPG program cover these items. You can find specs and suppliers by going to www.epa.gov/cpg (Miscellaneous Products) and to http://www.biopreferred.gov.

Judy Usherson Senior Communications Manager Eastern Research Group (ERG) [email protected] 703-841-0503 703-841-1440 (fax) 2. Joanna, You might want to add this company to your bid list:

United Textiles 2225 Grant Avenue San Lorenzo, CA94580 (510) 276-2288 www.unitedtextileinc.com

Their website appears to be down now but this company has been recycling clothing and other materials since 1931 into absorbents, rags, etc. Beth Beth Eckl EPE Consulting 52 Saint Timothy Ct. Danville, CA 94526 (925) 838-2731 [email protected]

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Cleaning Standards: EcoLogo & Green Seal Harmonization, May 2008 4 Posts Original post: Greetings – Some of you have been following the revisions to the Green Seal GS-37 cleaning standard. Part of the revision was to bring the Green Seal (GS-37) and EcoLogo (CCD-146) standards closer together. The EcoLogo standard is about to launch its formal review of the CCD-146 standard and is soliciting public opinion about continuing efforts to harmonize the EcoLogo and Green Seal standards. I strongly encourage folks to let your voices be heard. Please e-mail: Robin Duchesneau, Manager, Environmental Science & Criteria, at [email protected] If you would like more information, I have a document I can e-mail you that outlines the remaining differences between the EcoLogo and Green Seal standards and provides additional information useful comparing the two standards. Thank you. - Scot Scot Case TerraChoice Environmental Marketing Inc. 29 North Carolina Avenue Reading, PA 19608 (w) 610 779-3770 (c) 610 781-1684 [email protected] Responses: 1. Hello Fareed, From the analysis we did comparing the cleaning standards from Green Seal and Environmental Choice we concluded they were comparable. While one might be stronger in one area, the other was stronger in another. And in the end we concluded that they were both excellent programs. But the real reason I am commenting is because we believe there is a very different issue that has to be considered beyond which standard might have some minor advantage over the other. And this issue has to do with what happens when there is only a single approach used in the marketplace? Today we are trying to find solutions for problems that have never really been dealt with before such as asthmagens, persistent and bioaccumulative compounds, and other chronic health problems caused by the additive effective of numerous compounds at low concentrations over extended periods of time. Since there is so much we don’t know, I believe that we would all benefit by pursuing multiple approaches. Furthermore, I think history has proven that competition also leads to other benefits. These include improved products, better customer service and reduced costs. In the end, I think the issue of “harmonization” goes far beyond how similar their standards are and in the specific case of the commercial cleaning industry which has seriously bought into the “green cleaning” concept and where end-user programs such as LEED-EB, Green Guide for Healthcare, Quick & Easy Guide

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to Green Cleaning is Schools from the Healthy Schools Campaign, as well as the new legislation on Green Cleaning in New York and Illinois all use both Green Seal and Environmental Choice (giving preference to neither). I believe this demonstrates that commercial and institutional suppliers and consumers are sophisticated enough to use multiple standards (please know that I am NOT trying to denigrate the average residential consumer, but the fact is that an institutional buyer literally will spend many hours, if not days trying to figure out which glass cleaner to buy, while the average residential consumer might spend a few minutes and be more influenced by which coupons they have…). So my preference would be to see a number of organizations all offering solutions to some of the most challenging health and environmental problems we’ve yet to tackle. Steve Stephen P. Ashkin, President The Ashkin Group, LLC - The Green Cleaning Experts 3644 Tamarron Drive Bloomington, IN 47408 Voice: 812/332-7950 Fax: 812/332-7965 Email: [email protected] Visit us at: www.AshkinGroup.com 2. Dear Scot, I would love to see the document comparing the two standards. I was under the impression that GS and EcoLogo were going to harmonize their standards this time around, but that doesn't seem to have happened. Do you know why? Thanks for the information. Best, Carol Westinghouse INFORM, Inc. Cleaning For Health Program Manager www.informinc.org [email protected] 802-626-8643

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Swimming pools, May 2008 4 Postings Original post: Greetings EPPers, What do folks think is the best technology for alternative ways to treat water at commercial sized swimming pools? YMCA's etc. I've been looking at salt chlorine generators, ozonators, ionizers and ionizer/ oxidizers. All methods to reduce the amount of chlorine needed to sanitize the pool. Any experience with the ins and the outs of these technologies would be appreciated. Peter Cooke , Pollution Prevention Program Manager Maine Department of Environmental Protection 312 Canco Road Portland, ME 04103 (207) 791-8101 (207) 822-6303 fax [email protected] www.state.me.us/dep Responses: 1. Several years ago, recycled glass as filtration media was tested/proven in a King County Aquatic Center pool. I am not sure how much it reduced chlorine usage. If of interest, I can find out from the consultant how this system worked, if still in use, etc. Michelle Gaither, PPRC 2. Several years ago, I learned about the Dolphin WaterCare technology, a non-chemical technology that is being used for boilers and cooling towers. It's been popular with the green building movement (LEED points can be earned). The technology uses a series of electromagnetic pulses to destroy bacteria and eliminate scale. As I remember, an application was being prepared for swimming pools, but I couldn't find any documentation on their web site. www.dolphinwatercare.com/Index.aspx. Anyway, a follow-up call may be worthwhile. Rob 3. Peter, We have all of those technologies on a statewide contract in MA. the ionization was added around 2002 and has had the most experience - mostly very good as far as I know. Several of the application went into college campus pools and a couple in our outdoor park pools. The salt chlorine generation and ozonation were just added last year, so we don't have as much experience. (Contract # FAC46). Our vendor on contract who carries all three technologies is Water Purification Associates (WPA). I think he can provide a good comparison discussion for you as well as info on his MA customers. His contact info is: James Cochin, 617-524-3160, [email protected]. Marcia Deegler, Director of Environmental Purchasing Operational Services Division One Ashburton Place, Room 1017 Boston, MA 02108-1552 617-720-3356, 617-727-4527 fax [email protected] Visit the EPP Website at www.mass.gov/epp

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Hand sanitizers, May 2008 3 Postings Original post: Hi, Does anyone have language or other resources on hand sanitizers? I am working with an agency that is purchasing Purell Hand Sanitizer but wants to specify the greenest product that still prepares for concerns about a flu pandemic. Thanks, Beth Beth Eckl EPE Consulting 52 Saint Timothy Court Danville, CA 94526 Phone/Fax: (925) 838-2731 Responses: 1. We have a new contract for Disinfectants and Odor Counteractants here in NC that includes a few options for green cleaners, and there is some information in there regarding sanitizers. I know our engineers did a lot of research to change our contract language and get some new products on state contract. Check it out at http://www.ncpandc.gov/435a.pdf. Have a great day! Rachel Eckert NC DENR Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance 1639 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1639 919-715-6505 www.p2pays.org 2. I have no info on hand sanitizers but you should note that no hand sanitizer, green or not, will prepare for concerns about a flu virus pandemic. That's because sanitizers don't kill viruses, just bacteria (and even then, less than 100% of bacteria). Regular hand washing with soap and water works to wash off viruses, bacteria, dirt. Hand sanitizers would likely be no more effective against a virus than regular soap and water.

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Electrolyzer, Corp., June 2008 2 Posts Original post: Dear Colleagues, Has anyone conducted any research on the Electrolyzer Corporation's cleaning products? Since the Boston Globe article of 6.3.08 I have received many requests for information. They have not gone through third-party certification to my knowledge. Thanks, Carol Westinghouse INFORM, Inc. Cleaning For Health Program Manager www.informinc.org [email protected] 802-626-8643 Response: Carol, Our facilities purchasing team just met with the vendor today and he advised that they are in the process of obtaining a Green Seal Certification for the cleaning solution. I’m not sure how far along they are in that process. Our building also piloted the technology and was very happy with the cleaning. We are very interested to pilot it in other MA facilities. In the meantime, the contact information we have for the company is Patrick Lucci, [email protected], 781-933-8801.He is probably the best person to provide info on testimonials. I hope that’s helpful. Marcia Deegler Director of Environmental Purchasing Operational Services Division One Ashburton Place, Room 1017 Boston, MA 02108-1552 617-720-3356, 617-727-4527 fax [email protected] Visit the EPP Website at www.mass.gov/epp

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Hand dryers, June 2008 2 Posts Original post: Hello-Recently, when I approached a vendor about using electric hand dryers in restrooms the vendor responded that he had yet to see an electric hand drier that was as sanitary as using paper towels. While I didn't have time to get into the details regarding the reasoning for his statement, I got the impression it had to due mainly with 1) water drippings on floors/walls, etc. and 2) the air blowing spreads more germs. Has anyone any information comparing paper towels vs. electric hand dryers, specifically as it relates to sanitation (both in terms of bathroom cleanliness and the effect on users)? Thank you. -Stacey Stacey Foreman City of Portland, Oregon, Bureau of Purchases Response: I first saw this cutie in Osaka, Japan Airport: http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/gadgets/dyson-airblade-400mph-no-hot-air-204828.php Sherrie Moomey - Global Procurement - 503-671-3889

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Coffee stir sticks, June 2008 2 Postings Original post: Hello-I have received a question and am looking for some input from the experts. Which is more environmentally friendly, wood or recycled plastic stir sticks? Are there readily available alternatives to one of those two items? Your advice is greatly appreciated. Jon Bischetsrieder Purchasing Agent City of Santa Clarita Suite# 245 23920 Valencia Blvd. Santa Clarita, CA 91355 Phone: (661) 286-4184 Fax: (661) 286-4186 Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.santa-clarita.com Response: If you have ability - in your area - to compost yard/green waste, wood coffee sticks can be composted, which would give an advantage to the life cycle comparison of wood vs. plastic.

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New abrasive blasting technique, June 2008 2 Posts Original post: I was informed of a new abrasive blasting technique using dry ice as the abrasive material. Needless to say this eliminates any runoff issues and results in a "dry" cleaning process. The concern has to do with the potential impact of the evaporated dry ice. Has anyone heard of any comparisons of the pros and cons of this process compared to other common abrasive or chemical cleaning processes? Your help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Jon Bischetsrieder Purchasing Agent City of Santa Clarita Suite# 245 23920 Valencia Blvd. Santa Clarita, CA 91355 Phone: (661) 286-4184 Fax: (661) 286-4186 Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.santa-clarita.com Responses: 1. Hi Jon, I ran your question by some colleagues and they referred me to this: http://www.dec.ny.gov/public/22542.html Hope it's helpful! Ashley Wilson NYSDEC - Pollution Prevention 625 Broadway, 4th Floor Albany, NY 12233-1750 E-mail: [email protected] P: 518.402.9175 F: 518.402.9168 2. I do not know anything more about the use of CO2 as a blast media, but several years ago, our office --through the NYS Dept. of Economic Development's Environmental Investment Program-- helped a NY-based company develop an alternative to blast media for coating removal that physically abrades surfaces using a robotic-type device that's hooked directly to a vacuum system that captures the material removed for management. This alleviates the need for blast media, as well as any ancillary devices needed for containing the media or the coating that's been removed. The Climbing Machine also eliminates potential health concerns related to airborne blast media or coating. The device is also useful for providing remote access to hard to reach or dangerous (e.g., nuclear facilities) places. As it is operated using a toggle-type device, operators can work from a distance and avoid possible exposure.

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Check out this other alternative: http://www.icm.cc/ Brenda Grober Environmental Services Unit Empire State Development 30 South Pearl Street Albany, NY 12245 (518) 292-5342 / FAX (518) 292-5886 [email protected]

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Post-consumer paper cost, June 2008 6 Posts Original post: Has anyone recently purchased 30% or higher post-consumer recycled content paper at a price that is competitive with virgin paper? If so, can you provide information about how you did it? We know the word on the street is that p/c recycled content paper costs more than virgin, but we’re hoping that some clever shoppers out there in the institutional purchasing world may have found a way to beat the system. Any examples you can share would be greatly appreciated! Thank you! Mark S. Rentschler, Ph.D. Director of Institutional Greening Programs Green Seal, Inc. 1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 827 Washington, D.C. USA 20036 tel. +1 202 872-6400 fax +1 202 872-4324 [email protected] www.greenseal.org Responses: 1. Dear Mark, Find a retailer that will work with you on the price, this cannot be accomplished with the big retailers. You have to find a company that is owned by an individual who is proactive in helping to drive the demand for environmentally preferable "Green" products. Please give me a call if you would like to know of some vendor’s. Environmental Preservation Solutions is a company that believes in bringing buyers and venders together.

Thank you! Regards, Gilbert L. Bailey Environmental Consultant Environmental Preservation Solutions 303-875-7733 2. Sorry, I don't compare cost carefully, but I do look at recycled content. Staples offers a 100% post-consumer recycled copy paper whitened without chlorine. It works very well for us. Jane, Executive Director 413-442-6815 home/office, 413-230-7321 cell [email protected] BERKSHIRE ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION TEAM (BEAT) 3. In California, our Department of General Services adopted a policy that helps reduce paper use, while at the same time adopting a policy to purchase 100 % post-consumer paper. (It should be noted that not all agencies follow this policy.) To reduce costs, truck load purchases can help, if feasible. www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/green/EPP/AO06-04.pdf.

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Kathy Kathleen Frevert Senior Specialist, Environmentally Preferable Purchasing and Product Stewardship Cal/EPA, Integrated Waste Management Board, Statewide Technical & Analytical Resources Division [email protected] www.ciwmb.ca.gov 4. Minnesota has a program called Office Supply Connection through our Department of Administration that allows bulk purchasing to save costs. See https://www.officesupplyconnection.org/statemn/catalog.srv. It currently advertises 100% PC copier paper for $3.60 per ream while virgin copier paper is $3.66 per ream. 30% PC is $3.73 per ream.

5. Our office, EPA Region III in Philadelphia, buys Harbor 100 ( 100% Post-consumer Waste, 84 Brightness, 20 lb. Grain Long ), made by Grays Harbor Paper, through XpedX, a distributor out of New York, our contact there is Carmel Flanigan, whom our Facilities person says is very nice to work with. Carmel's phone number is 212-863-1673. We buy 2700 cases per year at $30 per case. Contact here is Kelly Conway at 215-814-5713. Mike Giuranna, Solid Waste Specialist EPA, Region III 1650 Arch Street (3WC21) Phila, PA 19103-2029 ph: 215-814-3298 fax:215-814-3163 [email protected]

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Left over paint, June – October 2008 10 Posts Original post: This isn't a green "purchasing" issue, but it is related to a waste stream, so hopefully you all can help out! For agencies who have painters, stripers, etc. When you have paint left over from a job (small amounts like half a quart where it does not make sense to store it) do you have an area where you spray it out, or do you collect all of the colors together and send them off as dangerous waste? What do non-governmental companies do with their leftover paint? It doesn't seem cost effective to create another waste stream, but on the other hand it doesn't seem environmentally friendly to spray out the leftover paint (even if technically paint that is sprayed out is considered "used for its intended purpose" and therefore not dangerous waste). Thanks, Rob Responses: 1. If it is oil based paint, it is hazardous waste and must be managed as such. If it is latex paint, it is not hazardous and may be thrown away. Pouring partially filled cans together will help lower disposal costs for the user and the governmental agency managing the waste. Check with your state's DEP. Amy Donovan Program Director Franklin County Solid Waste Management District 50 Miles Street Greenfield, MA 01301 Tel: (413) 772-2438 Fax: (413) 772-3786 Email: [email protected] Web: www.franklincountywastedistrict.org/ Mass Recycles Paper! Learn more at: www.massrecyclespaper.org/ 2. You can also call your county's Hazo House, and they can tell you if they collect waste for a regional latex paint reprocessing facility. Karin Kraft Sustainability Specialist Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program Washington State Department of Ecology [email protected] 360-407-6693 http://www.ecy.wa.gov/beyondwaste/epp.html 3. It is very much a green purchasing policy issue. Left over liquid paint is seldom, if ever, used. After a certain period of time the paint in the can doesn't match what was put on the wall anyway. Exactly matching colors is difficult enough while the paint is fresh. Don't save it. Purchase only what you need, and if at the end of the job there is some left over ...put on that extra partial coat on the wall now, or

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return it now, or recycle it now, or donate it now. Change your purchasing policy to ‘we don’t store leftover liquid paint’. Don’t consider the paint job done until the liquid paint is "used for its intended purpose".

Cost to properly dispose of liquid paint can reach and exceed the initial purchase price. Paint companies advertise they can produce consistent tinting color formulations. Take them at their word and store the paint tinting formulations; not excess paint. If you need temporary touch ups; how about exercising creativity by using a new complementary color for the affected area?

http://www.paint.org/pubs/index.cfm then The Five-Point Program for Leftover Paint - PDF (850 KB)

Doug Douglas Reed, Purchasing Agent Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Hoover State Office Building, Level A Des Moines, IA 50319-0105 [email protected]

4. Be careful combining paints. Make sure you know what is in each type of paint. The presence of other elements such as Hg, Cd, and/or Pb could change the hazardous waste designation and could change disposal opportunities and costs. Bob Bechtold, Jr., CHMM, REM Environmental Protection Specialist Acadia National Park P.O. Box 177, Rte. 233 McFarland Hill Bar Harbor, ME 04609 207-288-8752 Fax 207-288-8759 [email protected]

5. Thanks for all of your feedback. It does seem to be almost a toss-up. Either you use up the paint (releasing unneeded chemicals into the air) or you handle it as waste, which puts another chemical burden on the environment. Based on everyone's answers, I would be inclined to make it policy that we let excess latex air dry and we recycle or dispose of oils. Thanks again, Rob Lane Port of Seattle Marine Maintenance

6. A national consensus has emerged among stakeholders that we should attempt to derive value from leftover latex and oil-based paint. The paint industry has agreed to assume responsibility for setting up a collection, reuse, and recycling system for all leftover paint in the United States. There are about a dozen paint recyclers in North America that manufacture recycled paint, for sale in the U.S. and abroad. A demonstration project for the collection, reuse, and recycling of leftover latex and oil-based paint is planned for implementation in Minnesota, followed by a roll-out to other states, then nationally.

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7. The CT DEP website has a factsheet on disposal options for paint in CT that might be helpful- see: http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?A=2718&Q=325496#Paint Judy Belaval CT DEP Office of Source Reduction and Recycling (860) 424-3237

8. When I first started at the Lab (9 years ago) they had over 500 gallons of surplus paint that was never going to be used. It included latex, oil-based, road paint, pastels, etc....). To waste it through Waste management was going to cost in excess of $60,000. I was able to get it donated to the Town, who subsequently donated it the Boy Scouts, Habitat for Humanity and a local museum - So it all got used. Fast forward to today, the paint shop keeps an inventory of about 20 gallons and schedules larger jobs to get the paint in on time. Unless you are the Lab Director, you get one of the following 3 choices of paint color: white, off-white and off-off-white. This significantly cuts down on left over paint. Hopefully this helped. Peter D. Pohlot BNL P2 Coordinator Building 120 (631) 344-5660 [email protected] 9. I think the general recommendation is to look for places that recycle used paint. See the Responsible Purchasing Guide for Paint http://www.responsiblepurchasing.org/purchasing_guides/paint/index.php for details. If you can't find a local recycler, you can leave the containers open in a ventilated place. Let the paint dry out, throw away the dried paint, recycle the steel or plastic containers. Mary Jo Snavely, Program Coordinator The Center for a New American Dream Responsible Purchasing Network 301.891.3683 x.110 w [email protected] 6930 Carroll Avenue, Suite 900 Takoma Park, MD 20912 http://consciousconsumer.org www.ResponsiblePurchasing.org

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EPP in promotional items, July 2008 5 Posts Original post: Hello, Does anyone have example EPP specifications for promotional items? Promotional items in this scenario include: "giveaways" like refillable water bottles, pencils, pens, magnets, reusable bags, etc. While many of our departments are focusing on "useful or practical" promotional items (not just "junk") and trying to selectively reduce the use of such giveaways, they are interested in "greening" remaining items. I have the usual ideas: recycled content, recyclable, no biphenyl-A, lead-free, etc., but would appreciate any examples from actual contract specifications. Thank you! -Stacey Stacey Foreman City of Portland, Oregon, Bureau of Purchases Responses: 1. Hello Stacy, Environmental Preservation Solutions can assist you in finding promotional items that are available in the market place. At the present time we are conducting an Environmentally Preferable Purchasing "Green" Pilot Project that provides this type of assistance to those who participate. If you would like to hear more about our Pilot Project please send me and e-mail or give me a call at 303-875-7733. Thank you! Regards, Gilbert L Bailey Environmental Preservation Solutions Environmental Consultant 303-875-7733 2. Stacy, We use our Restricted Substance List. Actually I think there are three and can be found on our website. Hope this helps. http://www.nikeresponsibility.com/#environment-design/rsl Sherrie Moomey - Global Procurement - 503-671-3889 3. FYI, PromoMart (http://www.promomart.com/) is a “promo products shopping mall”. It would be nice to be able to search for “green” promo items & I think that if they hear this request from enough folks, they’ll add “green” as a search feature. I don’t know the exact right contact, but I’m guessing from their website that it is Melinda Ligos - [email protected]

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4. Stacy, Below is some of the language we recently used in the MA state contract bid for promo items. Please let me know if you have questions, as I removed the section numbers and other formatting. I hope it’s helpful. Environmental Provisions (Will be scored in evaluation) The Environmental Provisions section is limited to one-half (½) of one side of a standard 8½ x 11 page. Ten (10) pt. font is suggested. If the response to this section exceeds this limit, documentation exceeding this limit will not be evaluated. As part of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ program to purchase environmentally preferable products (EPPs) and in the interest of promoting sustainable practices throughout state government, qualified Bidders shall include in their responses details of the environmental products and/or initiatives they can offer under this contract. EPPs are 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. Such products or services may include, but are not limited to, those which contain recycled content, minimize waste, conserve energy or water, eliminate the use of mercury and otherwise reduce the amount of toxics disposed or consumed. State the percentage amount of dollars of business’ total yearly gross for EPP incentives provided to customers in each of the bid categories in calendar years 2005, 2006 and 2007. To be included in the calculation, materials must have been identified in catalog with a symbol to clearly indicate they represent EPPs. State the percentage of recycled and recyclable shipping / packing materials used by the company, and itemize recycled and recyclable shipping /packing materials currently used. As an alternative to printing and mailing, state electronic means of information delivery used in regular business practices: (e.g. websites, email, electronic file transfer protocol (FTP) applications, CD-ROM, etc.). Quantify in one percentage figure the amount of business done electronically. Exclude shipping of incentives when calculating this percentage. Environmental Specifications Contractors must comply with the following environmental specifications wherever the specifications are appropriate to the operations that Bidder is providing under the awarded contract PRF36. Contractors must be able to offer a significant amount of incentives made with post-consumer recycled materials and other types of environmentally preferable materials. Such materials must be identified in their catalog with a symbol to clearly indicate they represent EPPs. Contractors must be able to demonstrate that the promotional incentives offered do not contain toxic or harmful materials, such as but not necessarily limited to lead paint, cadmium, lead, mercury (also see below), and hexavalent chromium. Contractors designing, producing and/or offering printed materials must specify the use of recycled paper with a minimum of 30% post-consumer recycled content for uncoated stocks and a minimum of 10% post-consumer recycled content for coated stocks. All printed materials must bear a standard recycled logo and/or the words “Printed on Recycled Paper.” Any printed materials must be designed in a way that would use paper efficiently and minimize paper waste in the printing and other production operations. Mercury Content and Preference: Contractors must provide mercury-free products wherever available in line with Massachusetts’ Mercury Management legislation enacted in 2006; viewable with this link: http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/seslaw06/sl060190.htm, and the intent of state agencies to avoid purchasing such products. Should mercury-free products not exist, contractors shall provide products with the lowest mercury content available. Awarded Contractors shall disclose products that contain

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added mercury and provide an explanation that includes the amount or concentration of mercury, and justification as to why added mercury is necessary for the function or performance of the product. Awarded Contractors must inform customers when an incentive contains mercury in excess of 250ppm by labeling it “contains mercury,” and attach an explanation that includes the concentration (or amount) of mercury and a justification as to why that particular product is being proposed. The purchasing department reserves the right to require receipt of proof of compliance with said requirements within ten (10) calendar days from the date of request, and to terminate this Contract as a material breach for noncompliance with any requirement of this section. Packaging Contractors must agree that all corrugated cardboard materials and containers used in the packaging and transport of office furnishings, accessories and miscellaneous supplies will be made with a minimum of 35% post-consumer recycled material. It is also desirable that Contractors must offer packaging which eliminates the use of cadmium, lead, mercury, and hexavalent chromium, and set limits on the incidental concentration of these materials and determined by the Toxics in packaging Clearinghouse. http://www.toxicsinpackaging.org/ and eliminates the use of polystyrene, flexible plastic bags made of polyvinylchloride (PVC) that often contain lead and cadmium, or other difficult to recycle materials, provides for a return program where packaging can be returned for recycling, and/or reduces unnecessary packaging wherever possible. Polybrominated Flame Retardants (BFR) Awarded Contractors must disclose whether the products being offered contain toxic flame retardants (e.g. clothing and textile products). Bidders are encouraged to provide BFR-free alternatives whenever available. Contractors must clearly identify (using a symbol or other relevant character) in e-catalogs and on-line systems all products considered as an EPP of this RFR to facilitate accurate tracking of such purchases and to enable the Commonwealth to promote such products and practices to contract users. Any incentives found to contain harmful levels of any contaminant material(s), as described [above] after delivery may be returned by the purchasing eligible entity to the contractor at the contractor’s expense, and with a full refund of cost to the purchasing eligible entity. Marcia Deegler Director of Environmental Purchasing Operational Services Division One Ashburton Place, Room 1017 Boston, MA 02108-1552 617-720-3356, 617-727-4527 fax [email protected] Visit the EPP Website at www.mass.gov/epp

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Food Packaging - life cycle Assessments, content comparisons, & opinions, July 2008 2 Posts Original post: Hi there, as part of our work with the West Michigan Sustainable Purchasing Consortium, we’re hoping to gather as much info. as possible about environmentally preferable food service and food packaging products. 1. Has anybody seen life cycle assessments of bagasse or PLA? 2. Is there a good resource(s) you could recommend for comparing the environmental impacts of bagasse, PLA, and recycled content? 3. Do you have example EPP specifications for food service products or food packaging? 4. We’d also appreciation any success or horror stories you’d like to share about your experiences with some of these newer materials in food packaging (ranging from compostable forks and plates to hot and cold carry-out containers)? Thanks in advance for all your help, Paula Paula Levin Delta Institute 53 West Jackson, Suite 230 Chicago, Illinois 60604 312-554-0900 ext. 17 www.delta-institute.org Response: There is some good information on the Healthcare without Harm website at: http://www.noharm.org/ Look for "Choosing Environmentally Preferable Food Service Ware - Reusable and Sustainable Biobased Products" Karen Hamilton Environmental Purchasing Program King County Procurement and Contract Services 401 5th Avenue, 3rd Floor Seattle, WA 98104 (206)263-9294 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.metrokc.gov/procure/green

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In-vessel composting systems, July 2008 2 Posts Original post: I’m working with a bunch of hospitals that want to start composting. Can anyone recommend in-vessel composting systems suitable for a healthcare facility parking lot, for example? Thank you! Laura Brannen [email protected] Home Office: 603-795-4393 Cell: 603-496-9885 Response: Hello Laura, Here is some information that you might be interested in on in-vessel systems for composting. Green Mountain Technologies (GMT): GMT sells in-vessel systems designed specifically for on-site composting of food-wastes. One of their products, the Earth Tub, is a fully enclosed composting vessel featuring power mixing, compost aeration, temperature control, and biofiltration of all process air. This self-contained unit is suited for composting at institutions such as schools, universities, restaurants, hospitals and supermarkets. This product is designed for waste of 50-2000 lbs. /day and allows for expansion. Another product, that handles 1-150 tons/day, is the Containerized Compost System (CSS). This sealed-vessel design controls odors and collects leachate. The computer controlled aeration system meets EPA 503 requirements, produces a compliance record, and minimizes odor generation. The turnkey system includes mixing, loading and screening equipment. The CCS is useful for composting biosolids at wastewater treatment plants, food wastes at processing facilities and institutions, and manures at feedlots. There is an installation of the containerized system at the Wastewater Treatment Plant in Westport, Washington. NaturTech Composting Systems, Inc.: The NaturTech Composting System is an in-vessel, containerized composting system that provides pathogen destruction, odor control, and leachate prevention. Enclosed mixing reduces fugitive dust, odors, and health concerns and achieves pathogen destruction in as little as three days. This product is sized for loads of 4-400 tons per day. The turnkey system provides operator training, process monitoring, compost utilization, and regulatory compliance. These products and services can be bought or leased. There is an installation Land Recovery Inc. (LRI) Compost Facility in Puyallup. Environmental Preservation Solutions is conducting a "Green" Pilot Project and is inviting you to participate, if you would like to hear more about it please send us an e-mail at [email protected]. Gilbert L. Bailey

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Mulch/compost purchasing policies, July 2008 3 Posts Original post: Hi! Does anyone have any sample language for an EPP Policy regarding procurement of mulch/compost? Thanks! Have a nice day, Johanna Johanna Kertesz Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Specialist Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (651) 297-5518 [email protected] www.greenguardian.com/government/eppg Responses: 1. We have information in this section of our EPP Best Practices Manual. http://www.green.ca.gov/EPP/Grounds/compost.htm Kathy Kathleen Frevert Senior Specialist, Environmentally Preferable Purchasing and Product Stewardship Cal/EPA, Integrated Waste Management Board, Statewide Technical & Analytical Resources Division 1001 I Street PO Box 4025, MS 13A Sacramento, CA 95812-4025 Phone: 916-341-6476 Fax: 916-319-7246 [email protected] www.ciwmb.ca.gov 2. Texas also has some specs. http://search.tceq.state.tx.us/search?site=tceq&client=tceq&proxystylesheet=tceq&output=xml_no_dtd&q=compost+spec Katie Jensen, LEED®AP Austin Energy Green Building Multi-Family Program Coordinator Physical Address: 811 Barton Springs Rd, Suite 300 Mailing Address: 721 Barton Springs Rd Austin, TX 78704 P 512-482-5407 F 512-482-5441 [email protected] www.austinenergy.com/go/greenbuilding

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Specs for dry cell batteries, July 2008 2 Posts Original post: Hello-Does anyone have an EPP dry cell battery specification that has worked well for them? I am interested in specs for rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries. Thank you. -Stacey Stacey Foreman City of Portland, Oregon, Bureau of Purchases Response: There is a new alkaline rechargeable battery recently introduced by LePage's of Romulus, MI. You may want to get info on this less toxic battery from: Ms. Shernee Chandaria at 416-757-6700 Ext. 2112. Martin A. Prince Environmental Specialist (QSDABA)(R02) GSA Northeast and Caribbean Region Phone 212-264-7883 Fax 212-264-3574

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Furniture RFI/RFP information, July 2008 4 Posts Original post: Hello – We are working to develop environmental questions for an upcoming furniture RFP. Does anyone have any sample language that you could share? I would like to incorporate a question about packaging, take-back programs and/or blanket-wrapping. Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Laura Schrubb [email protected] 314-770-7239 Responses: 1. Laura, Below are some of the specs we put in our furniture contract a couple years ago. They reference a couple of attachments that I will have to send to you individually if you like, as I don’t think the listserv can handle attachments. We give extra points in our evaluation for blankets and other source reduction practices. We get that info in the bid process via the attachments. 3.23.1 Identification of Environmentally Preferable Products Upon receiving a contract award, Bidders must agree to clearly designate all catalog products (including those in on-line catalogs) considered by definition of this RFR to be either an EPP or an example of a sustainable practice (see Section 2.12). Such designation may be in the form of a recycled logo, or other symbol easily identifiable an environmental attribute and should reference an explanation of the symbol next to the product or somewhere in the publication. The purpose of this symbol is to assist the Commonwealth in promoting these products to contract users. 3.23.2 Packaging Bidders must agree that all corrugated cardboard materials and containers used in the packaging and transport of office furnishings, accessories and miscellaneous supplies will be made with a minimum of 35% post-consumer recycled material. Confirmation of this recycled content requirement must be made to the Commonwealth by submitting a letter from the corrugated box manufacturer verifying the recycled content ratio. If Bidders have replaced corrugated cardboard materials with alternative means of packaging for some, or all of their shipments, a description of such materials must be included in their Response. NOTE: (There is a separate form that we attach that gives credit in the evaluation process for blankets and other reduced-packaging practices. I can send the form separately if you like). 3.23.3 LEED-CI Rating System Bidders must agree to familiarize themselves with the LEED-CI Rating System and promote the policies outlined in the system to contract users. Bidders must also include a separate sheet with their RFR submission to address the following questions and their responses will be considered in the RFR evaluation process:

a) List and describe the products, materials and/or related services your company can provide to optimize LEED-CI point ratings in appropriate projects. Such products/materials may include but not be limited to, energy efficiency, CFC reduction/elimination, IAQ performance, VOC reduction, recycled content, renewable materials, resource reuse, and innovation in design.

b) Provide a description of the LEED projects in which your company has been involved, indicating specific locations, capacity of your involvement and the general outcome.

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c) Describe the type of assistance in LEED-CI planning that a contract user may obtain from your company and indicate any fees for such a service.

3.23.4 Flame Retardants Information The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is concerned about the increasing environmental problems caused by certain flame retardants (FRs). To make an informed purchasing decision, Bidders must disclose all FRs used in the products offered. Products are preferred that meet flame retardancy standards and/or the flammability requirements of Massachusetts Board of Fire Regulations, 527 CMR 29.00: M.G.L. c. 148, §§10 and 28 (which also addresses CAL 133), without added FRs; with particular attention to halogenated FRs. As more information on FRs becomes available, the Commonwealth will prefer products that contain FRs for which comprehensive toxicity data is available and demonstrates the FR is not toxic, persistent or bioaccumulative. The Commonwealth understands that such preferred products may not yet be available. For each product offered, Bidders must list the components that contain FRs and the name and CAS number of the FR(s) they contain using Attachment 13. Bidders may need to ask the manufacturer or material supplier for this information. Marcia Deegler Director of Environmental Purchasing Operational Services Division One Ashburton Place, Room 1017 Boston, MA 02108-1552 617-720-3356, 617-727-4527 fax [email protected] Visit the EPP Website at www.mass.gov/epp 2. King County, WA - Model Environmentally Preferable Products Policy: King County, Washington established a model policy to encourage and increase the procurement of recycled and other environmentally preferable products by municipal agencies and contractors. As the County indicates, "The model calls upon purchasers in all agencies to use recycled and other environmentally preferable products whenever possible, while recognizing that their principal requirements must be product performance and fiscal responsibility." Mike Giuranna, Solid Waste Specialist EPA, Region III 1650 Arch Street (3WC21) Phila, PA 19103-2029 ph: 215-814-3298 fax: 215-814-3163 [email protected] 3. Most environmental specs for furniture include some chemical emissions requirements. The original IAQ criteria were developed for the State of Washington and USEPA purchasing specifications for office furniture (cubicles and private office case goods). These specs have been rolled into the GREENGUARD Certification Program (www.greenguard.org). GREENGUARD Certification is the basis for LEED EQ Credit 4.5 for furniture and it should be required for all office furniture. California's CHPS program for schools and the Green Guide for Healthcare (www.gghc.org) reference GREENGUARD's more specialized Children and Schools Standard. GREENGUARD Children and Schools

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Certification should be a requirement for healthcare and educational furniture. Best Regards, Scott Steady Air Quality Sciences, Inc. (678) 444-4056

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Green Janitorial Services specs, July 2008 4 Posts Original post: Hi, We are working on developing a new janitorial services contract for one of our offices. I would really like to incorporate as many environmental criteria as possible. Does anyone have any sample language for the RFP? So far, I have found the Green SOW from the Fairchild Air Force Base. Thanks for your input! Have a great day, Johanna Johanna Kertesz Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Specialist Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (651) 297-5518 [email protected] www.greenguardian.com/government/eppg www.pca.state.mn.us/epp Responses: 1. Johanna, Hennepin County Environmentally Preferable Cleaning Standards HERE or http://www.co.hennepin.mn.us/images/HCInternet/EPandT/Environment/Green%20Government/Env%20Preferable%20Cleaning%20Section%20of%20HC%20Janitorial%20Specs.pdf In the beginning of the spec, there is mention of: "Upright Vacuums, backpack vacuums and canister vacuums must be Green Label Approved by the Carpet and Rug Institute. A list of Green Label Approved vacuums can be found at www.carpet-rug.com." The bulk of the language relating to your question is closer to the end of the document. Our Headquarters facility used the following “Environmental language” in our most recent RFQQ for Janitorial: GENERAL CLEANING SUPPLIES: The Contractor will provide the following specific cleaning Chemicals and /or supplies for use on this site. All chemicals shall be packaged to allow exact mixing without measurement. All chemicals shall be stored and dispensed into containers that are factory color coded to allow visual identification of the contents.

o General Purpose Detergent. This product will be used by Vendors staff and supplies will also be maintained in each coffee bar for Agency staff to use in their personal work areas. o The staff supply will be maintained in hand pump spray bottles in the central coffee bars (19 ea) and checked nightly for re-stocking. The Vendor will also maintain a stock of Agency provided cleaning rags for staff use at these locations. o Liquid hand soap, IE; EnviroCare liquid Hand Soap (Manufactured by Rochester Midland Corp.) or approved equal. o Micro fiber rags for dusting. These rags to be laundered by vendor as needed. o 2 compartment mop bucket equipment to maintain separation of clean and dirty mop water.

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The Contractor will have in place over the performance period a low impact environmental cleaning policy addressing:

o Sustainable cleaning systems. o Use of sustainable cleaning products. o Use of chemical concentrates and appropriate dilution systems. o Use of Color coded chemical distribution system. o Proper training of personnel in the hazards, use, maintenance and disposal of cleaning

chemicals, dispensing equipment and packaging. o Use of cleaning equipment that reduces impacts on IAQ.

The Contractor will provide submittals for agency approval, on all products they wish to use at the facility. To include but not be limited to Floor strippers, Floor Sealers, Glass Cleaners, All-Purpose cleaners, etc. The following criteria should be considered for all products prior to submittals.

All cleaning chemicals must be listed on the Green Seal –Industrial & Institutional cleaners (GS-37), as a prerequisite for submittal to the AGENCY for consideration for use in the facility. Provide a Manufacturers product specification sheet and an MSDS sheet on all supplies before bringing them to the facility. All cleaning supplies and/or chemicals must be pre-approved by the Facility Manager.

The Agency will provide all Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, Seat Covers, Waxed Liners, Plastic Trash Liners, and Hand Soap for all automated dispensers. These supplies will be ordered monthly based on Inventories supplied by the Contractor. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ EQUIPMENT:

Contractor will provide and maintain on site, new or like new (upon approval) condition equipment at the beginning of the contract period. Contractor is responsible for all maintenance repairs, including replacement of filters on contractor’s equipment. Broken, ill repaired, ill functioning or unapproved equipment is not allowed on premises.

An inventory of all equipment will be provided to the Agency’s representative, and all listed equipment will remain exclusively on site for the duration of the contract term. Transport and use of said equipment to any other work site will be considered a violation of this contract.

“HEPA Filter”, for the purposes of this contract, the definition of “HEPA Filter” is as follows: the Institute of Environmental Sciences (IES) defines a HEPA filter as "a throw-away extended-media dry-type filter in a rigid frame, having minimum particle-collection efficiency of 99.97% for 0.3 micrometer (micron) thermally-generated dioctyl phthalate (DOP) particles or specified alternative aerosol, and a maximum clean-filter pressure drop of ... 1.0 in w.g. when tested at rated air flow capacity."

All Vacuums must be certified under the Carpet & Rug Institute’s Green Label program in addition to having “HEPA Filters” as specified above.

Contractor shall provide and Maintain on site a small portable, quiet, HEPA filtered vacuum (such as the Euroclean HipVac, Model #UZ964-P or equal) for use by Day Custodian staff and others as needed.

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Contractor shall clean/replace all filter bags at the beginning of each work day. All filters must meet HEPA requirements defined above.

Contractor shall maintain/replace Filter Media as directed by equipment manufacturer.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________ EXHIBIT C BIDDERS PROPOSAL FORM Failure to respond to the items below shall result in the proposal being declared as a non-responsive and the proposal will not be considered. Provide responses in a separate bound or stapled packet organized in the order listed below. Responses are a part of the bid proposals and shall become a part of the contract entered into between the Contractor and the Agency. 1. Cleaning Practices - Describe the Low Environmental Impact cleaning practices to be used on this contract site. The program should consider Environmentally Preferable Products*, services and cleaning practices such as Energy Star designated devices, Green Seal (Standard GS-37) Certified cleaning products, locally manufactured materials, high recycle content products, products with an end of life reclaim/recycle option, inventory management, worker training, etc. Describe any structured programs your company follows or subscribes to including certifications or training. If your firm has an in house developed program for training please provide an outline of the subjects covered. Provide or describe your firm’s quality control process and how it conforms to the quality control requirements of this specification. Describe in general the approach your firm will use to clean the facility. *Environmentally Preferable Products: means products or services that have a lesser or reduced negative effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose. This comparison may include raw material acquisition, production, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, reuse, operation, maintenance, and end-of-life management. (EPA definition) .2. List the Manufacturer and model of required equipment: 3. Workers Compensation Package– Describe your workers compensation package beyond salaries. Include all benefits and methods used to retain workers: 4. Contractor Resources and Organization –Describe your resources for providing staffing for the project. Include plans for coverage of staff not reporting for work or on leave. Provide a description of your company’s organization with names and titles of managing positions that will be involved with this contract. Provide résumé’s of proposed supervisors and floor care technicians involved with this contract. 5. Sustainable Practices – Describe the company’s experience and policies pertaining to sustainability practices and environmentally preferable efforts: Steven P. Strope Ecology Headquarters Facility Manager 407-6089 2. I’m currently traveling, but the standard language for green cleaning chemicals that a lot of folks are using is:

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“All cleaning products must be certified by EcoLogo or Green Seal or provide demonstrable proof of meeting the EcoLogo or Green Seal standards.” New York, New Jersey and others specify EcoLogo or Green Seal. Illinois is now specifying EcoLogo or Green Seal certification, but is also accepting DfE registration. Hope that helps. - Scot Scot Case Responsible Sourcing Solutions 29 North Carolina Avenue Reading, PA 19608 (w) 610 779-3770 (c) 610 781-1684 [email protected] 3. Hi, You can find sample janitorial cleaning specifications in the StopWaste.Org fact sheet listed, http://www.stopwaste.org/docs/janitorial_cleaning_products.pdf. The specifications have been updated since 2006 but are not yet on the website. Email me directly if you would like a copy. Thanks, Beth Eckl EPE Consulting Danville, CA 94526 (925) 838-2731

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Refuse/recycling contracts: focus on waste reduction, recycling, August 2008 3 Posts Original post: We've had a successful contract for refuse and recycling services servicing county facilities for the past four years, but are looking for ways to improve our program when our contract comes up for rebid next year. Any model contract language or specifications that focus on engagement with hauler/recycling team to achieve lowered waste generation and increased recycling would be most helpful. Thanks, Molly Chidsey Program Development Specialist Multnomah County Sustainability Program (503) 988-4094 www.co.multnomah.or.us/sustainability Responses: 1. My coworker here at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is working on Resource Management Contracting. Here is some info from her...her contact info is at the bottom of the message: Minnesota is in the midst of gathering data from some demonstration projects that used alternative contracting language for lessened waste generation and developing some template RFP and contract language for a "second generation" of resource management contracts, but we're not finished just yet. Model RFP language from our first generation of demonstration projects can be found at: http://www.pca.state.mn.us/oea/lc/rmcontracting.cfm We are finding that the engagement piece is hard to write into contracts in detail and works better as part of a workplan, but the RFPs & contracts can make clear the expectation of engagement. One county wrote this: "...In short, with the Resource management elements below, the County is looking for a more responsive and engaged Contractor to assist them in managing waste according to the solid waste hierarchy (eliminate, reduce, recycle and process as a last resort). In the text proposal address the following: General: Describe your vision of a RM program for the County and identify what resources that you will devote to the County RM program. Include how your staff will interact with or utilize County resource/expertise (include communication protocols or other resources you may provide that will benefit the County). Discuss the relationship(s) that you plan to establish with different County facilities. Include in your discussion, where applicable, the relationships you propose to establish with County contacts, such as staff and janitorial personnel." An expectation of quarterly meetings can be easily written into contracts as well. Another area that we've found is critical (which helps but doesn't get to the heart of your "engagement" question) is to specify the monthly and quarterly reporting requirements very specifically so that the customer gets accurate weights/volumes for each facility for each pertinent waste stream.

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If you'd like more details or would like to know when our template contract and RFP language is complete, feel free to contact Madalyn Cioci, MN Pollution Control Agency, 651-297-3955, [email protected]. Johanna Kertesz Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Specialist Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (651) 297-5518 [email protected] www.greenguardian.com/government/eppg www.pca.state.mn.us/epp 2. http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/airwaste/wm/recycle/Market/docs/contracts.htm Georgia Kagle, PADEP Chief, Recycling Markets Program Harrisburg, PA 717-787-7382

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Defining low VOC, August 2008 4 Posts Original post: Good afternoon – The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is working on a contract for a variety of coating products for buildings (non-slip coatings for steps and ramps), marine applications (coatings for submerged parts of boats) and insides of tanks and pipelines. We would like to specify that these coatings be low or no-VOC. Are there specific standards we can reference that establish VOC content for “low-VOC” and “no-VOC” products? Thank you for your help! Dmitriy Nikolayev, Procurement Manager Facilities and Environmental Services Operational Services Division Commonwealth of Massachusetts One Ashburton Place, Room 1017 Boston, MA 02108 Phone: 617-720-3351 Fax: 617-727-4527 [email protected] Visit the Environmental Purchasing Program’s website at http://www.mass.gov/epp Responses: 1. Try the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s Rule 1113: http://www.arb.ca.gov/DRDB/SC/CURHTML/R1113.PDF (Or, if that one doesn’t work, perhaps they have another good standard that would work for you.) You could also reference the Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s Regulation 8 standards: http://www.baaqmd.gov/dst/regulations/index.htm#reg8 (Architectural coatings are Rule 3, Adhesives and Sealants are Rule 51, etc.) Also check out Green Seal for architectural coatings (recently updated GS-11 for Paints & Coatings) (I don’t think you’ll find the industrial coatings there, but look around) http://www.greenseal.org/certification/environmental.cfm. Good luck! Katie Katie Jensen, LEED®AP Austin Energy Green Building Multi-Family Program Coordinator Physical Address: 811 Barton Springs Rd, Suite 300 Mailing Address: 721 Barton Springs Rd Austin, TX 78704 P 512-482-5407 F 512-482-5441 [email protected] 2. Dmitriy – EcoLogo has 120 standards, including one for marine coatings. The marine coating standard (CCD-50) includes the following language regarding VOC limits:

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To be authorized to carry the EcoLogo all marine foul release coatings must: (a) not contain VOCs in excess of 120 g/L as determined by ASTM test method D3960 Standard Practice for Determining Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Content of Paints and Related Coatings; (b) not be formulated or manufactured with aromatic solvents in excess of 2% by weight, as calculated from records of the amounts of constituents used to make the product; (c) not be formulated or manufactured with halogenated solvents; (d) not be formulated or manufactured with formaldehyde; (e) not be formulated or manufactured with benzene; (f) not be formulated or manufactured with mercury, lead, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, tin, copper or their compounds or other biocides; and (g) include instructions for safe and proper application and removal of the product, and disposal of unused product and packaging. You can see the full standard at www.ecologo.org. Hope this helps. - Scot Scot Case, Vice President TerraChoice Environmental Marketing Inc. 29 North Carolina Avenue Reading, PA 19608 office: 800 478-0399 x245 direct: 610 779-3770 cell: 610 781-1684 [email protected] 3. Dear Dmitriy, In addition to SCAQMD Rule 1113, you can also use California Air Resources Board Suggested Control Measure limits, which has categories for several product types including industrial maintenance coatings: http://www.arb.ca.gov/coatings/arch/Approved_2007_SCM.pdf. Here is a link to the California Coatings rule, which may be useful as well. http://www.arb.ca.gov/coatings/coatingsrules.htm. Traditionally VOCs are measured by EPA Method 24, but it is not exact at lower VOC levels, therefore "zero-VOC" are typically <10 g/L. In Green Seal's recent GS-11 Paint and Coatings revision, issued May 2008, we are using a more direct measurement (GC/MS) ASTM D6886 or comparable ISO method, which provide more accurate results and we are looking to incorporate this methodology into our GS-47 Stains and Finishes standard under development. We are also developing a "zero-VOC" claim for certified products, which will be measured by this direct methodology. In the long term, this might be something to consider. I hope this is helpful. Feel free to get in touch if you have any other questions. Sincerely, Christine Chase, Green Seal, Inc. 1001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 827 Washington, DC 20036 ph: 202.872.6400 fax: 202.872.4324 [email protected] www.greenseal.org

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Fly Ash in Curb Construction, August 2008 3 Posts Original post: Hi, for a city in Northern CA, I am looking for specifications that allow a percentage of fly ash in curb ramp construction (and perhaps other road materials). Does anyone have specs to offer? Thanks, Beth Beth Eckl Consultant Danville, CA (925) 838-2731 [email protected] Responses: 1. Hello Beth, I’m not sure if this is relevant to your particular case or not. According to the Climate Action Program at Caltrans, December 2006, pages 13-14: “The typical Department concrete mix is about 25 percent fly ash, generally with no other cement substitutions. This has produced 25 percent less greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from cement production statewide. The Department objective is to increase concrete mixes with up to 60 percent fly ash and 50 percent slag, thereby improving GHG emissions saving from the 25 percent currently specified to 50 percent or better. The Department received the U.S. EPA Award for the use of recycled ash from burned coal in concrete for the construction of the new Bay Bridge. This project will use 450,000 cubic yards of concrete, and based on the new concrete mixed will save 0.75 MMT of CO2 in the construction process.

“Further reduction can be achieved by including interground limestone up to 2.5 percent without loss in concrete performance. The Department has changed its specification to allow 2.5 percent limestone concrete mix in future cement use. Consequently, an additional 0.3 MMT of CO2 will be removed from cement production in California based on the 2004 production level, or 1.2 MMT and 4.2 MMT by 2010 and 2020 respectively assuming constant level of production. The Department is reducing its share of CO2 by 0.036 MMT annually.” Here is a link to the full Caltrans report: http://www.dot.ca.gov/docs/ClimateReport.pdf. Hope this helps. Best regards, Mark Mark S. Rentschler, Ph.D. Director of Institutional Greening Programs Green Seal, Inc. 1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 827 Washington, D.C. USA 20036 tel. +1 202 872-6400 fax +1 202 872-4324 [email protected] www.greenseal.org

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2. To reach Penndot Specifications for Flyash use in: Cement Concrete ftp://ftp.dot.state.pa.us/public/Bureaus/design/Pub408/Change9/Pub408Change9/Section700/Section704.pdf Concrete Pozzolan ftp://ftp.dot.state.pa.us/public/Bureaus/design/Pub408/Change9/Pub408Change9/Section700/Section724.pdf Flowable Fill ftp://ftp.dot.state.pa.us/public/Bureaus/design/Pub408/Change9/Pub408Change9/Section200/SECTION220.pdf Georgia Kagle, PADEP Chief, Recycling Markets Program Harrisburg PA 7177870119

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EPP training for purchasers, August 2008 3 Posts Original post: Hi, My agency is considering developing an in-house training tool for new purchasers (or potentially all staff) on how to make environmentally sound purchases on a regular basis. I assume some of you have something like this in place already. Would you mind sharing? We are thinking this training would help the new employee learn to incorporate environmental criteria into their normal purchasing process. Thanks for your help! Have a nice weekend, Johanna Johanna Kertesz Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Specialist Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (651) 297-5518 [email protected] www.greenguardian.com/government/eppg www.pca.state.mn.us/epp Responses: 1. Go to http://www.epa.gov/epp/pubs/index.htm, and also see Green Purchasing Resources for Businesses NOW AVAILABLE! The Northeast Recycling Council, Inc. (NERC) has recently published a sequence of webpages designed to assist businesses in their green purchasing programs. By clicking on Green Purchasing Resources for Business (http://www.nerc.org/GreenPurchasing/greenpurchasingresources.html), businesses will be able to identify: Easy to follow steps in developing a green purchasing program, and Purchasing self-assessment tools to help quantify the impact of a green purchasing program and other

related resources The most impressive feature of this website is the Web-based Directories, which provide easy access to thousands of green vendor websites for ordering their products and services. Each directory (Green Products, Green Services, Green Products through State Contracts and Materials Exchanges) is categorized by different products to help businesses find that specific product! Or they can browse through a variety of different products and services. For more information, contact Mary Ann Remolador ([email protected]) of NERC. Johanna -- 2. I'm happy to share my training materials. I even put together a train-the-trainer kit a few years ago that still has some relevant materials. It's too big to e-mail, but I'm happy to burn it onto a CD and send it to you. There are also a few video clips available: http://das.gse.iowa.gov/greenbuyer/index.html NIGP also has some webinars recorded with green purchasing training: http://www.nigp.org/educate/outline/Webinar.htm

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Scot

Scot Case Vice President TerraChoice Environmental Marketing 800 478-0399 x245 610 779-3770 (direct) 610 781-1684 (cell) [email protected]

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Polystyrene trays at schools, September 2008 3 Posts Original post: Does anyone know of an elementary school that has found an alternative to the polystyrene trays? the kind that have the sectioned areas so foods don't mix with each other. Would like to find a reusable kind that does not have bis-A in it. Even a paper/cardboard based alternative would be considered. Anybody know of a manufacturer or a school where one is used? Thanks in advance. Peter Cooke Peter Cooke Pollution Prevention Program Manager Maine Department of Environmental Protection 312 Canco Road Portland, ME 04103 (207) 791-8101 (207) 822-6303 fax [email protected] Responses: 1. I believe compostable food trays are used in several schools in the Twin Cities Metro area here in Minnesota. If you are interested in getting in touch with the school programs, let me know. You can view Litin Eco's compostable tray offerings here: http://www.litin.com/litineco/shop/index.php?cPath=24_37 You can view Chinet's molded fiber tray offerings here: http://www.us.huhtamaki.com/Websites.nsf/index/1FE6E5E10DF7FB79862573B8007AD5AA/$FILE/Rough_Catalog3-07.pdf These are just a couple of the places I have found compartment trays. Johanna Kertesz Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Specialist Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (651) 297-5518 [email protected] www.greenguardian.com/government/eppg www.pca.state.mn.us/epp 2. The September 15th edition of FoodService Director's feature article highlights schools that have gone "trayless" and the savings and other environmental benefits they've reaped. I cannot provide a link to the article, but schools mentioned include: *St. Paul's School in Concord, NH *San Diego State University *New York University *Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA The article also highlights other places have tried it without success. Worth reading, if you can get a copy of the article.

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Marie Kulick Senior Policy Analyst, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy Co-Coordinator, Health Care Without Harm Purchasing Work Group 2105 First Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55404 612-870-3422 [email protected]

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Multi-stream Recycling to Single Stream Recycling Conversion, September 2008 3 Posts Original post: Hello Everyone, Could someone comment on their organizational conversion from a multi-stream recycling program (typically the three can cluster of 'trash', 'bottles, cans, plastic', and 'paper, newsprint, magazines, cardboard'). Rutgers is currently drafting our new RFP for waste management and we currently have the three cluster concept internally (inside our buildings) and externally (outside dumpsters). I should tell you that Rutgers has a population of 60,000 faculty, staff and students and over 906 buildings so a conversion to new containers would be a major task. We may keep what we have and just education and slowly change the internal containers ... but any insights you have would be welcomed. Any RFPs that you would be willing to share for single stream recycling would be a huge help as well. Kevin Kevin Lyons, Ph.D. Director, Purchasing Department Research Professor, Supply Chain Environmental Archeology Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Administrative Services Building III 3 Rutgers Plaza New Brunswick, NJ 08903 732-932-4375 ext. 2301 732-932-4390 (fax) [email protected] Responses: 1. Hi Kevin, I just joined Waste Management's Healthcare Solutions group after working for 20 years either in hospitals directly or for NGO's. Anyway, I recently visited the Neward single-stream MRF and it's pretty amazing. We're working with a couple of hospitals in the city and at first I was pushing for a dual stream - paper/fibers and beverage containers. I thought a dual stream would provide a clearer dos and don'ts list. I also thought that while it makes sense for curbside, not sure it did for institutional processes. But after conferring with colleagues, single stream is the way of the future and particularly where it's happening in communities, it'll start getting mixed together anyway. So we just need to figure it out and education is key so that folks don't think EVERYTHING GOES IN THERE because it's all sorted anyway. And it is but we obviously don't want people's trash... The staff at the facilities are thrilled that we ultimately recommended this solution. And BTW, the Newark MRF takes all plastics #1-#7 with narrow neck/screw tops -- probably a bigger deal in hospitals where we have lots of #5 bottles. One problem though -- they don't like plastic bags because they get caught in the machines. We're trying to figure out how to minimize their use. If you haven't visited, you should. Good luck. Laura Brannen Director of Customer Sustainability WM Healthcare Solutions

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(713) 248-0723 (cell) [email protected] 2. Here's an RFP I saved from a previous list serve discussion on Denver's SS program: Denver, CO Recycles Program - RFP and Addendum for Recyclables Processing and Marketing (PDF). Denver, Colorado developed a Request for Proposals leading to the hiring of a contractor to process and market their single stream recyclable materials. The City's RFP outlines service expectations, revenue-based incentives and pricing terms, and provides a detailed description of the incoming recyclables to be processed. The addendum shows questions raised by potential bidders and the City's responses. We have some examples available online at: http://www.p2pays.org/epp/collcontract.asp and http://www.p2pays.org/localgov/pubs/rfp.asp. If I can provide further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me. Mike Giuranna, Solid Waste Specialist EPA, Region III 1650 Arch Street (3LC40) Phila, PA 19103-2029 ph: 215-814-3298 fax:215-814-3163 [email protected]

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Encouraging use of green products, October 2008 2 Posts Original post: Hello, we are in the process of developing plans to promote the purchase of green products and services throughout our county departments. While we currently have a policy in place, we will soon be distributing resources to help educate employees about what to look for in a product. I'm curious to hear what others have done to encourage green purchasing. Has anyone tried giving away or subsidizing the cost of particular products? Any other suggestions? Thanks, Kat Kat McCarthy Waste Reduction and Recycling Specialist Tompkins County Solid Waste 122 Commercial Avenue Ithaca, NY 14850 (p) 607-273-6632 (f) 607-275-0000 Responses: Hi Kat, Hennepin County has had tremendous success with the Lead by Example Incentive Fund. You can learn more about the Lead by Example Incentive Fund by visiting the Hennepin County Green Government website HERE or www.hennepin.us/greengovernment

Goal The goal of this funding program is to provide an incentive or startup funding to Hennepin County departments for innovative projects that meet county and regional solid waste master plan outcomes. We would strongly encourage applicants to submit project proposals that meet the following outcomes. Proposed projects that are consistent with these outcomes will receive strong consideration. Outcomes: 1. Reduce waste requiring disposal from Hennepin County facilities. Priority will be given to projects that reduce office paper, packaging or organic materials. 2. Reduce the amount of hazardous chemicals used in Hennepin County operations. 3. Increase the procurement of environmentally preferable products and services that have a solid waste component to their preferable attributes. Priority will be given to projects that focus on a product or service that has been identified as a “priority green purchasing opportunity” at a previous Green Purchasing Workshop.

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Funding for green building - public projects, October 2008 6 Posts Original post: Hello! Does anyone have examples from the public sector regarding setting up an internal fund to help your own departments with green building projects (new, retrofit, upgrades, etc.) that entail more upfront capital costs than a non-green option? Perhaps a fund that receives money from the operational savings resulting from green projects (e.g. energy), but then can be used to help with upfront costs on other "green" projects? Or related examples of integrating up-front capital costs/budgets to operational costs/budgets when they are handled by different departments? Thank you, -Stacey Stacey Foreman City of Portland, Oregon, Bureau of Purchases Responses: 1. Stacey, Harvard University has been capitalizing the "greening" of their campus and out-performing the investment returns of the general endowment fund. The savings are reinvested in the fund and they are making exceptional progress. http://www.greencampus.harvard.edu/gclf/ http://www.greencampus.harvard.edu/ Ron Smith Ohio EPA, Office of Compliance Assistance & Pollution Prevention 614-644-2813 614-644-2807 fax [email protected] http://www.epa.state.oh.us/ocapp/ocapp.html 2. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency made a 3 year commitment to purchase wind power (through our electricity provider) for a certain percentage of our electricity usage. Since the wind power ended up being cheaper than expected, we are considering putting the money into an internal "green improvement" type fund. This is still being discussed, but I can get back to you on details if/when we move ahead.

Johanna Kertesz Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Specialist Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (651) 297-5518 [email protected] www.greenguardian.com/government/eppg www.pca.state.mn.us/epp

3. In Vermont: http://www.bgs.vermont.gov/adminpolicies/policy33 State Resource Management Revolving Fund. As I understand it, this fund has been underutilized. An outreach component is critical to a fund’s success. Happy to answer questions.

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Marci Young 4. Hello, The City of Seattle developed the Green Building Revolving Fund this year. This Fund is available to departments to improve the energy efficiency of largely existing buildings, but may also be used for funding incremental costs associated with installing more energy efficient systems in new construction buildings. Because it is a revolving fund, it is replenished by utility savings (and if well documented, maintenance savings can be incorporated into the payback period). Let me know if you would like additional or more specific information on the Green Building Revolving Fund. Cheers, Sarah Sarah Calvillo Hoffman Resource Conservation Advisor Seattle Fleets and Facilities Department 700 Fifth Ave, Suite 5200 Seattle, WA 98104 [email protected] T: 206.233.5104 C: 206.255.0196 5. Stacy - there are a number of revolving or just plain loan funds that are designed to fund green building and/or energy projects that require up front capital but have good paybacks over the project life. The Texas Energy Office has a very significant program, and your own State of Oregon does as well. Harvard University's Green Campus Initiative also has a revolving loan fund that has proved very effective. Our own Leading by Example program has received some capital dollars this year to fund smaller energy reduction projects at various agencies and we are in the process of developing guidelines and a list of targeted technologies. Also in Massachusetts, we are looking at ways to develop such a revolving loan fund mechanism that would sustain itself after initial funding and I'd be happy to talk off line about what we are thinking and some of the potential roadblocks. With regard to life cycle costing, our Division of Capital Asset Management, which manages all large green building projects has received a capital budget line item to help fund some of the more costly upgrades that will result in both economic and energy savings over the longer term. They also are required by Executive Order to meet a certain energy standard for all large projects and as a result are forced to look at newer technologies and techniques and use life cycle costing estimate. Hope this helps. Eric Friedman, Director Leading by Example Program Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs 100 Cambridge Street, #1020 Boston, MA 02114 617-626-1034 617-626-1181 fax [email protected] http://www.mass.gov/envir/leadingbyexample

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Task Chairs, October 2008 2 Posts Original post: Hello! Does anyone have specifications for office task chairs that include environmental and/or ergonomic criteria? I'm particularly interested in criteria regarding indoor air quality, recyclability, and less-toxic (or zero) flame retardants. Thank you. -Stacey Stacey Foreman City of Portland, Oregon, Bureau of Purchases Response: These two companies seem to have the majority of sustainable office furnishings: Steel case: http://store.steelcase.com/go/products/ Herman Miller: http://www.hermanmillerseating.com/asp/show_content.asp?CpID=846

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30% post-consumer content paper, November 2008 4 Posts Original post: Is there a way to determine the benefit to the environment by using 3000 reams of 30% pc paper vs. using virgin paper. A coefficient? A calculation? anything? Responses: 1. Check out the Environmental Defense "Environmental Paper Calculator." It is easily found via Google and is also available on one of the White House websites at www.ofee.gov -Scot 2. There most certifiably is. A little Googling results in the following links. http://recycling.stanford.edu/5r/recycledpaper.html http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/briefings/paper_recycling.html http://www.wrap.org.uk/downloads/Is_Recycled_better_than_virgin_3.4beb5491.3143.pdf On average, when comparing the manufacture of 100% recycled content paper to virgin paper, 1 ton of recycled paper can save 1.32 tons of CO2 equivalent. This considers the complete life cycle. Now your question was for 30% recycled content, which does not specify post-consumer waste/recycled content in the mix, so the amount of savings would naturally be less than using 100% recycled paper. It is not clear from your question if you’re aware of the forest stewardship council web site http://www.fsc.org/about-fsc.html where you can find a wealth of information. Here is an excerpt: If the paper is both FSC-certified and recycled. Yes, we can get the best of both worlds. The FSC has three labels: 100 percent, recycled, and mixed sources. The 100 percent label indicates that all involved forests are FSC-certified (handy when buying lumber and lumber products). The mixed label indicates a blend of wood fibers from recycled material, FSC-certified forests, and "controlled sources" [PDF], involving forests with certain less stringent guidelines than the FSC-certified variety. *Daniel Hoviss PEC Putney Energy Committee 3. Hi, in response to an earlier question, GHG and energy benefits from recycled paper (and other recycled products) can also be calculated through EPA's ReCon Tool. Through this tool, StopWaste.Org created a metric: One metric ton of CO2 equivalent is eliminated under the following purchasing scenarios: * For every 30 cases of 30% postconsumer recycled content paper * For every 6 cases of 100% postconsumer paper Beth Eckl EPE Consulting Danville, CA (925) 838-2731

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Microfiber towels for bathing, November 2008 2 Posts Original post: Can anyone point me to any resources (i.e. links, mfg. cut sheets, studies, etc.) to assist with writing a specification for micro fiber cloth towels for personal care use for bathing ?? I’m working on potentially modifying a State towel contract that currently specifies bleached cotton fiber cloths including thread counts. The towels in the existing contract are used for a variety of purposes but mostly for “personal” -such as for use to oneself off from a shower rather than janitorial cleaning. Has anyone experience where they have been used for this? Our existing contract serves the Dept. of Corrections. If there is any crossover it would be good to know since there may be opportunity to build markets through this use. My hope is that there is post-consumer recycled content in the micro fiber cloths but the labels reviewed do not list any PC content. http://www.bonakemi.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=29 http://www.brilexsolutions.com/microfiberproducts.html Toni Stein State of California Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program Department of General Services, Procurement Division 707 3rd Street, 2nd Floor, West Sacramento, CA 95605 (916) 375-4460 (650)-823-7662 cell [email protected] http://www.green.ca.gov/EPP/default.htm Response: Go to: http://www.norwex.com/norwex/ s

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Deicers, November 2008 3 Posts Original post: Hi, I'm researching EPP deicers and would appreciate any information/experience you could share -- particularly technical specifications and supporting documents such as case studies, pilot programs or reports about the effects of various products on water and soil. I'm trying to get a sense of which chlorides or blends are most preferable, and how these products compare to products with agricultural ingredients. Thanks! Paula Levin Delta Institute - WMSPC administrator Associate 53 W Jackson Blvd | Suite 230 | Chicago, IL 60604 [email protected] T: 312.554.0900x17 W: www.wmspc.org Responses: 1. Here's a file I have on deicers from 2 years ago. De-Icing Alternatives 1. We are looking into using an organic natural ice melter that is environmentally friendly, Mountain Organic Natural IceMelter. This product is safe on concrete, effective in temperatures of -4 degrees Fahrenheit, safe on vegetation, harmless to groundwater systems, and is safe to handle. Unfortunately, I cannot attest to the effectiveness of this product, as it has yet to be tried. If you are interested there is a website to visit for further information: http://www.xynyth.com 2. I once had a sidewalk replaced with one with heating elements in it. Worked great! – Sam 3. Here is a site to check out http://www.plantops.umich.edu/grounds/winter_alternatives.html 4. I don't have a guide, but 1 minute using Google™ turns up a bunch of environmentally friendly alternatives to salt http://www.cryotech.com/products/pdf/CMAfacts.pdf Just an example. 5. You could use one of the non-salt based products or install heater elements under the sidewalks as some people do their driveways. Problem with the latter is increased use of electricity. Good luck. 6. These sites discuss the alternatives well but are dated. http://www.oseh.umich.edu//salt.html http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/nov98/910675052.Ch.r.html Other resources: http://www.enviroliteracy.org/article.php/709.html EPA Guidance 1999: http://www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/ice.pdf Hotel guidance: http://www.vtgreenhotels.org/articles/deice.htm

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7. Maryland Department of Environment - Facts about winter weathers, chemical deicers and the Chesapeake Bay http://www.mde.state.md.us/assets/document/WINTER_2.pdf Environment Canada - BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR SALT USE ON PRIVATE ROADS, PARKING LOTS AND SIDEWALKS http://www.ec.gc.ca/nopp/roadsalt/reports/ParkingLot/EN/p5.cfm University of Michigan - Winter Maintenance: Snow and Ice Removal http://www.oseh.umich.edu//salt.html 8. I would think a greens keeper at a resort might have some good ideas. The City of Frankenmuth in our county installed heated sidewalks a few years back. I'm sure they would be able to give you more information on the cost effectiveness which apparently is comparable to labor and materials used in repeated salting & shoveling. You can contact them at 240 W. Genesee, Frankenmuth, MI 48734 or call City Manager Charles Graham at 989-652-9901. 9. Both Potassium Chloride (KCL) and Calcium Chloride (CaCL) will do what he seeks. KCL is also a low yield fertilizer, making the nearby grass turn green quickly in the spring. Although both make low yield acids when mixed with water, neither KHCL nor CaHCl has sufficient strength to damage plants. In fact, those plants which like acid soils thrive with either added to their roots. Notable example in Michigan is the Azalea, it loves both acids and their blooms look better when run-off water from sidewalks and driveways contains diluted KHCL and CaHCl. 10. This resource doesn't directly address the question below but has some useful thoughts and information you might want to pass along: http://www.grist.org/biz/tp/2005/11/01/greenclean/index.html 11. Don't know if this will help but on a smaller scale using Alfalfa meal on residential sidewalks and porch helps melt the ice. It is safe for the lawn, concrete, and pets. I originally heard of this through a pet store. The paragraph below is from a recycling newsletter in Spokane Washington with some "winter tips". Melting Ice: Try alfalfa meal instead of using salt on your porch and sidewalk. This completely natural fertilizer contains nitrogen to promote ice melting and has a texture to provide traction while it works. Alfalfa meal will not leave grass and perennials brown or eat away at concrete. Traction Helpers: For just plain traction, cover ice with wood ashes, coal cinders, sand, or cat litter. Slip Stoppers: Invest in some non-slip stair treads for your slippery steps. 12. See the Salt Institute document on salt and the environment, and sensible salting practices, available at http://www.saltinstitute.org/saltandenvironment-english.pdf The DEQ does not have a compiled list of alternatives. However, the American Public Works Association has a list of alternative salts and equipment vendors at http://www.apwa.net/About/PET/Transportation/Winter-Maint/index.asp?mode=links In addition, go to www.carbohydrateeconomy.org, word search for "deicer" to find information companies that make/sell these alternative products for both ice control. Site is part of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. Remind the facility if they have 5 tons or more of salt, they would be subject to the Part 5 rules

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13. Here is a great reference from the University of Minnesota.... http://www.extension.umn.edu/projects/yardandgarden/ygbriefs/h456de-icer.html Our program has been looking at the environmental impacts and possible specifications for deicers. Based on our analysis of the products available on the market, we found that while many of the products may offer a significant reduction in the amount of chlorides released into the environment (through using chlorides other than sodium chloride, "activating" sodium chloride with other chemicals or completely replacing chlorides as active ingredients), many of the chemicals come with environmental concerns of their own. While sodium chloride is a fairly pure chemical, a lot of the alternative deicing products may include a broad range of impurities, including heavy metals and significant concentrations of phosphorus and nitrogen. In addition, many of the smaller product manufacturers and marketers may have difficulty supplying products with consistent chemical composition, because the organics they get as byproducts of the food industry, for example, will vary in concentrations of copper, zinc and other metals batch to batch. This is not to say that there are no good alternative deicing products out there. Those products definitely exist. At the same time, the fact that a product has a lower chloride concentration or has "all natural" components in it does not make it green. I would suggest using the chemical specifications established by the Pacific Northwest Snowfighters (PNS) Association as the minimum standard for the deicing chemicals that you are buying. The Association includes state departments of transportation from Washington, Montana, Idaho and others. Here is the link to their website: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/partners/pns/ There are a couple of issues with the standard, most notably, the limit for phosphorus (in some states it may be considered high) and the lack of a limit for nitrogen. At the same time, the standard definitely takes into account many other variables and has been successfully used by several states for many years. The PNS standard is well known in the industry today. If you are concerned about the issues I noted above, consider setting additional, more stringent, specifications above and beyond that standard. One of the ideas we had here in MA was to set the PNS standard as a minimum specification and then mark products that comply with the set of more stringent specifications (which I will be happy to send you) with the "green" rating. In summary, we should continue looking at deicing products and technologies and possibly agree on some common standards to use. I think the PNS standard is an excellent starting point for anyone who is interested in buying alternative deicers. Dmitriy Nikolayev, Procurement Manager Facilities and Environmental Services Operational Services Division Commonwealth of Massachusetts One Ashburton Place, Room 1017 Boston, MA 02108 Phone: 617-720-3351 Fax: 617-727-4527 [email protected]

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2. The Pollution Prevention Resource Center completed a rapid response on this topic in Dec 2006. Please see http://pprc.org/research/epp/RoadwayDe-icers.pdf for more info. Michelle Gaither, PPRC

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All ‘n One Cleaners & Disinfectants, December 2008 2 Posts Original post: Hi, I welcome input on the question whether or not it’s safer/greener/etc. to use an all-in-one cleaner containing a hydrogen peroxide-base that can be diluted to different strengths to act as a disinfectant, glass cleaner, multi-purpose cleaner, hard floor cleaner, carpet extractor, carpet shampoo and spot cleaner – as opposed to using hydrogen peroxide-based products that are not registered as a disinfectant. I assume it might be simply the strength of the hydrogen-peroxide… Thanks, Beth Beth Eckl EPE Consulting 52 Saint Timothy Court Danville, CA 94526 (925) 838-2731 Response: Hi Beth, I don’t believe the issue is “safety” when comparing a hydrogen peroxide based cleaner to one that is registered as a disinfectant/sanitizer since they are likely to have the same amount of hydrogen peroxide. To me the real issue is liability. If a facility is using a hydrogen peroxide based product that is NOT registered with the EPA as a disinfectant (and more likely it is just a sanitizer) if there is some kind of illness outbreak that leads to a lawsuit, it would be hard for them to defend that they were taking prudent precautions, whether or not the product might have the same actives as a similarly formulated but “registered” product. This is simply because it is a violation of federal law to make these types of claims if the product is not registered. But with having said all of this, using an “all-in-one” cleaner has lots of advantages over a combination of products, but only if training is adequate. We see far too many organizations purchasing products where different dilutions are used for different applications, but the reality is that they use the same dilution for everything, and thus all the benefits are wasted. So this is all a long way of saying that there are many benefits to “all-in-one” cleaners as long as the cleaning personnel are trained properly on the correct dilutions and use --- but the benefits really are NOT related to product safety if they are the same basic formulation. Hope this helps, Steve Stephen P. Ashkin, President The Ashkin Group, LLC - The Green Cleaning Experts 3644 Tamarron Drive Bloomington, IN 47408 Voice: 812/332-7950 Fax: 812/332-7965 Email: [email protected] Visit us at: www.AshkinGroup.com

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Looking for decision making tools, January 2009 4 Posts Original post: Hello; I'm looking for tools or approaches that can be used to prioritize the various categories of goods and services that we purchase so we can begin work on green/sustainable procurement specifications for them. So far the best I have come up with is Grid Analysis. Does anyone on the list have any decision making tools that they could recommend or share that might help us do this ? Lynda Rankin Nova Scotia Environment Box 442, Halifax Nova Scotia B3J 2P8 Tel: (902) 424-2578 email: [email protected] Response: Here are some good links for reference. Most state web sites have some statements regarding sustainable/green purchasing. But watch out for green washing. Check www.rateitgreen.com some of the products listed there will actually have comments-ratings of the various products. I just completed my first course in Sustainable Design at Boston Architectural College and (maybe a little information will make me dangerous!) I would suggest that you come up with your working definition of sustainability. I am sure there are under grad and grad students that would love a project. http://www.buildinggreen.com/ There is all kinds of information here; great people http://www.ungm.org/SustainableProcurement/Global http://www.buyeranalytics.com/purchasingblogs/2008/1/28/defining-sustainable-procurement.html http://www.sustainableprocurement.net/ http://www.oregon.gov/DAS/SSD/SPO/sustain-menu.shtml example State of Oregon There is just tons of information out the www.usgbc.org US Green Building Council Cheers! Deborah 2. http://www.c2e2.org/videoconference/UOGPurchSection1.4issue1.pdf From the UK but filled with good information. 3. I can't think of a prioritization tool per se but you might want to prioritize based on either purchasing volume and/or environmental impact. Computers and related electronics, for example would be a top priority because they have major energy and hazardous waste impacts and are also big ticket items. Local environmental concerns should also be factored in. (For example, if you are in a drought-prone area, water conservation would be a priority).

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EPA'S EPP Database at http://www.epa.gov/epp uses one categorization scheme and this Web site provides a world of information) that will be helpful. Judy Usherson Senior Manager ERG [email protected] 703-841-0503 703-841-1440 (fax)

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Dining service policies, January 2009 4 Posts Original post: My name is Christina and I work for the Center for a New American Dream. We are an environmental non-profit based in Takoma Park, Maryland. RPN is a member based sect of New Dream and we write purchasing guides on product areas that cause environmental concerns. Currently we are writing a guide on Dining Services and will incorporate a number of policies into our publication. Is anyone familiar with any policies that harness sustainable food procurement by mandating the purchase of organic or local foods in dining facilities? Christina Moretti, RPN Fellow Responsible Purchasing Network Center for New American Dream [email protected] 301.891.3683 ext. 102 www.responsiblepurchasing.org Responses: 1. Hi Christina, NY State is working on a green hospitality program and in my work on it I have come across State programs that will certify restaurants as "green", and usually local or organic sourcing is part of the certification. Maine has a workbook for restaurants interested in obtaining green certification from the State. My understanding is that RPN targets "institutional" purchasers - is your Dining Services guide intended for state/local government food procurement? You might want to get in touch with the Green Restaurant Association (www.dinegreen.com) and/or Chefs Collaborative (www.chefscollaborative.org), both non-profits based in Boston. I am not sure if their work includes dealing with government procurement in addition to the private sector, but if not, they'd probably be able to refer you to a good source. Regards, Ashley Ashley Wilson NYSDEC - Pollution Prevention 625 Broadway, 4th Floor Albany, NY 12233-1750 E-mail: [email protected] P: 518.402.9175 F: 518.402.9168 2. Christina; Check with Judy Wicks of the white Dog Cafe, in Philadelphia. See http://www.whitedog.com/ and http://www.judywicks.com/

Judy Wicks, Owner and Founder White Dog Cafe 3420 Sansom St. Philadelphia, PA 19104 www.whitedog.com www.blackcatshop.com (215) 386-9224

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Judy Wicks is owner and founder of Philadelphia’s 23-year-old White Dog Cafe, and is a national leader in the local, living economies movement. She is co-founder and co-chair of both the national Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE), and the local Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia (SBN). She is also president of the White Dog Cafe Foundation, dedicated to building a local living economy in the Philadelphia region. The Cafe sources all produce in season from local organic family farms. All meat and poultry is humanely raised, and fish and seafood are sourced from sustainable fisheries. The Cafe has helped lead campaigns to ban the sale of endangered fish and the use of GMO products. One hundred percent of electricity is generated by wind power, the first business in Pennsylvania to do so. Entry-level employees make a minimum “living wage.” Twenty percent of profits are contributed to the White Dog Cafe Foundation and other non-profits. Foundation projects include Fair Food, which connects local family farms with urban markets; the PIG Alliance, which supports pastured pig farming as an alternative to confinement pork production; and the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia, which supports independent local businesses committed to building a local living economy.... Mike Giuranna, Solid Waste Specialist EPA, Region III 1650 Arch Street (3LC40) Phila, PA 19103-2029 ph: 215-814-3298 fax:215-814-3163 [email protected] 3. Christina, One component we should include in the guide is a form for dining service managers to assess the environmental and economical aspects of durable versus disposable dishware. We used such a form to do such an assessment at the U.S. Department of Energy Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The study was done 10 years ago and showed that purchasing durable dishes and a dishwasher would amortize itself in fewer than 12 months. The calculation included paying staff to scrape and load dishes. Look forward to the guide on dining services----Sandra Sandra Cannon, Technical Support U.S. Department of Energy Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program Tel. 509-529-1535

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An Ideal Green Company Profile, January 2009 5 Posts Original post: I'm putting together a 1.5 hour session for suppliers. The session will inform suppliers how they can help government purchasers with EPP. The session will serve as a forecast of emerging needs for the suppliers and help them establish goals. I'd appreciate any ideas you may have. The list so far of what they would provide for us includes

Detailed sales reports about who bought what. Tagging of Green Products in catalogs and prompts that steer buyers to green products. Companies would declare what standards they are complying with or in what way a product is

EPP. Third-party verification in place. Companies would establish third-party auditing and verification

of green products for product groups. The company would be involved with efforts to reduce waste and lower their carbon footprint. Company would be involved with greening their supply chain. Company would work with industry and government partners to develop common solutions for

common problems. Company would have take-back provisions for all products for which it is feasible to recycle, and

would be researching additional ways to increase recycling. Companies would use reusable totes and other means for eliminating or reducing packaging Companies would be actively researching and implementing ways to reduce the amount of plastic

waste in their products. Adherence to RoHS and other European Standards. Companies would be voluntarily complying to

the strictest level of standards Greg Hopkins State of Oregon Responses: I found this site to be very helpful http://www.rethinkrecycling.com/for-government & http://www.responsiblepurchasing.org/ and the other link is an Environmental Policy Statement from the Bay Area http://www.madegreensf.com/policy_statement.html Rate It Green is another resource to look up products and services and many of them have been rated by the end user. www.RateItGreen.com As a manufacturer of recycled products I want my customers to know that our mission is to practice sustainability in our processes. When you purchase eco-friendly products it is important that there is no Green Washing taking place. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16754919#16755401. Where are products sourced from is something that many people do not investigate. The US company may sell a 100% recycled product however may have been manufactured in another country; that is not a sustainable practice-excess CO2 emissions and jobs leaving the US. Cheers! Deborah 2. It'd be nice if the company profile include that these companies would commit to detailed MSDS consistent with the international Global Harmonizations System (GHS), which the US still has to

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implement. Even though "green" and certified, these companies will still be using chemicals and a chain of supply that needs documentation that is easy for all consumers to read and understand. Labels just don't do it. 3. Hi Greg, I came across this EPA website that has a number of resources for vendors that sell EPP to the government: http://www.epa.gov/epp/pubs/vendors.htm Information for Vendors. Vendors can help the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program meet its program goals by increasing their sales of green products to the government, as well as by building their environmentally preferable product lines. The Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program provides a number of resources focused on helping vendors sell their environmentally preferable products to the federal government. Greening Your Products: Good for the Environment, Good for Your Bottom Line. This guidance document highlights opportunities to help vendors reduce their impact on the environment, while saving you money. The document focuses on two approaches for improvement - product improvement and process improvement. Environmental Marketing Claims. A message to vendors from the EPA and the Federal Trade Commission about making "green" claims, and information about the Federal Trade Commission's Guides to the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims. Federal Trade Commission's Guides to the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims (Green Guides). The Green Guides, revised in May 1998, are intended to reduce consumer confusion and prevent false or misleading use of environmental terms in product advertising and labeling. The Green Guides indicate how the Federal Trade Commission will apply Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, which prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices, in environmental marketing claims. The Green Guides apply to all forms of product and service marketing to the public, including advertisements, labels, package inserts, promotional materials, and electronic media. Selling Environmental Products to the Federal Government. Information to facilitate vendor access to the Federal marketplace and thereby increase the availability of environmental products to the Federal government. Federal Procurement Opportunities for Green Vendors. Authored by the federal Buy Bio Program, this brief guide for vendors is intended to facilitate access to federal government procurement opportunities, promote knowledge of government contracting initiatives, and make it easier to conduct business with the federal government. EPA's Environmental Technology Verification Program (ETV) Program. The ETV Program develops testing protocols and verifies the performance of innovative technologies that have the potential to improve protection of human health and the environment. ETV was created to accelerate the entrance of new environmental technologies into the domestic and international marketplace. Private Sector Pioneers: How Companies Are Incorporating Environmentally Preferable Purchasing. This report highlights some of the initial efforts of private sector companies to "buy green." Eco-promising: Communicating the Environmental Credentials of Your Products and Services. Forum for the Future and Business for Social Responsibility (BSR) published this report as a how-to guide for

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companies wanting to make environmental claims about their products and services. Hope these are helpful! Ashley Ashley Wilson NYSDEC - Pollution Prevention 625 Broadway, 4th Floor Albany, NY 12233-1750 E-mail: [email protected] P: 518.402.9175 F: 518.402.9168

4. Greg, You can look at the Responsible Purchasing Network website to get some ideas on green procurement. We work with governments on the local, state and federal level. Our guides consist of a comprehensive overview of the different steps needed green your institutions procurement policy. Our guides are for members only, but we have two that are welcome to the public. Please take a look at the Bottled Water and Cleaners guide at responsiblepurchasing.org. Let me know if you would like to speak further. -Christina Moretti

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Consolidated Deliveries, January 2009 4 Posts Original post: Has anyone looked into (or implemented) a process for consolidating, or limiting the number of weekly deliveries of office supplies and/or requiring the reuse or take back of boxes or containers for office supplies? In concert with our current office supplies contract vendor, MA is proposing to pilot these initiatives within a defined region of the state. Any feedback from others who may have gone through this already (successful or not) are welcome. Thank you. Marcia Deegler Director of Environmental Purchasing Operational Services Division One Ashburton Place, Room 1017 Boston, MA 02108-1552 617-720-3356, 617-727-4527 fax [email protected] Visit the EPP Website at www.mass.gov/epp Responses: 1. Marcia, Office Depot, Hennepin County's office supplies supplier has a program that limits the number of deliveries throughout the week. Agencies that set the delivery limits up also receive a rebate from Office Depot at the end of the year. Office Depot saves resources and it makes agencies more efficient and save money through a rebate. Contact them to be set up with this service (that is free).

2. Marcia, The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory worked with our office supply vendor to take back the pallets they were delivering our office products on. It saved us dealing with pallets and returned pallets to the vendor who reused them for the next shipment. This system only works if the delivery truck belongs to the vendor. ---Sandra Sandra Cannon, Technical Support U.S. Department of Energy Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program Tel. 509-529-1535 3. Good morning Marcia. Thanks for your advice in helping us develop our first green specs. Following is language from our computer spec. http://www.ogs.state.ny.us/EO4/pdf/Finals/Computers.pdf Bulk Delivery and Alternate Packaging: New York State encourages the use of innovative packaging that reduces the weight of packaging and the generation of packaging waste. Bidders/contractors are encouraged to use reusable materials and containers and to utilize packaging configurations that take advantage of storage containers designed to be part of the product for the shipment of multi-unit purchases. New York State recognizes that these packaging methods are in the development stage and may not be currently available. Companies are urged to consider more of these options, and state contractors are urged to offer these services as part of their contract price list. Authorized users are urged to inquire about these programs when purchasing computers and determine the best solution for their needs.

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EPP Preference, February 2009 5 Posts Original post: The city of West Sacramento, California is considering giving preference to environmentally preferable products in our purchasing policy. I am looking for other government agencies (hopefully some in California) that also do this and whether or not the amount of the preference is defined (for example, a 5% preference). Thank you, Paulina Rosenthal City of West Sacramento Refuse & Recycling Division 1110 W Capitol Ave West Sacramento, CA 95691 (916) 617-4590 - phone (916) 373-9006 – fax Responses: 1. Paulina, Check out our green 101 page. There are a list of polices that give preference to environmentally preferable products in their purchasing programs. There are quite a few from California. http://www.responsiblepurchasing.org/purchasing_guides/all/policies/ Christina Moretti, RPN Fellow Responsible Purchasing Network Center for New American Dream [email protected] 301.891.3683 ext. 102 www.responsiblepurchasing.org 2. You might also check out this CEC report on green purchasing policies. It identifies several policies that include price preferences -- http://www.cec.org/files/PDF//NAGPI%20Policy%20Paper2e.pdf

- Scot

Scot Case, Vice President TerraChoice Environmental Marketing, Inc. 29 N. Carolina Avenue Reading, PA 19608 800 478-0399 x245 610 779-3770 [email protected] 3. Since Mario Cuomo was Governor, New York State has allowed for a 10% price preference for vendors selling "Reused," "Recyclable" and "Recycled" products, or 15% if the product bidding has more than 50% of its recycled content coming from NY sources. Unfortunately, even though it's been in place, it is very difficult to use. At first, to assure vendors were being honest we were requiring certification of each product (for some paper mills, for example, this could represent 20 different product lines!) by the state's Dept. of Environmental Conservation. This process was way too cumbersome and took a very long time.

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So, even though the price preference has been in place, I am not sure how effective it's been in terms of assuring that state and local agencies would buy recycled. Instead, what New York is doing now is re-writing the specifications for 36 goods and services each year to make them environmentally-preferable. If the requirement is built into the specification than all bidders will have to provide "greener" commodities. Brenda G Brenda Grober Environmental Services Unit Empire State Development 30 South Pearl Street Albany, NY 12245 (518) 292-5342 / FAX (518) 292-5886 [email protected] 4. The State of Minnesota allows up to a 10% price premium for products containing recycled content. For every 10% recycled content, a 1% price premium is allowed, so a product containing 100% recycled content is given a 10% price premium. This allows the recycled content products to remain cost-competitive even if the cost is slightly higher. Johanna Kertesz Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Specialist Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (651) 757-2489 [email protected] www.rethinkrecycling.com/government/eppg www.pca.state.mn.us/epp

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Recycled Content for Carts, February 2009 2 Posts Original post: Does anyone have information on what the standard percentage is for post-consumer recycled content for wheeled carts? Massachusetts will be going out to bid this spring for recycling carts/bins/etc. and we would like to incorporate language in the contract that supports a higher content than the 20% that is currently required. Does anyone know what the industry standard is and if increasing the recycled content renders the carts structurally inferior? Are there any other issues MassDEP should be concerned with? Can anyone suggest contract language that may be appropriate? We are in the very early research phase for the contract and any feedback from others who may have already researched this is welcome. Thank you. Brian W. LaValle BWP - Consumer Programs MassDEP 1 Winter St. Boston, MA 02108 617-348-4076 Response: A reply from the Jobs through Recycling listserv network: From Adam Schlachter Southeast Sales Coordinator Norseman Plastics, an ORBIS Company Depending on the manufacturer....the content can be as high as 50%. We tried to spec out 100% at one point and many of the manufacturers don't like to respond (even though it can be done) because the plastic is brittle and they cannot warranty it for the 10 years that is normally required for recycling bins. If you have specific carts/bins in mind please let me know and I can get you the Norseman Plastics/ORBIS Corporation content specifications. So - Brian - let me ([email protected]) know if you want Adam's email address. Michelle Gaither Technical Research Coordinator Pollution Prevention Resource Center www.pprc.org

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Food Service Greening Language, February 2009 2 Posts Original post: The Indiana Government Center is in the process of reviewing its contract terms for our campus food service vendor and we are in the process of modifying the language regarding greening or sustainability. We are looking for language that has already been crafted for a large industrial operation in either the public or private sector. If you have had experience with this in the past could you offer suggestions? Thank you. Phillip Giddens, Director Indiana Greening the Government Program Indiana Department of Administration 402 W. Washington St., Rm. W-478 Indianapolis, IN 46204 Phone: 317-232-7658; Fax: 317-232-3154; Email: [email protected] Response: Hi Phillip: Green Seal began developing an environmental standard for restaurants and food service operations last March. The goal of the standard is to provide a comprehensive framework to reduce the environmental and health impacts associated with the operational aspects (the products, equipment, processes, and procedures) of the food service industry. The scope of the standard covers full-service, limited-service (e.g. fast-food, quick-casual), non-commercial (which would include college/university foodservice operations), and catering operations. During this process Green Seal conducted some original life cycle research to better understand the significant environmental impacts of the operational aspects of food services. Some of the areas of impact being considered in the standard are food production (the biggest source of impacts), energy and water use (usually the next source of impacts), waste management and operational support (cleaning, purchasing, company policies, company procedures, employee training, communication). The standard is expected to be finalized and available for certification in the next few months. In the meantime you can find more information about this project, including all of the supporting documents, at: http://www.greenseal.org/certification/gs46_food_service_operations.cfm. Although the standard isn’t final yet, you should find some useful information to use in your contract language. I hope this is helpful, Mark Mark T. Petruzzi, Vice President of Certification Green Seal, Inc. tel. 336-956-2211 (NC office) [email protected] www.greenseal.org

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Vehicle Maintenance Products, February 2009 3 Posts Original post: Hi, I am researching alternatives to a few products used in a county highway department fleet maintenance shop. I am interested in finding effective, environmentally preferable alternatives to the following: - Brake cleaner (current product is Penray Brake Cleaner) - A product used for: penetrating oil, clean carbon from carburetors, moisture displacement (the current product is SeaFoam Deep Creep) - Glass cleaner effective to -5 degrees F (current product is Green Tree Light Force and is in an aerosol can; the users like this b/c they keep individual bottles in their vehicles and the aerosols don't leak) - Pumice-like hand cleaner (current product is Zep Cherry Bomb) I am interested in products with reduced toxicity, products that come in environmentally preferable forms (i.e. non-aerosol), non-petroleum based products, etc. I am also particularly interested in any firsthand experiences folks may have had with alternatives (good AND bad!). Thanks for any feedback you may have. Have a great afternoon, Johanna Johanna Kertesz Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Specialist Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (651) 757-2489 [email protected] www.rethinkrecycling.com/government/eppg www.pca.state.mn.us/epp Responses: 1. Your second bullet point…penetrating oil resource list at USDA http://www.biopreferred.gov/Catalog.aspx Left-hand column. Then Industrial Supplies, then Lubricants, then Penetrating Lubricants. Doug, Douglas Reed, Purchasing Agent Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Hoover State Office Building, Level A Des Moines, IA 50319-0105 [email protected] Phone: (515) 242-6151 Fax: 515-725-0120 direct 2. The CT DEP fact sheets about Preventing Pollution in the Vehicle Services Industry might have some of the information you are looking for: http://www.ct.gov/dep/lib/dep/p2/vehicle/vehsp2intro.pdf

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Green IT Policy, March 2009 6 Posts Original post: Does anyone out there have a Green IT policy that they could share with us? We have had a few accomplishments in that area, but no comprehensive policy. Thanks. Karen Hamilton Environmental Purchasing Program King County Procurement and Contract Services 401 5th Avenue, 3rd Floor Seattle, WA 98104 (206)263-9294 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.kingcounty.gov/procurement/green Responses: 1. Karen - Massachusetts last fall issued a computer power management standard, which requires all state agencies to establish power down protocols for all (except certain exempted machines) desktops. We estimate our savings to be $2 million or more per year. You can find the standard at the state's Information Technology Division (ITD) website and the specific link is: http://www.mass.gov/anf/research-and-tech/oversight-agencies/itd/ We're also establishing other standards for EPEAT certified machines through our contracts. Not sure is this is what you're looking for, but hope it helps. Eric 2. You could also look at the Federal Electronics Challenge - http://federalelectronicschallenge.net/ 3. One thing I would encourage all purchasers to do is to ask for proof of the environmental claims electronic products (anything with a plug) are making. As we all know, the Energy Star program is a self-registration program. Manufacturers determine which products meet the standard. No one from EPA or DOE tests the products before they can call a product Energy Star compliant. Two U.S. Senators -- Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) -- are considering introducing legislation to require EPA and DOE to test products and verify they meet the Energy Star standard before manufacturers can use the Energy Star label. This is legislation I strongly support. A "friend" of mine recently purchased a $2,500 refrigerator he thought was Energy Star compliant. He learned after the purchase that the manufacturer lied. The product actually uses twice as much electricity as the manufacturer claimed. It does not even come close to meeting the Energy Star standard. And...the manufacturer refuses to give him his money back. If you want to learn more about my "friend," check out www.lgfridgefury.org

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Always ask for certification, verification, or other proof of any environmental claim. Individual consumers (like my "friend") aren't able to get companies to provide proof, but large purchasing organizations can demand proof. - Scot Scot Case Responsible Sourcing Solutions 29 North Carolina Avenue Reading, PA 19608 610 779-3770 610 781-1684 (cell) 4. Consumer Reports did an interesting article on why Energy Star certification is meaningless for refrigerators. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home-garden/resource-center/energy-star-has-lost-some-luster/overview/energy-star-ov.htm 5. There is more information on potential improvements to the Energy Star program and the challenges with growing numbers of fake labels in today's Wall Street Journal (4/2/09). (Personal Plug -- I was quoted.) Check out -- http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123862823846680371.html The article mentions that even the Department of Energy thinks third party verification of Energy Star claims might be necessary. This is great news and I'm still trying to independently verify it. Until manufacturers are required to provide proof and have it verified, I would encourage purchasers to ask for proof of the claims. The company's must have it or they shouldn't be making the claims. Asking for it should be a very reasonable request. - Scot

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EPP Model Policy, March 2009 3 Posts Original post: I’m looking for model environmental purchasing policies useful to primary & secondary schools. Also, more specific guidance from other schools regarding what brands or strategies were helpful to them. Thanks. Charen Fegard, Environmental Health Programs Manager Association of Vermont Recyclers 43 State Street; Suite 8 Montpelier, VT 05601 802.224.1000 [email protected] www.vtrecyclers.org Responses: 1. Charen, New York has an outstanding Healthy Schools Network with a wealth of green purchasing resources. http://www.healthyschools.org/ny_program.html; http://www.healthyschools.org/ Ron Smith Ohio EPA, Office of Compliance Assistance & Pollution Prevention 614-644-2813 614-644-2807 fax [email protected] http://www.epa.state.oh.us/ocapp/ocapp.html 2. I believe that the best program for schools is actually from the Healthy Schools Campaign (which is different from New York’s Healthy Schools Network). The Healthy Schools Campaign has developed the Quick & Easy Guide to Green Cleaning in Schools which contains a CD with over 300 pages of information. The info includes purchasing strategies, board policies, training requirements for custodians and more. And they have the endorsement of almost every major school organization you can think of. Plus, they distribute it for FREE! Information on the Quick & Easy Guide to Green Cleaning in Schools can be found at http://www.healthyschoolscampaign.org/publications/greencleaning/ Hope this helps, Steve P.S. As an interesting side note --- the Quick & Easy Guide was initially developed around a project for the Chicago Public Schools (CPS). And I’m sure you know that Arne Duncan from CPS is now Secretary of Education, so it wouldn’t surprise me if the work from the Healthy Schools Campaign gets extra legs…. Stephen P. Ashkin, President The Ashkin Group, LLC 3644 Tamarron Drive Bloomington, IN 47408 Voice: 812/332-7950 Fax: 812/332-7965 Email: [email protected] Visit us at: www.AshkinGroup.com

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Idling Policies, March 2009 3 Posts Original post: Hello, does anyone have examples of internal idling policies for their fleet vehicles that prescribe best practices for turning off the engine, etc.? Thank you! -Stacey Stacey Foreman City of Portland, Oregon, Bureau of Purchases Responses: 1. Stacey, The City of Cleveland established this policy back in 2006, as one of the first programs instituted by the newly hired "Sustainability Program Manager" http://www.earthdaycoalition.org/documents/IdleReductCleveland.pdf. For detailed info on the internal policy, here is his contact information- Andrew C. Watterson, LEED-AP Manager, Sustainability Program Department of Utilities 1201 Lakeside Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44114 P: (216) 664-2444 Ext. 5582 F: (216) 664-2378 E: [email protected] http://www.city.cleveland.oh.us/government/departments/pubutil/sustainability/index1.html 2. Stacey, Hennepin County has a fairly straight to the point policy HERE. It is at the bottom of the webpage. You could use it as model.

NY State has a law that includes trucks and taxis: “…State law (2007) already restricts bus and truck idling to no more than five consecutive minutes. This legislation authorizes the Commissioner of Education to require that school buses to be turned off while waiting for passengers to load or unload on school grounds or in front of schools, unless idling is necessary for heating, mechanical or emergency conditions. http://www.state.ny.us/governor/press/0907072.html

“… A new law (2009) seeks to cut that pollution by giving vehicles just 60 seconds to idle in a school zone. The measure signed into law this month cuts the allowed idling time from three minutes to one minute around schools, and gives more city agencies the power to issue violations. It also requires an annual violations report so officials can track enforcement….”

USEPA Sample Idling Policy: http://epa.gov/cleanschoolbus/antiidling.htm

Think about setting a time limit, a distance from children zones, exemptions, etc. Best,

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Toni Stein State of California Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program Department of General Services, Procurement Division 707 3rd Street, 2nd Floor, West Sacramento, CA 95605 (916) 375-4460 (650)-823-7662 cell [email protected] http://www.green.ca.gov/EPP/default.htm

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EPP custodial products, April 2009 2 Posts Original post: Missouri's Office of Administration Division of Purchasing & Materials Management is developing a bid solicitation for Missouri Vocational Enterprises (a vocational training program for offenders within the Department of Corrections). The solicitation seeks both green custodial chemicals for manufacture, and related marketing services. The goal of the solicitation is two-fold: the successful vendor will supply MVE with EPP chemicals to be used in manufacturing a line of "green" custodial products that MVE will sell to its state and political subdivision customers. Additionally, the successful vendor will mentor MVE to responsibly market its green products line. Since MVE's primary goal is to provide on-the- job-skills development to offenders, an emphasis will be placed on the degree to which the successful vendor exposes MVE to all levels of the manufacturing, production, and marketing aspects of establishing and running a line of EPP custodial products. Can anyone refer us to suppliers of raw materials to produce EPP custodial products or who advise regarding the development of EPP lines of product? Vendors may contact Liz Palazzolo with the State of Missouri's Commodities Procurement section @ 573-751-4885 or [email protected] Thank you, Rob Didriksen Coordinator, Missouri State Recycling Program 573-751-3384 Response: The State of Minnesota’s MINNCOR program sounds similar to the MVE program. MINNCOR has several industries, one of which is cleaning products. They market and sell green products from Northland Chemical, and the products are featured on our state contract for cleaning products. You can learn more about the program by visiting their website: http://www.minncor.com/default.htm Johanna Kertesz Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Specialist Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (651) 757-2489 [email protected] www.rethinkrecycling.com/government/eppg www.pca.state.mn.us/epp

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Paper Policy Questions: Reduction & Environmental Qualities, April 2009 3 Posts Original post: I have a couple of questions related to paper policies we are looking at. Responses to one or all questions would be appreciated, as well as any paper use policies you can share. If you mandate the default on printers and copiers to be duplex, how do you implement and monitor it? If you mandate that new copiers be equipped with scanning capabilities, have you had challenges with departments pushing back due to cost or other reasons? If you mandate 100% recycled content and/or process chlorine free/totally chlorine free (pcf/tcf) for copy paper and janitorial papers, have you had challenges in your bidding process with getting enough quality products and are they at competitive prices? Thanks for your time and your thoughts. Karen Cook Alameda County Sustainability Program 510-208-9754 Responses: 1. Karen, Lots of info... If you mandate the default on printers and copiers to be duplex, how do you implement and monitor it? County IT and County Library IT sets up PCs to print duplex from remote locations. This reduces costs to have someone from IT go to EVERY PC and set up the default. There are a handful of PCs that are exempt from having duplex printing as the default... some are in the Service Center (registration forms), etc. County IT and County Library IT sent out emails as sections (depts) within the county were switching to default printing to educate users on what’s going on. They also gave simple instructions and a screen snap of how to override the default setting for one time printing. After overriding the default for one time printing, it simply goes back to the normal duplex printing feature. That is the checks and balances to make sure that duplexing is enabled permanently. Only IT can change it. We (IT and Environmental Services) wanted it that way) to ensure compliance. If you mandate that new copiers be equipped with scanning capabilities, have you had challenges with departments pushing back due to cost or other reasons? Nope. We use Ricoh multifunction machines (printers, scanners, copiers, fax, etc.). We receive excellent prices for these machines from the U.S. Communities Contract. We also purchase some multifunction printers (and PCs) from the WSCA Contract. On occasion, IT has purchased printers and other equipment through TechDept through the U.S. Communities Contract. It all depends on where we will receive the best price. One thing to note that I don't hear of many people doing for PC purchasing... We have found tremendous savings in purchasing PCs in bulk packaging. You can learn more about it HERE. If you mandate 100% recycled content and/or process chlorine free/totally chlorine free (pcf/tcf) for copy paper and janitorial papers, have you had challenges in your bidding process with getting enough quality products and are they at competitive prices?

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We used 100% RC paper for a limited time in all county facilities. The price jumped up .15 cents per 500 sheets and decided to go back to 30%PC for most locations. Environmental Services is one of the only locations that has been using 100%PC for years and still does. We set up several mandates for purchasing recycled content and adhere to them. Copier Paper (and all papers), toilet paper, paper towels have recycled content standards that we follow. To reach this internal mandate, we simply purchase our supplies where we receive good prices and good service. We still purchase 100%PC envelopes. We purchase some papers through the U.S. Communities/Office Depot contract. Most of our everyday copy paper is purchased through a State of MN- Anchor Paper in St. Paul, MN. Our paper towels and tissue is purchased through a State of MN Contract from Apache Group of MN, Inc. We have been able to hold our prices down for all office supplies and increase green purchasing in this area by implementing the Green Products Initiative: Office Supplies Program. You can learn more about it HERE. From an earlier EPPNET email (If you’re interested in GHG Emissions and paper)... 11/7/08 Hi, In response to an earlier question, GHG and energy benefits from recycled paper (and other recycled products) can also be calculated through EPA's ReCon Tool. Through this tool, StopWaste.Org created a metric: One metric ton of CO2 equivalent is eliminated under the following purchasing scenarios: * For every 30 cases of 30% postconsumer recycled content paper * For every 6 cases of 100% postconsumer paper Beth Eckl EPE Consulting Danville, CA (925) 838-2731 2. Question 3. Yes. Our agency purchased a significant amount of the 100 % recycled /chlorine free supply... Procurement contracting accepted lower % as alternatives. As market develops, we expect more to be produced. Costs for large purchases, (truckload) were stated to be similar. In Red Below: Doug Douglas Reed, Purchasing Agent Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Hoover State Office Building, Level A Des Moines, IA 50319-0105 [email protected] Phone: (515) 242-6151 -----Original Message----- From: EPPnet Sent: Monday, April 06, 2009 7:55 PM

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To: Reed, Doug [DAS] Subject: [eppnet] Paper Policy Questions: Reduction and Environmental Qualities I have a couple of questions related to paper policies we are looking at. Responses to one or all questions would be appreciated, as well as any paper use policies you can share. If you mandate the default on printers and copiers to be duplex, how do you implement and monitor it? Until recent economic events it was not closely monitored. Close monitoring came with the last round of budget cuts. It started with the Director of Administrative Services own printer/copier, and now every division is following his example. All are set to default duplex and Black and White versus single-sided or color and usage has been down about 50% since the boss initiated it. Lease Reporting can tell bosses which of our co-workers might be abusing the mandate. There are programs also to do that reporting if the copier/printer is not on a lease, but rather purchased. I wish I could say the response was solely for environmental reasons; but economics has been the major reason for success. Now it should become standard operating procedure. If you mandate that new copiers be equipped with scanning capabilities, have you had challenges with departments pushing back due to cost or other reasons? We have not mandated scanners; just recommend it highly. I think we have set a good example. I started out many years ago with a small single-page scanner I rescued out of a storage room, along with printing and sending all bid documents through the US Mail. We now have a good combination printer/copier/scanner with a document-feeder scanner and today ‘printing and mailing’ a bid is truly a rare exception. Scanning has been such a success that we have recently purchased a dedicated scanner. The only drawback of a combination machine is that while either the printer or copier function is not working; it can keep you from scanning documents until the repair person comes. We are so dependent upon the scanner function now that we can justify a separate, dedicated scanner so work can always go on. We need to make one more progress step and that is to be able to accept electronic signatures/electronic bids from our vendors. We have experimented with totally electronic bidding; but we have not made a complete transition yet. If you mandate 100% recycled content and/or process chlorine free/totally chlorine free (pcf/tcf) for copy paper and janitorial papers, have you had challenges in your bidding process with getting enough quality products and are they at competitive prices? We don’t mandate either 100% RC or pcf/tcf.

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Alternative Food Service Ware Success, April 2009 17 Posts Original post: Has anyone implemented a switch to greener food service products like bowls, plates, cups, and trays? (e.g. Styrofoam to reusables or Styrofoam to paper products)?

From a performance and environmental standpoint, which types of products (reusables, paper, other compostables, recyclables) which are better than others?

Has anyone chosen not to use reusables for particular reasons? Which products shouldn’t even be considered, if any?

I’m also trying to get a sense as to the justification for the higher initial price tag.

Choosing alternatives usually means an increase in purchasing costs, but are their ways that these products reduce operating costs, say in places like waste management?

Any insight from those who have investigated, piloted, or implemented these types of products would be much appreciated. Thanks, Mary Jo Snavely Mary Jo Snavely, Program Manager The Center for a New American Dream Responsible Purchasing Network 301.891.3683 x.110 w [email protected] 6930 Carroll Avenue, Suite 900 Takoma Park, MD 20912 http://consciousconsumer.org www.ResponsiblePurchasing.org Responses: 1. MaryJo, The cafeteria in our (21 story) building uses virtually all biodegradable food service ware. However, they say they went through four companies to find the quality product they needed. I will speak with them and get some particulars on that to share. They recently estimated the cost premium at about 15% (I have not seen any supporting data on that though). Unfortunately, we do not have a composting program for them yet, which to my knowledge is perhaps the only way to realize some cost savings in waste reduction benefits– but others my know more on that. There are also still some (hot) food temperature issues with the utensils. I will also forward this message to the Sustainability Coordinator at one of our UMASS campuses; she has several years’ direct experience. Marcia Deegler Director of Environmental Purchasing Operational Services Division One Ashburton Place, Room 1017 Boston, MA 02108-1552 617-720-3356, 617-727-4527 fax

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[email protected] Visit the EPP Website at www.mass.gov/epp 2. Perry Plumart, of the "Greening the Capitol" initiative in Washington, DC, recently discussed this at the EPA RCC meeting in Crystal City, VA in late March 2009. You can see his PowerPoint at http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/rcc/resources/meetings/rcc-2009/plumart-food.pdf Perry can be emailed at [email protected] Mike Giuranna, Solid Waste Specialist EPA, Region III 1650 Arch Street (3LC40) Phila, PA 19103-2029 ph: 215-814-3298 fax:215-814-3163 [email protected] 3. Hi Mary Jo, Over the last year, Steelcase -- a member of the West Michigan Sustainable Purchasing Consortium (www.wmspc.org) -- has been purchasing compostable food ware AND composting it. They’ve really done some great work there which we hope to build off of for a future consortium purchase as well as educational opportunities to our members. I’ll get in touch with my contact there to see if she can answer some of your questions in more detail. -Paula Paula Levin Delta Institute Associate 53 W Jackson Blvd | Suite 230 | Chicago, IL 60604 plevin @ delta-institute.org t 312.554.0900x17 f 312.554.0193 w delta-institute.org 4. Hello Mary Jo and EPPnetters, The City of Santa Monica introduced an ordinance a couple of years ago that banned non-recyclable disposable food containers from city facilities as well as all food establishments in the city. The ordinance basically allows products that are recyclable or compostable. All our information and distributors can be found at www.smepd.org/container. To answer your questions: Has anyone implemented a switch to greener food service products like bowls, plates, cups, and trays? (e.g. Styrofoam to reusables or Styrofoam to paper products)? Yes

From a performance and environmental standpoint, which types of products (reusables, paper, other compostables, recyclables) which are better than others? Obviously the reusables are the best way to go and we try to advocate for this. It’s much easier to accomplish for smaller meetings (10-20 persons or less) than large events where hundreds of people will be attending. As far as the environment, it is relative. The main reason we banned expanded polystyrene is because of the impact it has on our marine environment. Performance really depends on the type of food and how much a particular group wants to complain about the performance. Definitely be aware that you need to know if hot or cold drinks and foods will be served. The clear compostable containers do not work for hot foods or drinks, but are great for sandwiches, salads, cold drinks and such. Paper products can weep if liquidity food is put in them, so quality is important. It is also important to think about how containers are disposed. If you don’t plan to collect compostables,

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such as PLA containers for composting, you might not want to buy them. Buy paper or recyclable plastic.

Has anyone chosen not to use reusables for particular reasons? Again when selling this to staff, the reality is that most people should accept the reusables as long as they have a kitchen and someone willing to wash a finite numbers of dirty dishes…this can actually be a challenge.

Which products shouldn’t even be considered, if any? We are still trying to determine this, but many entities that have required recyclables and compostable containers will tell you that you should only allow compostable containers certified to ASTM D6400. There are some sketchy containers coming in from other countries.

I’m also trying to get a sense as to the justification for the higher initial price tag.

Choosing alternatives usually means an increase in purchasing costs, but are their ways that these products reduce operating costs, say in places like waste management?

Any insight from those who have investigated, piloted, or implemented these types of products would be much appreciated. Karl Bruskotter 310-458-2255 www.smepd.org 5. Mary Jo: Hi! I recently worked on parts of the specifications for “disposables”. We awarded two new contracts recently (bulleted below). Attached also is a draft summary of the different products awarded in the new contract. Links to the product manufacturer’s websites is in the write up. You can access our contract and download our specification through our new e-procurement system and you can search for other State or local contracts that may be posted.

In November 2008 a one year contract was awarded for Plates, Bowls, Trays, Containers, Utensils, Lunch Boxes, and Wrapping Materials, Y with a January 2009 start date. This contract (1-08-73-02A) can be downloaded:

http://www.bidsync.com/DPX?ac=agencycontview&contid=4003 In February 2009 a one year contract was awarded for Cups, Lids, Containers and

Napkins with a March 2009 start date. This contract (1-09-73-02C) can be downloaded: http://www.bidsync.com/DPX?ac=agencycontview&contid=8321

Both of these contracts were awarded to San Joaquin Distributors, which is a “California

based Small Business” specializing in disposable food containers. I am continuing to follow up with the Department that uses this contract to encourage them to institute composting along with the use of these products. The following website is excellent and very useful: http://www.cool2012.com/ Best, Toni Stein State of California Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program Department of General Services, Procurement Division 707 3rd Street, 2nd Floor, West Sacramento, CA 95605 (916) 375-4460 (650)-823-7662 cell

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[email protected] http://www.green.ca.gov/EPP/default.htm 6. Hi Karl, Thanks for sharing that information. I know there are a lot of recyclable plastic container options out there, but I’m wondering: Are you actually able to recycle the food ware containers? My impression is that often times recyclable containers do not actually get recycled because 1) a recycling facility doesn’t accept them, OR 2) cafeterias and restaurants do not have the space or capacity to thoroughly clean the items (to avoid

food contamination in the recycling stream) before putting them in a recycling bin thanks, Paula Paula Levin Delta Institute Associate 53 W Jackson Blvd | Suite 230 | Chicago, IL 60604 plevin @ delta-institute.org t 312.554.0900x17 f 312.554.0193 w delta-institute.org 7. A recycling company wouldn’t want this type of material in their load, since when it is mixed with the PET and HDPE, it creates a very breakable end product. It is not a good end product for new water or pop bottles. The compostable plastics are supposed to be composted in a specific facility that takes this material; composting it at a specific temperature. If put in a windrow outside with the regular composted yard waste, it can’t break down properly. There could be possible contamination from chemicals found in this dishware. More research needs to be done. This material is making composting and recycling difficult in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Business wants to be Green and do the right thing but currently, this material makes it difficult to do the correct thing. We are always looking for more information regarding this topic. Businesses look to us for the answers and I am still learning about this topic. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Lisa Perschke Business Recycling Coordinator Recycle Ann Arbor 2420 S. Industrial Hwy. Ann Arbor, MI 48104 734.662.6288 (113) OFFICE 734.320.9492 MOBILE 734.662.7749 FAX 8. If you'd like to learn more about these types of materials, you should contact the Biodegradable Products Institute, go to http://www.bpiworld.org/ Mike Giuranna, Solid Waste Specialist

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EPA, Region III 1650 Arch Street (3LC40) Phila, PA 19103-2029 ph: 215-814-3298 fax:215-814-3163 [email protected] 9. The Department of Ecology just received a large donation of reusable dishes from a local artist. We also have commercial dishwashers in place. Moving towards reusable dishes and utensils seems to be the most sustainable option for small meetings and we will be trying them out at our Earth Day event for 100 next week. Karin Kraft Interagency Sustainability Coordinator WA State Department of Ecology PO Box 47600 Olympia, WA 98504-7600 (360) 407-6693 http://www.ecy.wa.gov/beyondwaste/epp.html 10. As I see it, we are facing a number of challenges related to compostable food ware. To name a few:

Just because a product is compostable does not mean it is actually being composted…While people get really excited about compostable products as an environmentally preferable option, they may become disillusioned/frustrated/confused when they realize that the products are often being sent to a landfill rather than a composting facility or windrow (where temperature and other conditions are closely monitored). Compostable plastics should not enter into the recycling stream since their organic content can contaminate the recycling process and weaken the end product. This would not be such a problem if compostable plastics were easily identifiable and therefore easily separated out from other materials. However, compostable plastics often look like non-compostable plastics! And since compostable plastics are labeled with #7 for “other” -- a category which also includes a medley of petroleum-based plastic resins –even an attentive user/consumer would not be able to tell the difference and would likely toss the bottle into a recycling bin if one were available. It would be great if there was a unique number assigned to compostables rather than having them lumped into “other.” The term “recyclable” is often used interchangeably with “compostable” when it really should not be. Compostable items should be composted, not recycled (see #2 above). We should only say that compostable materials are being recycled if they are going into a stream consisting only of other compostable materials. And even then, we should be sure to qualify our statement to avoid confusion. For instance, Green Planet Bottling is a company in Chicago that sells bottled water in compostable bottles (made from Ingeo resin). Since commercial composting is not currently available in Chicago, Green Planet picks up its bottles from buildings that sell them, and they recycle the resin to make it into more bottles. In other words, the recycling process for their compostable plastics is entirely separate from the process for petroleum-based plastics. So, until composting facilities and services are more widely available, the challenge is to separate compostable plastics from traditional plastics. The beauty of Steelcase’s program is that they use all compostable food ware. This means that all the food ware and food waste can be put into one bin. The only items that have to be separated out are glass, aluminum and plastic bottles. Ketchup packets and the like would need to be separated out if they became a problem, but their composting facility accepts a certain amount of contamination. Disposable food ware is challenging overall. Why? Because whether it is recyclable or compostable, it often ends up in a landfill….And that’s the question I was asking Karl in my email,

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below. Just as buying a compostable product doesn’t ensure that it gets composted, buying a recyclable product does not ensure that it gets recycled… My impression is that food ware made from recyclable plastic only gets recycled if it’s a bottle or container since recycling facilities don’t want food contamination entering the recycling stream. So, for instance, a plastic plate will not get recycled. I’m not certain if a plastic clamshell will get recycled. Under the City of Chicago’s blue cart program, I believe the clamshell would be collected and recycled since the program accepts plastic “bottles and containers” except for #6.

It would be great to hear more from people that have implemented programs to increase the recycling rates of plastic food ware. What kind of training did you roll out? Do the materials need to be cleaned before they’re hauled away? Etc. Another question: does anybody have any reports or studies that compare the life cycles of compostable and traditional products when they both end up in a landfill? In other words, what are some of the environmental benefits of compostable products besides the fact that they can be composted? For instance, most are made from renewable resources rather than petroleum. What other factors should we be considering and what resources are out there to make apples to apples comparisons so that we can make the best decisions? Thanks! Paula Paula Levin Delta Institute Associate 53 W Jackson Blvd | Suite 230 | Chicago, IL 60604 plevin @ delta-institute.org t 312.554.0900x17 f 312.554.0193 w delta-institute.org 11. The State of Minnesota recently awarded a contract for compostable bags to three vendors (we required all bags to pass real-life performance testing AND to be BPI-certified). We are currently working on a request for proposal for compostable food service items that will be used primarily by schools with organics collection programs. We will be subjecting all proposed food service items to performance testing. I would be happy to share the results of the request for proposal we submit once the process is complete. As I mentioned, these products are intended for use in facilities with organics collection programs. The reason for developing a state contract is to leverage purchasing power to obtain better pricing. At this point, cost is a barrier for using compostables. Johanna Kertesz Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Specialist Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (651) 757-2489 [email protected] www.rethinkrecycling.com/government/eppg www.pca.state.mn.us/epp 12. RE: “Another question: does anybody have any reports or studies that compare the life cycles of compostable and traditional products when they both end up in a landfill? In other words, what are some

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of the environmental benefits of compostable products besides the fact that they can be composted? For instance, most are made from renewable resources rather than petroleum. What other factors should we be considering and what resources are out there to make apples to apples comparisons so that we can make the best decisions?” We are having life cycle analyses run on several different products. He will be giving us life cycle assessments for two scenarios: landfilled vs. composted/recycled. Our life cycle analyst is telling us that transportation of these products will have the greatest footprint in terms of emissions. Mary Jo Snavely, Program Manager The Center for a New American Dream Responsible Purchasing Network 301.891.3683 x.110 w [email protected] 6930 Carroll Avenue, Suite 900 Takoma Park, MD 20912 http://consciousconsumer.org www.ResponsiblePurchasing.org 13. If you are buying for correctional facilities; you need to consider the additional factor that compostable service ware also needs to be soft enough so it cannot be sharpened into weapons. There is probably a play on words about life cycle in this somewhere; but I’m not going there. Doug Douglas Reed, Purchasing Agent Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Hoover State Office Building, Level A Des Moines, IA 50319-0105 [email protected] Phone: (515) 242-6151 14. Hey Mary Jo, You may want to contact someone at the Sustainable Packaging Coalition. I believe they have conducted a life cycle analysis of disposable food containers. Not sure if they will give it to you or charge you for it or what? Karl Karl Bruskotter 310-458-2255 www.smepd.org 15. My big concern about these items is that the users are assuming that they readily compose in a landfill and the vendors are not doing a very good job of educating them about how and when these products will actually compost. In our Green Lodging program, we rarely let hotels get credit for using these items, because in most cases, they do not have access to a commercial composting facility, nor are they source separating the materials. Peter Peter Goren Program Director Florida Green Lodging

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Florida Department of Environmental Protection 3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, MS 30 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000 Direct Line (850)245-2136 Fax (850)245-2159 [email protected] www.FloridaGreenLodging.org 16. Hi Pete, I agree that vendors are not quick to highlight the nuances about compostable products. In some cases they may not be aware of the dilemma and in other cases they don't want to discourage a sale. I definitely think that people need to better understand what is and is not being composted. However, I also wonder if there are other benefits to these compostable products that should be highlighted. For instance, many of them are made from renewable resources rather than petroleum. So, if we assume that both the petroleum-based container and the bio-based container are going in the landfill (which is often, though not always the case) some important questions to answer include: 1) Is there any difference in methane emitted or chemicals leached from the products in the landfill? 2) What are the differences in energy use, water use, resource use BEFORE disposal, and how might these factors affect a purchasers decision on which product is most EPP? 3) Are there differences in impacts on human health between eating out of one versus another? Paula Levin Delta Institute Associate 53 W Jackson Blvd | Suite 230 | Chicago, IL 60604 plevin @ delta-institute.org t 312.554.0900x17 f 312.554.0193 w delta-institute.org

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EPP Product Information: Disposable Food Containers, April 2009: Alternative Food Service Ware Discussion

Background: The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is the primary Department that orders and uses Disposable Food Service Supplies in their facilities. The following product categories were in the prior contract:

Styrofoam cups, lids, and containers ($150K) Styrofoam Food Trays – hinged, 3 & 5 compartments ($300K)

The DGS Acquisitions Team including PD Acquisition specialists, Engineering and Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program staff, revised the mandatory statewide contract bid specification toward “greener” products. The team made amendments in the bid specification to move away from food containers made of non-compostable materials such as all of the Styrofoam containers. To do so, the following steps were taken:

Request for Information – gathered information from supplies Gathered product samples from suppliers Tested the product samples at different State Institutions Standardized the products list

Then the specification was amended significantly and included the following new provisions (with some minor exceptions for the hot cups/lids):

Processed Chlorine free Bio-based material Compostable Bio-degradable Recycled Content

In November 2008 a one year contract was awarded for Plates, Bowls, Trays, Containers, Utensils, Lunch Boxes, and Wrapping Materials, with a January 2009 start date. This contract (1-08-73-02A) can be downloaded, http://www.bidsync.com/DPX?ac=agencycontview&contid=4003 . In February 2009 a one year contract was awarded for Cups, Lids, Containers and Napkins with a March 2009 start date. This contract (1-09-73-02C) can be downloaded http://www.bidsync.com/DPX?ac=agencycontview&contid=8321 . Both of these contracts were awarded to San Joaquin Distributors, which is a “California based Small Business” specializing in disposable food containers. The bid specification will be revisited next year to add and improve criteria as the technology and measurement methods are further developed, for example there may be upgrades in coatings and updates in the ASTM standards for composting as they are under development along with the many new municipal and commercial composting equipment and facilities are being implemented in CA and throughout the US. The new contract includes the following green products:

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Plates and bowls: This contract includes 6” and 10” inch round bio-based plates and 12 ounce bio-based bowls that are compostable, biodegradable, and chlorine free and they are liquid & grease resistant. The bowls are oil and water resistant up to 190 ºF. The plates and bowl are manufactured by Bridge-Gate Alliance Group, http://bridge-gate.com/ and are made out of molded sugarcane (bagasse) and wheat fiber. These items are third party certified to meet the ASTM D6400 requirements by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI)/US Composting Council eco logo program, http://www.bpiworld.org/BPI-Public/Approved/2.html. Trays and Clamshell containers: This contract includes two sizes of food trays : a six compartment tray (9" x 12") and a five compartment tray (8" x 10"). The contract also includes a three compartment takeout style clamshell hinged container (9"W x 9"L x 3"D). These products are all compostable, biodegradable, and processed chlorine free and are manufactured by Bridge-Gate Alliance Group, http://bridge-gate.com/. They are made out of molded sugarcane (bagasse) and wheat fiber and are third party certified to meet the ASTM D6400 requirements by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI)/US Composting Council eco logo program, http://www.bpiworld.org/BPI-Public/Approved/2.html. These products are rated to stand hot foods up to 190 ºF, as well as oil and grease Knife Fork, Spoon, and Straws This contract includes bio-based, compostable, biodegradable utensils and straws. They are made out of bio-plastics derived from corn starch. The knife spoons and forks are manufactured by World Centric, http://worldcentric.org/. The utensils are heat resistant up to 190ºF, impermeable, shatter proof (will not splinter), and have a minimum of a 1-year shelf life in dry storage. World Centric tests these bio-plastics and assures that they are not made with any GMOs. The straws are also bio-plastic derived from corn starch. They are manufactured by Eco Products, http://www.ecoproducts.com/cms/category/44.html Napkins This contract includes four styles of paper napkins. The contract includes a single ply tall fold napkin (7" x 13-1/2"), a single ply dainty-low fold napkin (10" x 12"), a single ply 1/4 fold luncheon napkin (12-1/8" x 13-1/2"), a double ply 1/8 fold dinner napkin (15" x 17"). They are all made with 100% recycled content and from processes that include 100% bleach-free processing. The tall fold napkins are natural-colored and made with 90% post consumer recycled content paper. All of the napkins are manufactured by Tork SCA http://www.tork.us/ps/index.php?product=D3056A and they have all been third party certified to meet EcoLogo’s environmental Table Napkins Standard CCD-084, http://www.ecologo.org/common/assets/criterias/CCD-084.pdf . Paper Lunch Boxes This contract includes a automatic self-locking cardboard Lunch Box (9” x 5” x 4.5”). It is constructed out of sturdy cardboard (0.020 inch thick) material and contains 100% recycled content of which 50% are post consumer recycled content exceeding CA SABRC paper minimum. The boxes are manufactured by the Los Angeles Paper Box & Board Mills, http://www.lapb.com/ Cups and Cup Sleeves All of the cold cups, small containers, and cup sleeves are compostable and biodegradable. The cold cups are dry wax coated paper manufactured by Solo. The small hot/cold containers are made from sugarcane fiber (bagasse leftover after juice extraction) by World Centric, http://worldcentric.org/biocompostables/bagasse. The hot cup sleeves are unbleached manufactured

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with 80% post consumer recycled content waste paper by World Centric, http://worldcentric.org/biocompostables/paper/cupsleeves. Note that some of the hot cups or lids are bio-based but are not compostable. Some of the hot cups are manufactured with a polyethylene coated paper and the lids are made of polystyrene. Packaging Additionally, all of the paper based packaging used to deliver the disposable food containers in these contracts meet the State’s SABRC 30% Post Consumer Recycled Content minimum. For more info: Toni Stein State of California Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program Department of General Services, Procurement Division 707 3rd Street, 2nd Floor, West Sacramento, CA 95605 (916) 375-4460 (650)-823-7662 cell [email protected] http://www.green.ca.gov/EPP/default.htm

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Contract for refilling toner cartridges, April 2009 2 Posts Original post: Hello! Has anyone established a contract/contract language for toner refill services? Or does anyone have first-hand experience using toner refill services for office equipment cartridges? We have some staff interested in using toner refill services as an alternative to remanufactured or OEM cartridges (for laser and ink jet). Thank you. -Stacey Stacey Foreman Sustainable Procurement Program Coordinator City of Portland, Oregon, Bureau of Purchases Response: Stacey – The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has a contract for remanufactured toner cartridges. I would caution you from treating this as a “refilling service” for cartridges as there is more to remanufacturing than that – reputable vendors basically reuse the plastic shell of the cartridge, but replace most other elements, especially the cartridge drum. In our contract, in addition to specific steps that the vendor has to take in the remanufacturing process, we also have requirements for testing remanufactured cartridges, collecting empty cartridges once they are empty, free equipment service if equipment malfunctions due to a defective cartridge. For more information, I would refer you to my most under-appreciated work – the remanufactured cartridge Q&A developed for the Responsible Purchasing Network: http://www.responsiblepurchasing.org/forum/user_messages.php?config[com_global][discussion_uid]=6&config[com_global][thread_uid]=23 RPN also has a guide for remanufactured toner cartridges with additional information (I believe it includes our specifications). I would encourage you to give preference to vendors who have obtained STMC certification by the International Imaging Technology Council: http://www.i-itc.org/stmcompanies.htm Dmitriy Nikolayev Procurement Manager Facilities and Environmental Services Operational Services Division Commonwealth of Massachusetts One Ashburton Place, Room 1017 Boston, MA 02108 Phone: 617-720-3351 Fax: 617-727-4527 [email protected]

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Air Conditioning Filters, April 2009 2 Posts Original post: Greetings, Does anyone know of contract specifications, sustainable criteria, or 'green' options when it comes to Air Filters? Filters must meet the minimum performance requirements based on the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Are there products that are more sustainable than others. I have not heard of any firms offering green alternatives for these products. This is for Municipal offices and a contract in the range of $40,000 per year. Best regards, Aiden Aiden M. Cohen Sustainability Senior Buyer City of Austin Financial & Administrative Services Dept. Central Purchasing Office PO Box 1088 Austin TX 78767 512-972-4008 (Office) 512-972-4015 (Fax) [email protected] Response: I know of a company that claims to take back the filters and reconditions or recycle them at a comparable price when considering disposal diversion: Edward G. Magee, President Delta M [email protected] www.deltaminc.com (888) 511.9983 Peter Peter Goren Program Director Florida Green Lodging Florida Department of Environmental Protection 3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, MS 30 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000 Direct Line (850)245-2136 Fax (850)245-2159 [email protected] www.FloridaGreenLodging.org

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Federal EPP Requirements, April 2009 11 Posts Original post: Does anyone know if entities receiving more than $10,000 in federal monies still have to purchase recycled content paper? Responses: 1. The EPA's Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines state that, "Procuring agencies include all federal agencies, and any state or local government agencies or government contractors that use appropriated federal funds to purchase the designated items. If your agency spends more than $10,000 per year on a product designated in the CPG, you are required to purchase it with the highest recycled-content level practicable." (p. 2 of Product Resource Guides). CPG home page --> http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/tools/cpg/index.htm Product Resource Guides --> http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/tools/cpg/factshts.htm Rob Didriksen Coordinator, Missouri State Recycling Program 2. The Executive Order that was based on has been revoked and replaced with 13423 which appears to only address federal government purchases. Becky M. Jayne Office of Pollution Prevention IL Environmental Protection Agency P. O. Box 19276 Springfield, IL 62794-9276 Phone: 217-524-9642 Fax: 217-557-2125 [email protected] 3. Rob's information is accurate. Recycled content purchasing requirements are covered by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976. Any organization spending a single Federal dollar comes under the requirement to give preference to the CPG designated recycled content products. The executive orders have no effect on this requirement. This is not the case for other designated products: biobased, ENERGY STAR/FEMP qualified, EPEAT registered electronic equipment, WaterSense labeled, ozone depleting alternatives, and low standby power devices. Those are governed by other acts of Congress (Farm Security and Rural Investment Act for biobased and a series of Energy Policy acts for the others), which only require Federal agencies to comply but offer an opportunity for other organizations to take advantage of available standards and avoid green wash. Sandra Cannon, Technical Support U.S. Department of Energy Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program Tel. 509-529-1535

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4. Do you know if there is anything that stipulates where the recycled products come from? Recycled content and manufacturing from another country a deciding factor? Thanks 5. There are no stipulations concerning source of recycled content. Sandra Cannon, Technical Support U.S. Department of Energy Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program Tel. 509-529-1535

6. Sandra: The F.A.R. stipulations governing Trade Agreements does restricts purchases to those countries that are recognized in the Trade Agreements Act. This would also include recycled content products. Martin A. Prince Environmental Specialist (QSDABA)(R02) GSA Northeast and Caribbean Region Phone 212-264-7883 Fax 212-264-3574

7. Martin, Interesting but doesn't that cover just the product and not all the ingredients of the product or is this a nuance I am not aware of--say the recycled content comes from a non-trade agreement country but the product itself comes from a trade agreement country? Always learning---Sandra Sandra Cannon, Technical Support U.S. Department of Energy Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program Tel. 509-529-1535

8. A follow-up question: Does this mean that our contractors receiving federal stimulus money or being paid by FEMA for emergency work are required to comply with recycled-content purchasing requirements? Does this type of spending fall under "appropriated funds"? Dmitriy Nikolayev Procurement Manager Facilities and Environmental Services Operational Services Division Commonwealth of Massachusetts One Ashburton Place, Room 1017 Boston, MA 02108 Phone: 617-720-3351 Fax: 617-727-4527 [email protected]

9. Sandra: That is a conundrum involving the Trade Agreements Act. However, at this point in time we have not had opportunity to deal with the scenario. Specifically, no vendors to date have approached us at GSA regarding the acquisition of base materials from restricted countries. Not to say that the scenario is not happening, we just haven't had occasion to deal with the question to date. Martin A. Prince

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Environmental Specialist (QSDABA)(R02) GSA Northeast and Caribbean Region Phone 212-264-7883 Fax 212-264-3574

10. Dmitriy, Good question. It is my understanding they would unless they have obtained an exemption, but we need a voice of authority to answer that question--Marlene RedDoor, responsible for the CPG Program at EPA who I am copying on this e-mail. Marlene, please see the question below concerning whether the contractors receiving federal stimulus money or are being paid by FEMA for emergency work need to comply with the CPG. Appreciate your help---Sandra Sandra Cannon, Technical Support U.S. Department of Energy Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program Tel. 509-529-1535

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EPP Hospital Case Studies, April 2009 3 Posts Original post: Hi folks, We are searching for hospitals or other healthcare facilities that have used EPP to reduce targeted toxics within their facilities, and that would be interested in presenting their Case Study on an EPP in Hospitals/Healthcare webinar. We'd be most grateful for any hospitals to contact us about EPP work they are doing or any referrals to hospitals! Thanks. Debra Taevs | deputy director 8040 SE 51st Ave | Portland, OR 97206 T 503.336.1256| C 503.889.6488| www.pprc.org Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center Responses: 1. Practice Greenhealth has a number of case studies. http://www.practicegreenhealth.org/

Bruce Maine Sustainable Design Consultant LEED Accredited Professional Professional Associate HDR Architecture 402.399.1198 [email protected] http://www.hdrgreen.com

2. Green Cleaners HERE Formalin HERE Source Separated Organics- no case study yet. Greenwashing HERE

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LED Traffic Light Policies, May 2009 3 Posts Original post: Hi all, I was wondering if anyone was aware of City/County/State policies such as a mayoral directive or executive order pertaining to the use of LEDs in Traffic Signals? Thanks! -Vincent Vincent Kitira RPN Manager Responsible Purchasing Network The Center for a New American Dream 6930 Carroll Avenue, Suite 900 Takoma Park, MD 20912 Phone (301) 891-3683 ext. 113 Fax (301) 891-3684 www.ResponsiblePurchasing.org Responses: 1. See page 11. http://www.ci.portland.me.us/clmateactionplan.pdf

See page 13. http://www.portlandmaine.gov/planning/sustainableportlandreportdraft.pdf Plenty of contacts at the city of Portland in the beginning of both documents Peter Cooke Pollution Prevention Program Manager Maine Department of Environmental Protection 312 Canco Road Portland, ME 04103 (207) 791-8101 (207) 822-6303 fax [email protected] www.state.me.us/dep 2. The "other" Portland has also installed LED's. http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=111737 Debra Taevs |deputy director 8040 SE 51st Ave | Portland, OR 97206 T 503.336.1256| C 503.889.6488|www.pprc.org Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center

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Graffiti Removal Sustainable Specifications, June 2009 2 Posts Original post: Good Morning, Does anyone have contract specifications for Graffiti Removal Services that incorporate green products, equipment, and best practices? Ideas of sustainable criteria that should be part of a solicitation for Graffiti Removal Services to be performed in various locations in the City of Austin would be appreciated. Thanks, Aiden Aiden M. Cohen Sustainability Senior Buyer City of Austin Financial & Administrative Services Dept. Central Purchasing Office PO Box 1088 Austin, TX 78767 512-972-4008 (Office) 512-972-4015 (Fax) [email protected] Response: Responsible Purchasing Network's Graffiti Remover Case Study provides a good starting point: http://www.responsiblepurchasing.org/purchasing_guides/graffiti/index.php Paula Levin Delta Institute Associate 53 W Jackson Blvd | Suite 230 | Chicago, IL 60604 plevin @ delta-institute.org t 312.554.0900x17 f 312.554.0193 w delta-institute.org s

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Greenwashing stories to share? June 2009 3 Posts Original post: Got any greenwashing stories to share? Marketplace story coming up. Yes, I know, it's a pet peeve of mine. That's why I don't feel terrible for cross-listing. Apologies to those I offend by doing so. http://www.publicradio.org/applications/formbuilder/user/form_display.php?isPIJ=Y&form_code=9d15e8029aa6 From the input form: Seen any greenwash lately? The idea of greenwash is kind of a moving target: as environmental awareness increases in the U.S., companies and organizations respond, and greenwash that once was blatant might be much more subtle today. In your local area or in your field, how have companies/governments/organizations changed their approach to environmental issues in the last year or so? If you see greenwash, is it taking a different shape than it used to? Share your observations with Marketplace here. From the email: Seen any greenwash lately? What's greenwash? The dissemination of misleading information by an organization to conceal its abuse of the environment in order to present a positive public image. (from Dictionary.com) If you've encountered greenwash, click here to share what you've observed with Marketplace. A bottled water company that claims "green" even though its water is shipped across the planet...Food producers that can't quite claim "organic" put "natural" on their labels....eco-friendly 5,000 sq. feet homes... Have you encountered anything like these -- or more subtle examples -- in your local area or field? Be our eyes and ears in your field and in your community. Click here to share your observations. Thank you for being a source for us -- and please pass this note along to anyone else you know who might be interested in sharing their experience. Cheers, Jo Joellen Easton Analyst, Public Insight Journalism Blogger, The Trading Floor Marketplace | American Public Media [email protected] Richard Yoder, PE Director, P2ric.org University of Nebraska at Omaha 6001 Dodge Street, RH308 Omaha, NE 68182 vox: 402-554-6251 fax: 402-554-6260

http://www.p2ric.org/

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Responses: 1. Greetings EPPnet Family – I saw Rich’s e-mail about greenwashing and had to jump in. It’s really gotten out of hand. I’ve been griping about it for years and just this week had the opportunity to gripe about it at a Congressional hearing. If you’re interested, check out http://energycommerce.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1650&catid=129&Itemid=70. My testimony is online. My Congressional rant about greenwashing begins at the 7:55 mark on the video. - Scot Scot Case Vice President, TerraChoice 29 N Carolina Avenue Reading, PA 19608 610 779-3770 [email protected] 2. http://www.greenwashingindex.com/index.php Ashley Wilson NYSDEC - Pollution Prevention 625 Broadway, 4th Floor Albany, NY 12233-1750 E-mail: [email protected] P: 518.402.9175 F: 518.402.9168

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Paper calculator that includes sanitary papers, June 2009 6 Posts Original post: Hello; Does anyone know of a calculator or some data that I could use to calculate the impact of switching our toilet paper and paper towel from virgin fiber paper to various levels of post-consumer recycled fiber paper ? I have searched the EPA sites and EDF calculator but had no luck. The impacts that I am interested in are toxic use reduction, ghg reduction, and waste reduction. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide, Lynda Lynda Rankin, Sustainable Procurement Specialist Nova Scotia Environment and Nova Scotia Economic and Rural Development Box 442, Halifax Nova Scotia B3J 2P8 email: [email protected] Responses: 1. Hi Lynda, This unfortunately doesn't have all the information you're looking for, but Greenpeace came out with a Recycled Tissue and Toilet Paper Guide, for what it's worth: http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/campaigns/forests/tissueguide best, Valerie - 2. Lynda; I'd suggest you contact Seventh Generation or Scott Naturals or ? http://www.nerecycles.org/kickbutt.htm or http://www.stopwaste.org/janitorial2.html the makers of recycled content paper towels and toilet paper, they should have the numbers you're looking for. Mike Giuranna, Solid Waste Specialist EPA, Region III 1650 Arch Street (3LC40) Phila, PA 19103-2029 ph: 215-814-3298 fax:215-814-3163 [email protected]

3. I'd stay away from Scott Naturals because, according to the Greenpeace tissue guide, they're bleached with chlorine compounds (including ECF), which create super-toxic chemicals known to cause cancer. -David Eco-Cycle P.O. Box 19006 Boulder, CO 80308 303.444.6634 office 720.641.1377 cell www.ecocycle.org

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4. Lynda, I would check out the information at Conservatree http://www.conservatree.org/learn/Essential Issues/EIOverview.shtml These folks have been working on paper related environmental issues for over 13 years. http://www.conservatree.org/about/Who.shtml Ron Smith Ohio EPA, Office of Compliance Assistance & Pollution Prevention 614-644-2813 614-644-2807 fax [email protected] http://www.epa.state.oh.us/ocapp/ocapp.html 5. Have you tried asking a recycled tissue paper producer like Marcal http://www.marcalpaper.com/ Doug Douglas Reed, Purchasing Agent Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Hoover State Office Building, Level A Des Moines, IA 50319-0105 [email protected] Phone: (515) 242-6151

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State Agency employee travel/preference for "green" facilities, June 2009 3 Posts Original post: Hi all, Does anyone have any sample contract or procurement language they could share regarding State or Federal Agency employee travel and preference for staying at hotels or having conferences at facilities identified as "green" according to the Agency's specifications? I am aware only of Florida's policy (http://www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging/stateagency_faq.htm) which only applies to meetings/conferences. [Green Lodging PROGRAM – Section 286.29, “The Energy, Climate Change, And Economic Security Act Of 2008” states: “Effective July 1, 2008, state agencies shall contract for meeting and conference space only with hotels or conference facilities that have received the "Green Lodging" designation from the Department of Environmental Protection for best practices in water, energy, and waste efficiency standards, unless the responsible state agency head makes a determination that no other viable alternative exists.” ] Thanks, Ashley Ashley Wilson NYSDEC - Pollution Prevention 625 Broadway, 4th Floor Albany, NY 12233-1750 E-mail: [email protected] P: 518.402.9175 F: 518.402.9168 Responses: 1. At the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, we recently revised our green meetings/events guidance. The guidance document is posted on our intranet, but I can send you the word document if you'd like. Johanna Kertesz Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Specialist Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (651) 757-2489 [email protected] www.rethinkrecycling.com/government/eppg www.pca.state.mn.us/epp

2. California's Green Lodging Program website has a "Resources for Hotels" page that might be helpful: http://www.travel.dgs.ca.gov/Lodging/GreenHosts.htm

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Green Savings, July 2009 4 Posts Original post: Good morning Jill and fellow EPPnetters, As Scot so generously points out, King County has documented annual cost savings in our reports. We primarily highlight the products that save us money up front, or are more durable. We are just starting to better highlight the environmental impacts of our decisions by using environmental "calculators" that helps us quantify water, energy and greenhouse gas savings. Here is the excerpt from our 2008 report that documents savings: Savings Summary In 2008, the county saved 837,000 dollars by purchasing recycled and other environmentally preferable materials. The Environmental Purchasing Program has helped agencies identify opportunities to purchase environmentally preferable products that not only perform well, but also save money. In some cases, the product simply costs less and in other cases savings are found in avoided purchase costs because the alternative product is more durable. For example: the cost of a remanufactured toner cartridge is less than one-half the cost of a new cartridge, plastic lumber avoids the consumption of virgin timber or old growth lumber, and it costs half as much to retread a worn tire as to buy a new one. The table below represents estimated cost savings based on purchase price only, or avoided purchase cost, and does not reflect savings in maintenance and installation. Additional examples of savings can be found in Section IV, "Environmental Initiatives of County Agencies," of this report. Commodity 2008 Savings Aggregates 300,000 Toner Cartridges 250,000 Tire Retreading 250,000 Antifreeze 27,000 Plastic Lumber 10,000 Total Dollars: 837,000 Please go to our website for more of the report at: www.kingcounty.gov/procurement/green Karen Hamilton Environmental Purchasing Program King County Procurement and Contract Services 401 5th Avenue, 3rd Floor Seattle, WA 98104 (206)263-9294 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.kingcounty.gov/procurement/green Responses: 1. Hi all, The State of Massachusetts has achieved savings from their EPP program as well: Purchases of EPPs saved the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at least $544,362 in Fiscal Year 2001, representing more than three times the cost of managing the EPP program. EPP Report:

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http://www.mass.gov/Aosd/docs/EPP/EPP%20Program%20Assessment%20Final%20Report%20Dec02.doc -Vincent 2. The City of San Jose has utilized various environmental benefits calculators to quantify savings. Calculators include the one on EPEAT.net to calculate savings associated with IT purchases; we've used paper calculators to quantify the benefits of buying 100% pcw paper as well as one to calculate savings from our biodiesel purchases (we found them by Googling). The Responsible Purchasing Network lists several calculators on their website that could help. They are included in the Purchasing Guidelines they've done for various products such as bottled water, janitorial products, lighting, paint, toner cartridges, etc. However, I believe that you have to be a member of the RPN to be able to access them. Linden Skjeie City of San Jose Environmental Services Dept. EP3 Co-Chair 3. Actually, the calculators on the RPN site are free and open to the public! You can find them listed at: http://www.responsiblepurchasing.org/purchasing_guides/all/calculator/ -Vincent Vincent Kitira RPN Manager Responsible Purchasing Network The Center for a New American Dream 6930 Carroll Avenue, Suite 900 Takoma Park, MD 20912 Phone (301) 891-3683 ext. 113 Fax (301) 891-3684 www.ResponsiblePurchasing.org

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Water Saving Device, July 2009 4 Posts Original post: Are there eco-certification programs for water saving devices? (sort of like EnergyStar? but for water?) Thanks. Michelle Gaither | environmental engineer 1402 Third Ave, Suite 1420 | Seattle, WA 98101 T 206.352.2050 | F 206.352.2049| www.pprc.org Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center Responses: 1. Hi Michelle, Yes EPA also has a program for water devices: http://www.epa.gov/watersense/. Not sure if it’s run in the same manner as EnergyStar (i.e. 1st party verification)…

best, Valerie 2. You should definitely check out the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program – http://www.epa.gov/watersense/. It is kind of like Energy Star for water efficiency, EXCEPT WaterSense is an actual certification program. Manufacturers do not get to use the WaterSense label unless an independent, third-party certifies that the product actually meets the WaterSense criteria. This is an important difference that can prevent manufacturers from falsely claiming to meet the criteria. Scot PS: Yes, I’m still bitter that LG Electronics (thru Sears) sold me a refrigerator that falsely claimed to meet the Energy Star standard when it actually uses twice the amount of electricity they claimed. It would have been much more difficult for them to do so if Energy Star included a certification requirement similar to the one WaterSense requires. 3. Apart from WaterSense, you might also be interested to look at these two water labels from the UK and Australia (respectively). http://ecolabelling.org/ecolabel/waterwise-marque and http://www.ecolabelling.org/search/apachesolr_search/water. Cheers Anastasia Anastasia O'Rourke Co- Founder, Big Room Inc. www.ecolabelling.org

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LEED requirements in furniture contracts, July 2009 3 Posts Original post: Hello, Does anyone have examples of the following within a systems furniture or task chair solicitation/contract? 1) LEED-EBOM reporting requirements (e.g. required data and format) 2) Furniture recyclability requirements (e.g. did you specify a minimum % recyclability or other related requirements such as labeled plastics or no glues/adhesives?) Thank you! -Stacey Stacey Foreman Sustainable Procurement Program Coordinator City of Portland, Oregon, Bureau of Purchases Responses: 1. Hi Stacey, We’re working on a model environmental specification that the City can use in future solicitations for furniture. We haven’t quite addressed the LEED elements yet (we’re working on that and plan to have procedures to submit to the USGBC next month), but our furniture recyclability requirements include labeling major plastic pieces and avoidance of glues and adhesives. We haven’t specified how much of the product needs to be recyclable yet. But when we do, it will be by weight. We have been working with Gene Lisa on this specification. He’s a green furniture consultant from Florida. He’s been very helpful. Really knows the industry. Sorry I don’t yet have more to share with you. Good luck. Linden Skjeie, M.S. Urban Environmental Accords Coordinator Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Legislative Analysis and Advocacy Office of Sustainability Environmental Services Department 200 E. Santa Clara Street, Tenth Floor San Jose, CA 95113 408.975.2577 [email protected] 2. Regarding indoor air quality (IAQ) requirements for furniture, it may be of interest to look at the IAQ Submittal Requirements for the following. These specifications include meeting LEED criteria AND meeting the chronic reference exposure limits set by the California Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) including but not limited to formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and benzene:

State of CA’s furniture specification (http://www.cal-iaq.org/VOC/IAQ_Spec_from_080303143243710.pdf) section 5.7.

The Low Emitting Furniture criteria in the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association’s (BIFMA’s) sustainability Standard (called “Level” ) http://bifma.org/public/SusFurnStdArchive/Draft/2009-02-20%20e3.pdf all of the indoor environmental quality criteria (7.6.1 and 7.6.2)

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The Low Emitting Furniture criteria EQ 2.2.5 in the CHPS 2009 Indoor Environmental Quality criteria (http://www.chps.net/manual/documents/Criteria/CA_CHPS_Criteria_III_2009.pdf) page 139 of 162.

In the State of CA bid Laboratory report of the chamber test was required to be submitted and data in a workbook showing that the offered open office panel system met the exposure limits was required. BIFMA has specific information that they require to be in the Laboratory Report. Let me know if you have any further questions. Antoinette Stein, PhD Associate Procurement Engineer, (R09 PECG) State of California Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program Department of General Services, Procurement Division 707 3rd Street, 2nd Floor, West Sacramento, CA 95605 (916) 375-4460 (916)-375-4505 fax (650)-823-7662 cell [email protected]

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Amount of material sent to landfills, August 2009 6 Posts Original post: I would like to know where to look online to find out how much material is sent to the landfills in the U.S. each year? Do I have to look at each state? Is there some other source that tracks this for the nation as a whole? Any help will be appreciated. Barb Day Responses: 1. Try this link to EPA's municipal solid waste info: http://www.epa.gov/waste/nonhaz/municipal/msw99.htm Georgiana Ball Virginia Department of General Services (804) 236-3665 FAX: (804) 236-3671 [email protected]

2. Barb: It appears that each state has what is allowed to be land filled. For example in my state of New York scrap tires cannot be land filled however there are states in which it is legal. There are also sustainable cities: http://www.planetizen.com/node/20006 http://www.epa.gov/waste/nonhaz/municipal/landfill.htm http://www.epa.gov/waste/nonhaz/municipal/index.htm http://www.zerowasteamerica.org/Landfills.htm I personally would like to see a national initiative to Green-Up the USA! Best regards, Deborah Deborah A. Robbins VP Business Development & Sustainability Plant: 75 Michigan Street Lockport, NY 14094-2629 Office #: 716-478-0404 X303 Fax #: 716-478-0408 Cell #: 716-474-1303 Toll Free #:866-424-6981 mailto:[email protected] www.RubberForm.com 3. Barb, This group may have already done the research you’re looking for: http://www.wasterecyclingnews.com/rankings/landfills_ton2008.html Best, Valerie Kao Environmental Sustainability Branch California Public Utilities Commission

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415.703.1341 [email protected] 4. Barb, EPA data can be found in its annual Waste Characterization survey – the most recent is at http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/nonhaz/municipal/msw99.htm. EPA data covers MSW. BioCycle Magazine publishes an annual survey – Garbage in America – which summarizes the amount of waste disposed in Subtitle D landfills and waste-to-energy facilities in the 50 states. The most recent survey, from the December 2008 issue, survey can be found at: http://www.jgpress.com/archives/_free/001782.html. The 50 states define waste differently, which makes state-by-state comparisons futile. Nonetheless, the higher disposal number in the BioCycle survey gives a more accurate picture of solid waste (municipal solid waste, construction and demolition debris, non-hazardous industrial waste) landfill in the United States than the more limited EPA study of just municipal solid waste. Feel free to call me if you have any questions at 202-364-3742. Chaz Miller Director, State Programs National Solid Wastes Management Association 5. Barb; See Table 3 in BioCycle's State of Garbage report which is on line at http://www.jgpress.com/images/art/0812/sog08_tables.pdf. The amount of material landfilled, recycled and going to WTE facilities is broken down by State and totaled for the USA at the bottom of the chart. Mike Giuranna, Solid Waste Specialist EPA, Region III 1650 Arch Street (3LC40) Phila, PA 19103-2029 ph: 215-814-3298 fax:215-814-3163 [email protected]

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Sample carpet RFQs, August 2009 3 Posts Original post: Does anyone have a sample carpet RFQ? Ultimately we will specify: non-pvc backing recyclable fiber take back of tiles, etc. Thanks Peter Cooke Pollution Prevention Program Manager Maine Department of Environmental Protection 312 Canco Road Portland, ME 04103 (207) 791-8101 (207) 822-6303 fax [email protected] Responses: 1. CARPET INSTALLATION AND REPAIR CONTRACT Existing Language in Contract: Vendor is to remove all carpet / vinyl waste and dispose of it off-site (preferably through a recycling system). Current recycling options are available by visiting the Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) web site at www.carpetrecovery.org . Vendor is also encouraged to meet the Carpet and Rug Institute’s recommended Indoor Air Quality Standards for installation, application and removal of adhesives, and carpet removal at www.carpet-rug.com. The vendor shall supply MSDS sheets to the Building Manager prior to start of work. New Language in Contract (3rd DRAFT): ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERABLE PURCHASING AND END OF LIFE MANAGEMENT The objective of this environmental requirement in regards to the carpet installation and repair contract is to produce a building and/or project which enhances the health and well-being of its occupants, while minimizing exposure to materials or products which may be harmful to the installers and occupants. Another objective is to minimize any environmental burdens throughout the life cycle of the products being used in this project. This requirement does not replace technical product specifications, but merely provides an environmental specification in which to adhere to or exceed. This requirement must apply to all modular (carpet tile), broadloom carpet, vinyl flooring, rubber flooring, carpet pad, and flooring adhesives purchases for new construction, renovation, and replacement, whether purchased through construction contracts, leases, or other procurement methods. Patching and repairing within an existing field of carpet is exempt from this requirement when it is not possible to match existing patterns with carpet meeting the environmentally preferable criteria. Recycling and Quality Assurance

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A. Vendor must use a carpet recycling agency for all used carpet waste. Carpet scraps from the carpet installation must also be recycled. Traditional practices, such as landfilling or burning at a waste-to-energy plant are not an option for disposal or recycling. B. Contractor must notify in writing which carpet recycling agency will be used. C. Contractor must comply with all applicable hauling and disposal regulations. D. Contractor must certify in writing that used carpet was recycled through a certified carpet recycling agency. Carpet Recycling Options There are several agencies that recycle carpet. This list may not be exhaustive of all recycling companies. It is merely provided for guidance. For a complete listing of recycling requirements and instructions contractor should contact the selected carpet recycling agency for more specific guidelines. A. Bro-Tex Carpet Recycling Program Bro-Tex Carpet Preparation Requirements Below:

Accepts rolled carpet (nylon 6 and nylon 6,6). Does not accept carpet tile. B. Interface Carpet Recycling Program

Accepts carpet tile and rolled carpet (nylon 6, nylon 6,6). C. DuPont Carpet Reclamation Program

Accepts carpet tile and rolled carpet (nylon 6). D. Tandus http://www.tandus.com/floore.html

Accepts all vinyl backed tile and rolled goods. E. Shaw Carpet Recycling Program

Refer to Bro-Tex Recycling Program above. F. Current recycling options are available by visiting the Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) web site at www.carpetrecovery.org. Carpet Recycling Contacts and Other Information Hennepin County has compiled information to assist contractors for recycling carpets. For more information follow the internet instructions below. www.hennepin.us (keyword search, EPP Carpet) Adhesives Contractor must meet the Carpet and Rug Institute’s (CRI) recommended Green Label Plus™ Indoor Air Quality Standards for adhesives, as well as CRI’s recommended methods for installation, application and removal of adhesives, and carpet removal at www.carpet-rug.com. Contractor must supply MSDS Sheets for adhesives, cleaners, and other products that will be used with the installation of the carpet. Contractor must use water-based, low VOC adhesives, and/or other environmentally preferable types as expressly made or recommended by the carpet manufacturer for with the particular carpet material, substrates, and application condition. Contractor must comply with the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations for installation.

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“No-glue grid” method of installation is preferred if feasible. 1. Dry Adhesive Method or Peel and Stick Method (Low/No VOC’s)-Used for installation of some rolled carpet and all carpet tile. Adhesives Defined 1. Carpet Pad Installation Adhesive is any adhesive intended by the manufacturer for the installation on a floor or comparable surface of carpet pad (or cushion), which is used beneath a carpet. 2. Cove Base Installation Adhesive is any adhesive intended by the manufacturer for the installation of cove base (or wall base), which is generally made of vinyl or rubber, on a wall or vertical surface at floor level. 3. Indoor Floor Covering Installation Adhesive is any adhesive intended by the manufacturer for the installation of carpet, resilient tile, vinyl tile, vinyl backed carpet, resilient sheet and roll, or artificial grass that is in an enclosure and is not exposed to ambient weather conditions during normal use. Ceramic tile installation and the installation of perimeter bonded sheet flooring with vinyl backing onto a non-porous substrate, such as flexible vinyl are excluded from this category. Carpet and Carpet Tiles A. Carpet must contain at least 10 percent postconsumer content. B. Contractor must provide a listing of all the carpet systems that will be used in the project area, and a copy of 3rd party certification indicating that they meet the California Gold Sustainable Carpet Standard. This includes a requirement to meet the CRI’s Green Label Plus™ Indoor Air Quality test program. For more information on the California Gold Sustainable Carpet Standard and carpet products certified go to www.green.ca.gov/EPP/standards.htm. C. The use of carpet tiles is desirable compared to 12 foot rolled goods. Using carpet tiles aids in spot replacements and longer carpet life, thus reducing waste and extending life of the carpet. D. Contractor must unroll and air out rolled carpets in a warehouse before bringing them into the building/project area. Tests indicate carpet emissions will dissipate within 48 to 72 hours with proper ventilation. Carpet Pad If applicable, such as with rolled goods, contractor must use a carpet pad with at least 15% minimum post-consumer content. Contractor must provide a listing of all the carpet pads, when used, which will be used in the project area, and a written statement that they meet the current VOC limits of CRI’s Green Label Plus™ Indoor Air Quality Test Program. Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label/Green Label Plus Program: Green Label™ is an independent testing program that identifies carpets, adhesives, and related products with very low emissions of VOCs and other toxins to help improve indoor air quality. Green Label Plus™ expands on California’s Section 01350 in several respects, including annual tests for the specific chemicals, a chain of custody process and an annual audit of the testing laboratory. Section 01350 can be found at www.carpet-rug.com. Carpet products are tested for emission levels for seven chemicals as required by California’s Section 01350, plus six additional chemicals.

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Adhesive products are tested for emission levels for 10 chemicals as required by California’s Section 01350, plus five additional chemicals. Carpet Alternatives Floor coverings other than carpet can be a good environmental choice. The best environmental choice could be to use carpet only where necessary, and maintain and clean it properly with minimal environmentally preferable cleaning chemicals and methods to extend its life. Some manufacturers recommend hot water steam cleaning with only spot cleaning as the best method. Other flooring options include: natural linoleum, bamboo, natural carpets, recycled-content tile, ceramic tile, rubber, sustainably-harvested wood and more. Warranty All carpets and pads used must come with a minimum 10 (or 15) year non-prorated warranty. Definitions “VOC’s” (Low VOC’s)- a lower VOC content of a product meant for indoor use has been positively correlated with better indoor air quality which is especially important for sensitive individuals. “Post-consumer content”- materials in a recycled product that are derived from businesses or consumers after giving served their original intended use, and which have been separated or diverted from solid waste for the purpose of collection, recycling and disposition. “Recyclability”- the ability of a product or materials to be recovered from or otherwise diverted from the solid waste stream for the purpose of recycling. “Virgin products”- made with 100 percent new/raw materials containing no recycled content. “California Gold Sustainable Carpet Standard”- is built on NSF-140 (www.nsf.org/business/standards_and_publications/pdf/NSF_140-05-DS.pdf), a national standard currently going through the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) review process as a draft standard. NSF-140 addresses many issues such as: Safe for Public Health and Environment Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Recycled Content or Biobased Materials Facility or Company Based Practices Reclamation, Sustainable Reuse, and End of Life Management The California Gold Sustainable Carpet Standard takes the NSF-140 national standard further by adding 14 additional prerequisites in areas important to California and a full 100 percent audit by a third party certification organization, as well as at least 52 credits overall from all categories. California Platinum certification requires all prerequisites and at least 71 credits overall from all categories. Additionally, California Gold only recognizes and accepts products that meet these highest two levels: California Gold and California Platinum. The additional prerequisites added include requirements for: Carpet must contain at least 10 percent postconsumer content Carpet must meet the low emission requirements of the Carpet and Rug Institute's Green Label Plus™ program or California's Section 01350 specification Carpet must not contain polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants

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Manufacturer must have completed a life cycle assessment (LCA) process for the product category. Carpet manufacturer must meet the Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) goals. www.carpetrecovery.org. 2. We have not issued an RFQ, but have begun research into environmental criteria to consider in setting a purchasing standard for our organization. I have attached the overview document that has been developed. I look forward to incorporating ideas generated through this discussion. To access the attachment, go to the EPPnet listserv archives at http://www.nerc.org/eppnet/index.html. Karen Cook Alameda County

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How Should Suppliers Market to Us? September 2009 3 Posts Original post: I'm speaking at a small business conference. Many of the suppliers have green products or services. Our procurement system isn't really set up for suppliers to market directly to us, and even if they do this can be a poor way for them to get business. What do you advise businesses to do to make procurement people aware of their products? Vendor shows are good, but only happen occasionally a year for most [email protected] Responses: 1. Good Morning, The City of Austin struggles with similar challenges. Particularly, how do you best incentivize small, local, and minority-owned businesses so that they offer innovative and sustainable products and services and adopt environmentally responsible best practices? We continue to refine our approach and implementation strategy. Basically, we are focusing on business community outreach, using the new NIGP "green commodity family codes" to highlight green products or services, and identifying a purchasing single-point of contact (SPOC) to meet with vendors who are offering innovative green products or services. The purchasing SPOC can evaluate the offering, triage as necessary, and pull in the specific subject matter experts as appropriate. Our procurement process does not allow direct purchase either. We are constantly battling the need to produce contracts quickly and the need to take the time needed to investigate market offerings to ensure we are developing the highest quality specifications. Using best value contracts, request for proposals, or otherwise opening your contract specifications up to include goods or services outside of the traditionally strict specifications can also encourage creativity and alternate proposals form the vendor community. These proposals may responsibly satisfy the needs of the user department in ways that they never envisioned. I hope this helps. We are also developing a Green Products Expo for City employees only to give registered vendors with green solutions an opportunity to present their offerings to City employees. As you stated, this would only occur annually. Best regards and good luck! Aiden Aiden M. Cohen Sustainability Senior Buyer Green Purchasing Program Coordinator City of Austin Financial & Administrative Services Dept. Central Purchasing Office PO Box 1088 Austin, TX 78767 512-972-4008 (Office)

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512-972-4015 (Fax) [email protected] 2. There is a California-based non-profit, Green Technology, which has started to develop a "green" vendor database (please see below copied message), which I believe is currently in testing phase. It is specifically intended for a government buyer audience, so while the procurement process is still an issue this is at least a central point for vendors to advertise to government agencies. While I believe this database may be geared primarily toward California, I'm certain they would be interested in rolling this out nationwide. best regards, Valerie Kao Environmental Sustainability Branch California Public Utilities Commission 415.703.1341 [email protected]

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Effective anti-mold cleaners for locker rooms, September 2009 2 Posts Original post: Hello! Has anyone overcome an issue with mold/mildew in locker rooms (floors/walls) at community pools using a "green" cleaner? Our custodial contractor has tried a few different products with no luck and our project manager would like to go back to using bleach. We have brought up the possibility of other contributing factors (ventilation, product application, etc.), but are still looking for other "green" products to try. Any product suggestions/insights would be appreciated. Thank you. -Stacey Stacey Foreman City of Portland, Oregon, Bureau of Purchases Ph: 503-823-3508 Response: Hello Stacey and everyone, Our custodial staff has had much success with a Hillyard product called C2 Suprox Concentrate Green Select. I think designing showers and bathrooms with minimal or no grout or perhaps darker colored grout is the way to go in the long term, but I know that is difficult for existing buildings. Good luck. Karl Karl Bruskotter 310-458-2255 www.sustainablesm.org/buygreen

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Responding to product vendors, September 2009 2 Posts Original post: Hello! How do you respond to suppliers who want to market their products to your agency? I've been contacted by a supplier of compostable trash bags, a battery recycler, someone who has an EPP film that can protect finishes from vandalism, etc. I can and do encourage them to register in our e-procurement system. But in terms of them creating awareness of their products or services, our procurement system isn't set up for suppliers to market directly to us. Sometimes it would help us to know about their products, even if we don't have a solicitation on the street that applies to them. What do you advise businesses to do to make procurement people aware of their products? Vendor shows are good, but only happen occasionally a year for most [email protected] Greg Hopkins 7870 SW Bond St Tigard OR 97224 (503) 746-4645 Response: Hi Greg, I also encourage them to register with our State’s e-procurement, but if their product is susceptible to purchase for our agency, I will direct them to a couple of end users within the Agency. If their product does not seem like a good fit, I ask them to send information and I will forward it to possible end users. Thank you, Thomas Duval, C.P.M. Purchasing Manager Arizona Game And Fish Department 5000 West Carefree Highway Phoenix, AZ 85086 Phone (623) 236-7457 Fax (623) 236-7922

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Recycling Old Car Seats, October 2009 4 Posts Original post: Our state dept. of transportation replaces obsolete child car/safety seats and has to get rid of them because they are no longer safe to use. Does anyone know of a recycling program for obsolete car seats? IDOT asked EvenFlo (a car seat manufacturer) and they haven’t responded. I’m taking that as they don’t want to take responsibility. Becky M. Jayne Office of Pollution Prevention IL Environmental Protection Agency P. O. Box 19276 Springfield, IL 62794-9276 Phone: 217-524-9642 Fax: 217-557-2125 [email protected] Responses: 1. Some Reuse Options in the Reuse Tips Area in the right column HERE. http://www.brighthub.com/environment/green-living/articles/30766.aspx Here is a link but Google car seat recycling and various states have links. I would call your local plastic recycler as that plastic material could be used in new product manufacturing. We just got some crushed computer boards to mix with our recycled rubber to manufacture products. Best regards, Deborah Deborah A. Robbins VP Marketing & Sustainability 2. Have you contacted your local Children’s Hospital to see if they have a car seat recycling program? The Phoenix Children’s Hospital started such a program this year with volunteers helping breaking down the car seats. Here’s their event flyer: http://www.phoenixchildrens.com/about/press-media/Current/Car_Seat_Recycle_release.pdf Miranda Riojas, Procurement Specialist Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Contracts and Procurement 1110 W. Washington St. Phoenix, AZ 85007 Phone: (602) 771-7672 Fax: (602) 771-4439 3. Some Reuse Options in the Reuse Tips Area in the right column HERE.

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Suggestions Needed for EPP Exercise Room Wipes, October 2009 5 Posts Original post: Hi All, EPA Region 1 is moving to a new location in December, which includes an employee run exercise center. I've been asked to recommend environmentally preferable wipes for the equipment. The purpose of the wipes are to remove the sweat from workout machines and equipment (an act of thoughtful civility), not to disinfect the equipment. The standard practice is to provide a blast of cleaner from a spray bottle, followed with a quick mopping from a paper towel (which gets thrown away). Green alternatives could include an EPP cleaner, recycled wipes, or, perhaps, cloth towels that get laundered (although life-cycle comparisons of paper towels vs. clothe towels gets tricky). Any suggestions would be most appreciated. Thanks, Rob Robert Guillemin Office of Assistance and Pollution Prevention US EPA, Region 1 (SPP) One Congress Street, Suite 1100 Boston, MA 02114-2023 Phone: 617-918-1814 Fax: 617-918-0814 Email: [email protected] Visit the EPA New England P2 Web Page at: http://www.epa.gov/region1/assistance/p2/index.html Responses: 4. Rob, The Responsible Purchasing Network (RPN) has a purchasing guide on green cleaners that is available to the public. It covers the environmental costs of traditional cleaners, best practices for integrating environmentally preferable cleaners, outlines standards (EcoLogo, Green Seal, etc.), and includes several sample specifications and a product database. The PDF link to download a copy can be found here http://www.responsiblepurchasing.org/purchasing_guides/cleaners/purchasing_guide.pdf Alternatively, it can be viewed online, here http://www.responsiblepurchasing.org/purchasing_guides/cleaners/ I hope this helps. Best, Phillip Kobernick RPN Fellow 5. Dear Rob, I would recommend the use of microfiber cloths instead of wipes. The microfiber removes between 95 -99% of microbes, so is good for infection control as well as general cleaning. Some of the microfiber is made with recycled content. It can be laundered hundreds of times (500 - 1500) depending on the manufacturer. Another thing that I think would work well in gyms as well as child care centers is the ActiveIon. This uses tap water and electrolysis it via rechargeable batteries. It is an EPA registered sanitizer and uses no chemicals. I would think you would be planning on something for infection control and the ActiveIon is much better than a disinfectant. http://www.activeion.com/. TURI just did some testing for them. I haven't seen the results yet, but I heard they were positive.

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Best, Carol Westinghouse Informed Green Solutions, Inc. Cleaning for Health Program Manager [email protected] 802-626-8643

6. Dear Rob, On closer investigation, the microfiber cloths that were labeled as recycled content do not actually contain recycled content. I'm sorry to say I was taken in by green washing. I've made sure they are not labeling the products that way anymore. I think all the companies are working on it, but not there yet. Thanks for the DfE information. Best, Carol Westinghouse President Informed Green Solutions, Inc. Cleaning for Health Program Manager [email protected] 802-626-8643

7. Hello Rob, I've been working out in gyms for 25 years and I've never used wipes. I would aim to set precedence for either providing workout towels for guests or requiring them to bring their own. Then you just lay or sit on the towel and use it to clean equipment. Laundering is responsibility of employees or done in house. Good luck. I know how people can be. Karl Karl Bruskotter 310-458-2255 www.sustainablesm.org/buygreen

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Pro’s & Con’s - EPA's DfE Program, November 2009 6 Posts Original post: As you may know, New York State's Office of General Services (OGS) is amending its Guidelines and criteria for "environmentally-sensitive cleaning and maintenance products" that will be used in New York schools, state agencies and public authorities. Unfortunately, their draft does NOT accept DfE products making it unnecessarily difficult for DfE partners to supply products to these entities and reduces options for purchasers. Over the past number of months, DfE has completed some important changes that now make it an acceptable standard to help purchase environmental preferable (green) cleaning products. These changes include: DfE now has a clear and transparent standard which is at least equal to other ecolabels in its ability to reduce exposures to children and other vulnerable populations, as well as to the environment. One specific example is the DfE screening process eliminates ingredients that are known asthmagens and sensitizers. DfE now has a system for product verification which we believe is at least equal to the other eco-labelers and uses independent third-parties to do the verification. This assures that the manufacturers are doing what they promise. DfE now includes very specific product performance requirements that at least equal to other eco-labeling programs insuring that the products work. DfE now includes specific product labeling requirements and training on correct product usage, which is critical for creating healthy buildings. Additionally, I think it may be advantageous to point out some of the following: There is a precedent set by other States to include DfE along with the other eco-labelers for meeting the requirements of Green Cleaning in Schools legislation (i.e. Illinois and Missouri). The inclusion of DfE would help eliminate the need for some manufacturers to have to rely upon the use of the "alternative self-certification" provision as currently contained within the NYS Guidelines which would make it easier, faster and more cost effective for the State of New York to determine if the product meets the requirements. The inclusion of DfE would add another compliance path and thus create more competition, which could help reduce the costs for cleaning products for New York State schools, state agencies and public authorities. Thus, I am asking that you send a letter or email to NYS OGS suggesting that they include DfE in their program. The NYS OGS Guidelines can be found at: https://greencleaning.ny.gov/DraftGuidelines.asp Comments can be sent by email to: [email protected]

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Written comments can be sent to: New York State Office of General Services Environmental Services Unit 39th Floor, Corning Tower Empire State Plaza Albany, NY 12242 Information must be submitted by November 20th, 2009 with a final decision made by NYS OGS on November 30th, 2009 --- so please don't delay. Thank you very much for your attention to this. Getting New York State to include DfE would be very valuable to help us expand DfE's adoption in the marketplace which would help us accelerate the adoption of Green Cleaning and improve the health of children and staff in our schools and other buildings, and the environment. If you have any questions, please let me and if you email OGS, please copy me on the email --- my complete contact info is below. Thanks again, Steve Stephen P. Ashkin, President The Ashkin Group, LLC - The Green Cleaning Experts 3644 Tamarron Drive Bloomington, IN 47408 Voice: 812/332-7950 Fax: 812/332-7965 Email: [email protected] Visit us at: www.AshkinGroup.com Responses: 1. EPPnet, I personally find this means of announcing new (alleged) developments in the DfE labeling process to be unproductive and not very credible - particularly for a respected organization like the EPA and the Ashkin Group. In fact it smacks of a couple of Scot Case's "Six Sins of Greenwashing." This email to the listserv makes a lot of claims, but offers no substantiation of those claims. It appears the author(s) want readers not only to take their word for it but also to put the readers' own credibility on the line and call NY to complain. What hard data do we have to believe that DfE is now "an acceptable standard?" The last we heard it wasn't even a standard, but actually a technical assistance program that assists product manufacturers in reformulating their products to contain safer ingredients. The last communication we received from DfE was an admission of its own shortcomings and a promise to change. If something substantial has changed in recent months, I would expect DfE to provide those new developments in an open forum and accompany those announcements with the appropriate documentation. Had the email about the changes in DfE come from anyone else, I am sure Steve himself would have encouraged us to question it. For example, if DfE is a transparent standard, when was the last time it was open for public comment and where can I get a copy of the newly "acceptable" standard? Without access to information like that, how can I decide for myself if it is really "at least equal" to other ecolabels? In regards to the email's call to action, let me provide a snippet of additional information that may influence your decision about contacting NYS. NY is one of five states that recently awarded a contract for

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green cleaning products and a green cleaning program that provides comprehensive training to help agencies and others transition to these products. The other states include NH, VT, CT and MA, who was the lead. The decision to require that most products on the contract be third-party certified by either Green Seal or EcoLogo was not made lightly - but after several months of research it was unanimous. Part of that research included attending a webinar conducted by DfE. Lots of questions were raised by the participants and frankly, DfE acknowledged at that time that they were not equal to the two aforementioned standards, but they were "working on it." In an effort to be completely fair to any standard that may be developed during the course of the contract period, MA and the four states included language in the contract that specifically states: "As new products and environmental standards become available, the PMT [procurement management team] reserves the right to consider these alternatives..." Therefore, if something substantive has developed at DfE, tell the world in an open and inclusive process, just like Green Seal and EcoLogo are expected to. To do anything less, simply proves you have not yet reached your goal and that you need to keep working on it. Thank you. Marcia Deegler (and State Purchasing colleague Dmitriy Nikolayev) Director of Environmental Purchasing Operational Services Division One Ashburton Place, Room 1017 Boston, MA 02108-1552 617-720-3356, 617-727-4527 fax [email protected] Visit the EPP Website at www.mass.gov/epp 2. Hi Marcia, Thanks for the response and you make some very good points. A lot has changed with EPA's DfE program since you developed your program earlier this year, and which I believe was once again groundbreaking. When your program was introduced, DfE had only begun its process for documenting its standard/process so that it would be clear and transparent. When your program was introduced, DfE hadn't even begun working on its verification program. And I could go on. The bottom-line is that when you introduced your program back in April, DfE was NOT appropriate for inclusion because there were still too many unanswered questions and no guarantee that they would correct what we considered were deficiencies in their program. But this has changed --- or at least let me clarify, this is changing. DfE has completed all the elements that I think is necessary for purchasers to be able to use it to buy greener products with confidence. These documents are available and I did NOT get into this level of detail in my first post because I thought I was being respectful to everyone by not making the email too long. I now wish that I had provided this detail. DfE's standard is available at the following URL: http://www.epa.gov/dfe/pubs/projects/formulat/dfe_criteria_for_cleaning_products_10_09.pdf. And if you want the other documents, I would encourage you to talk directly to Clive Davies or David Difiore at DfE.

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Furthermore, my email asking people to send letters to NYS OGS was NOT based on a criticism of the program you launched in April or of New York. Rather, NYS OGS recently published a request for comments that closes on November 20th. Thus, I wish that DfE had completed everything --- that every "I" was dotted and every "T" was crossed. But I am confident that because the information is up for Federal Registry notification, I believe that it is really happening and should happen in the next couple of weeks. And what I have seen (what has been posted) is the "real McCoy" and it won't be changed before the FR posting, and from my experience with standard setting, there won't be any major changes based on the comments that would make it an unacceptable program. (Yes, I know anything is possible, but my experience tells me that at this stage of development, only minor changes ever take place and this is true for EPA, as well as any other standard development process). The reason I sent the personal appeal for support for DfE was because the closing for comments to the NYS OGS program is on November 20th, so if we don't include it this year, it may be excluded for many years to come. And if NYS OGS chooses to exclude it, I am afraid that it will continue to send the old and incorrect message to purchasers, especially in the public sector that DfE still hasn't changed which could adversely affect others decisions to include it as well. So I guess I did ask you to trust me and take my word on it. Marcia, you who know me and we have worked together on this specific issue for almost 15 years now --- so I believe you know that I take this issue very, very seriously and haven't made this request without understanding how important it is to maintain the integrity of environmentally preferable purchasing and to do the right thing. And beyond just asking that you trust me -- please review the new documents from DfE and while their process differs from Green Seal and EcoLogo, I think that it is a very sophisticated program that meets purchasing requirements and our goals of reducing negative impacts on both human health and the environment when compared to traditional cleaning products. Steve Stephen P. Ashkin, President The Ashkin Group, LLC - The Green Cleaning Experts 3644 Tamarron Drive Bloomington, IN 47408 Voice: 812/332-7950 Fax: 812/332-7965 Email: [email protected] Visit us at: www.AshkinGroup.com 3. Thanks Steve for the clarification of the earlier email. The added details concerning the DfE process and progress to date is very helpful. I look forward to reviewing the data when they go public. Marcia Deegler Director of Environmental Purchasing Operational Services Division One Ashburton Place Room 1017 Boston, MA 02108 Ph: 617-720-3356; FX: 617-727-4527 [email protected] 4. Marcia, I’m glad to try and help. A couple of things that might make it easier for everyone to check out what DfE is doing and to comment. I just learned that they (DfE) have already posted their program for public review and comments (which are due the end of this month) which can be found at:

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http://news.bna.com/deln/?date=20091110&mode=hi&lf=eml&emc=deln:deln:110. And ALL of DfE’s info on this program can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/dfe/enhancements_to_dfe_criteria.html Finally, I saw Robert Guillemin’s post this morning about NEWMOA hosting a forum that will allow DfE to answer questions from states regarding its labeling program. For call-in information, send an email to [email protected]. In closing I hope you and others will forgive me if I sound like I am being “heavy handed”, pushy or coming on too strong about DfE. I just see a small window of opportunity to respond to NYS OGS’s request for comments and am just trying to help get things done. Steve Stephen P. Ashkin, President The Ashkin Group, LLC - The Green Cleaning Experts 3644 Tamarron Drive Bloomington, IN 47408 Voice: 812/332-7950 Fax: 812/332-7965 Email: [email protected] Visit us at: www.AshkinGroup.com 5. Last week I sent a note asking for comments to be sent to NYS OGS due to their upcoming deadline which is again, November 20th. Perhaps lost in the discussion was that EPA’s Design for the Environment Program is also taking comments on their proposed changes which are due by November 30th. While I believe the DfE program has made many technical improvements there is at least one improvement that can be made that I think will help purchasers. If you agree, I hope you’ll consider submitting it along with your other comments. I will be suggesting that DfE requires approved products to identify the date on which they were approved (“approval date”). My thinking is that this will create additional transparency and give purchasers the opportunity to more easily compare products. This could be helpful because in the early years of the DfE program there was no performance requirement or verification. And while this is NOT to say that products approved during that period didn’t perform well or that the manufacturers weren’t doing what was promised, but it does make comparing “apples to apples” difficult, if not impossible. Thus an “approval date” will give purchasers the opportunity to stipulate in the RFP that the products shall be approved by DfE after July 1, 2009 (just an example) which would result in products approved under the new program with all the improvements that to me is what finally makes it an acceptable program. This simple addition (approval date) will provide purchasers with a greater degree of confidence that products were using the same minimum performance and other criteria when making purchases ---- in essence to help purchasers insure that they are getting the verification and other components that makes DfE an acceptable program. Whether or not you include this additional labeling requirement (approval date) along with your other comments, just keep in mind that comments to EPA are due November 30th. For your convenience this is the link to the DfE Criteria and a thorough discussion of the proposed changes to the DfE Criteria can be found online at: http://www.epa.gov/dfe/enhancements_to_dfe_criteria.html.

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And to make it easy to get your comments included, I recommend you send it directly to David Difiore ([email protected]) as the government site is virtually impossible to figure out… And DfE has assured me that sending it to David will be “officially” included in the public comments. Thanks for your consideration and let me know if you have any comments, Steve Stephen P. Ashkin, President The Ashkin Group, LLC - The Green Cleaning Experts 3644 Tamarron Drive Bloomington, IN 47408 Voice: 812/332-7950 Fax: 812/332-7965 Email: [email protected] Visit us at: www.AshkinGroup.com

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EPP Scorecard & Report, November 2009 2 Posts Original post: Hello Everyone, Does anyone have a sample scorecard of what you are using to measure either their internal practices regarding green purchasing as well as supplier performance in this area? On a different note, we recently released our 'RU Greenwashing' evaluation sheet for all suppliers. We were having issues with suppliers trying to enter Rutgers through the 'green' door so we put a lock on it ... now, in addition to registering as a vendor we have our 'RU Greenwashing' evaluation form ... we also developed an evaluation process as well. Any help you can provide would be great! Thanks, K Kevin Lyons, Ph.D. Chief Procurement Officer/Executive Director, Purchasing Department Research Professor, Supply Chain Environmental Archeology Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Administrative Services Building III 3 Rutgers Plaza New Brunswick, NJ 08903 732-932-4375 ext. 2301 732-932-4390 (fax) [email protected] Check Out our Green Purchasing Page! Response: Here's a score sheet I put together for a NASPO conference for suppliers. Its high level, but each attribute can be made much more granular. Hope this helps. Should be a pretty good framework to start from Marcia Deegler and Stacey Foreman, among others, reviewed this and added comments.

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Profile of an Ideal “Green” Company Positioning your company to respond to emerging needs of government

Rate your company’s progress towards the following criteria. Use this rating scale: NA = Doesn’t apply to my products or services 0 = We haven’t even thought about implementing this 1 = We’ve kicked the idea around but don’t have a concrete plan 2 = We have a plan and we’ve taken steps 3 = We’re all over this—it’s how we do things

Score Criteria Information Available for Government Agencies

Sales data. Ability to report how many environmentally preferable products (EPP) were sold, what they were, what agencies bought them, total dollar amounts, and profiles of historical data in order to extract trends. Sales data on-line and available to government agencies much like on-line banking.

Green products tagged. Environmentally preferable goods marked with icons, put in a separate section, or otherwise noted. Catalogs set up to block non-EPP products or roll over an order of a non-preferred product to one that is preferable.

Published green criteria. Companies would declare what standards they are complying with or in what way a product is EPP.

No greenwashing. Third-party auditing and verification of green practices and criteria. Business Practices Green internal operations. Actions that reduce waste, energy, and total carbon footprint in place. Green supply chain. Criteria like Wal-Mart’s packaging reduction scorecard and requirements that

drive supplier sustainability efforts established. Shipping. Researching and implementing ways to consolidate shipments and reduce the number of

deliveries to customer locations. Companies might collaborate to efficiently move goods to customer locations.

Support of local economies. Utilization of contractors, subcontractors, or local partnerships whenever possible. “Local” would need to be defined per each project.

Underutilized businesses. Active steps to engage historically underutilized businesses and emerging small businesses.

Sweatshop labor. No sourcing of products produced in exploitive and unfair labor conditions. Adherence to RoHS and European Standards. Voluntary compliance with the strictest level of

standards and published information related to this compliance. Working on solutions. Actively working with industry and government partners to develop common

solutions for common problems. EPEAT is a stellar example of this. Product Criteria

(See Guidelines for Green Products handout) Reduction of packaging. Reusable totes and other means for eliminating or reducing packaging and use

of less harmful packaging products. Plastic reduction. Actively implementing ways to reduce plastic waste in products. Design for the environment. Product/service reflects cradle-to-cradle or design-for-the-environment

principles.

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Mattress Recyclers, November 2009 4 Posts Original post: Hello, Does anyone use, or have any information on, mattress recyclers in the general vicinity of New Jersey? I have a list from ISPA (International Sleep Products Association) that shows our neighbors in Massachusetts (Hi Marci) being the closest. I also understand that a Canadian company has set up shop in Maryland. I've done some research and read a couple of reports from Oregon and Minnesota, but I'd love to know what's happening in our backyard. Any information or words of wisdom/warning in this commodity would be very helpful! Thank you, Magda Comeau Green Purchasing Manager Purchasing Department Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey 3 Rutgers Plaza, 2nd Floor New Brunswick, NJ 08901 732.932.4375 x2320 732.932.4390 (fax) http://purchasing.rutgers.edu/green Responses: 1. One suggestion is to check with the military bases near you. I have heard some of them are looking at mattress recycling. A. Georgiana Ball Virginia Department of General Services (804) 236-3665 FAX: (804) 236-3663 [email protected] 2. If there was it would be on the NJ Recycling Materials Index at http://www.state.nj.us/dep/dshw/recycling/materialsinfo.htm Mike Giuranna, Solid Waste Specialist EPA, Region III 1650 Arch Street (3LC40) Phila, PA 19103-2029 ph: 215-814-3298 fax:215-814-3163 [email protected] 3. There is a company from Ohio that has collected mattresses from far eastern PA. They work to recycle mattresses specifically from universities, and may be of help to you: Chuck Brickman, President Ohio Mattress Recovery & Recycling Willoughby, Ohio 44094 Phone: 440-856-3685 www.ohiomattressrecovery.com

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Anyone familiar with Grenk remanufactured cartridges, November 2009 3 Posts Original post: I was wondering if anyone is familiar with or uses grenk remanufactured cartridges and has any feedback - positive or negative. They claim to have a lot of "green" practices in addition to supplying a "green" product - they say that nothing goes to landfill in the process, they have the only onsite water treatment plant in industry etc, takeback of spent cartridges etc... thank you Julia Fraser Assistant Program Specialist - Sustainable Procurement City of Portland, Oregon Procurement Services Ph (503) 823-6882 Responses: 1. Julia, it is critical to know their quality control process and whether they have a system for returning spent cartridges to them. You can find the US Department of Energy's protocol for selecting quality remanufactured cartridges at http://www.hss.doe.gov/pp/epp/library/ap-toner-cartridge-protocol.pdf Sandra Cannon, Technical Support U.S. Department of Energy Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program Tel. 509-529-1535 2. I am not familiar with Grenk – but the claim of not sending any material to a landfill needs to be more fully described. For example in CT where 63% of the MSW generated is burned at waste-to-energy facilities (RRFs) – we could make the claim for the whole state that only about 12% of our MSW is landfilled and the other 78% is diverted from landfills. But that would be misleading – since only about 25% (or 30% accounting for unreported recycling tonnages) is actually recycled. Judy Belaval CT DEP Office of Source Reduction and Recycling (860) 424-3237

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EPP & Cost Savings, November – December 2009 3 Posts Original Posting: All, The Responsible Purchasing Network (RPN) is in the early stages of drafting a guide about environmentally preferable products that can yield cost savings. The purpose of the guide is to help organizations develop their EPP programs, even in the current economic climate, since significant steps can be made to make environmentally and socially responsible procurements that can improve an organization’s bottom line. We would like the help of the EPPnet community in identifying organizations that have achieved cost savings through their EPP programs. These organizations will be interviewed and highlighted in the forthcoming guide. Some questions we’ll be asking include: - Which products achieved cost savings? - How were these products purchased? (Open bid, group contact, etc.) - What was the payback time on initial upfront costs? - Did you receive special funding (government, etc.) to purchase these products? - What types of “hidden costs” have you encountered with these products? Additionally, if anyone would like to share their own experiences about saving money by making environmentally preferable purchases, I would also be interested in discussing this with you. Please feel free to email or call me directly at the number below. Thank you. Phillip Kobernick RPN Fellow Responsible Purchasing Network The Center for a New American Dream 6930 Carroll Avenue, Suite 900 Takoma Park, MD 20912 Phone (301) 891-3683 ext. 118 Fax (301) 891-3684 www.ResponsiblePurchasing.org Responses: 1. Hi Phillip, I have been checking around with people to see what we could submit. I had knee surgery in November so I’ve been slowed down some. I’m wondering what kind of a timeline you have on this. I think the way we applied life cycle costing to the purchase of a hybrid (this justifying the purchase of a higher cost car) would fit what you’re looking for. Thanks, Linden Skjeie, M.S. Urban Environmental Accords Coordinator Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Legislative Analysis and Advocacy Office of Sustainability Environmental Services Department 200 E. Santa Clara Street, Tenth Floor San Jose, CA 95113 408.975.2577 [email protected]

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2. Linden, that would be great. We are very much eager to see how people are applying life-cycle assessments and the types of case studies they have created. The timeline is not set in stone, but we are planning on publishing within a couple of months. Any insight or experience with these types of EPPs would be very much appreciated! Thank you. Best, Phillip

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Specs for green product substitution in office supply contracts, January 2010 5 Posts Original post: Hi, We’re looking for specifications to include in a county’s Office Supply RFP that would require the vendor to provide a Green Product Substitution option (like Office Depot offers some clients) or at least a notification of a green product alternative when a purchaser selects a non-green item. Does anyone have a spec for this? Thanks! Have a nice day, Johanna Johanna Kertesz Local Government Assistance Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (651) 757-2489 [email protected] www.pca.state.mn.us/epp www.rethinkrecycling.com/government/eppg Responses: 1. This is a work in progress that we haven’t begun implementing yet, but we are beginning the process internally. Our current office supplier is Staples. This doesn’t cover computers because we buy those separately. If it did include them, the extra rule would be to replace non-EPEAT with EPEAT computers when EPEAT is available. Universal Prohibitions - Prohibit these from appearing in catalog search: - Styrofoam - Bottled water - PVC containing materials Substitutions - Prohibit the conventional option from appearing when there is a preferable alternative: - Replace OEM ink and toner with remains - Replace non-rechargeable batteries with rechargeables - Replace non-recycled content product with recycled content product Universal Preferences This will be a combination of prohibiting conventional options when alternatives exist and rank ordering more preferable options ahead of less preferable (but allowable) options such as putting 100%PCW paper ahead of 30% PCW paper (this last one is up for debate, we may prohibit other options when 100% PCW is available): - Ecoeasy (Staples house green system) - Energy Star - FSC - Green Seal - EcoLogo - CFPA - GreenGuard - Remains that also have recycled content (i.e. put these ahead of remains with no recycled content but allow both).

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Chris O'Brien Director of Sustainability American University Office of Sustainability 3201 New Mexico Ave. NW Suite 255 Washington, D.C. 20016-8033 202.885.3278 (fax) 202.885.2682 (ph) www.american.edu/sustainability www.twitter.com/GreenAU 2. Johanna, Have you checked out OFEE's "Green Products Compilation" at: http://www.fedcenter.gov/Documents/index.cfm?id=11767 or other possible resources at FedCenter's Acquisition web page: http://www.fedcenter.gov/programs/buygreen/ Steve Luzzi FedCenter Manager

3. I don't know if anyone from NYS has replied yet, but we've got a very ambitious re-write of all specifications for goods and services procured by the State through our Office of General Services going on in response to Governor Paterson's Executive Order #4, which was enacted in Spring, 2008. The objective of the EO is to "green" all state agency (and affiliates) operations via measurable waste prevention, increased recycling and the purchase of environmentally-preferable products. The EO calls for the review of at least 3 general categories of product/services each year, with modification/re-write of 36 actual specifications annually. Information about the EO can be found at http://www.ogs.state.ny.us/EO/4/Default.asp

To review the changes to our specifications that have been accomplished thus far, scroll down the page to the bulleted items under "Procurement Subcommittee." The group has done some excellent work to review and convert specifications for products/services we buy to make them "greener." It's been a very time-consuming yet interesting process that has reps from several key agencies, including OGS, but also State Dept. of Environmental Conservation, Transportation, Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, Economic Development, NYSERDA (energy authority), Comptroller's Office, etc., sitting at the same table discussing the revisions and coming to terms that are acceptable to all. Hope this helps, BG Brenda Grober Environmental Services Unit Empire State Development 30 South Pearl Street Albany, NY 12245 (518) 292-5342 / FAX (518) 292-5886 [email protected] 4. Under Universal Preferences you should include EPA EPP CPP http://www.epa.gov/epp/ and GreenSpec listed products http://www.buildinggreen.com/menus/

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Also I know I have brought this up before but where are the various “recycled” products sourced North America v off-shore? Thanks Deborah

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Tracking & Reporting on Sustainable Purchasing, February 2010 10 Posts Original post: I’m very interested in practices anyone follows related to tracking and measuring sustainable purchases. How are you all measuring the success or even progress of your sustainable purchasing initiatives? Thanks, Janna E. Allgood Sustainable Purchasing Coordinator NWSA AmeriCorps Member 503-988-5111 x 25906 (office) 503-988-3252 (fax) 703-587-0992 (mobile) Responses 1. Hi, We build in a certain amount of reporting by vendors into our agreements with vendor. Depending on the product there are online calculators for environmental attributes. Very often we have to develop our own metrics. We're located in the Great Lakes region so we like to try and i.e. our env benefits to GL issues such as mercury. An inexact science and often easier said than done. Feel free to call to discuss. Best, Abby Corso Delta Institute 2. Hello –e many calculators out there now – the one I work with the most addresses electronics/IT equipment. You can use the Electronics Environmental Benefits Calculator - at http://isse.utk.edu/ccp/projects/benefitscalculator/elecbenecalc.html to calculate the first year and life cycle benefits related to purchase of EPEAT rated green IT products, the benefits that accrue from enabling energy management features, and the benefits from reusing and recycling hardware. The calculator can also assess benefits of cell phone reuse and recycling.

Sarah O'Brien EPEAT Outreach and Communications [email protected] +1(802) 479-0317 www.epeat.net 3. Dear Janna and any other interested EPPnet-ers, To aid the efforts of those calculating monetary and environmental benefits from green purchasing, the Responsible Purchasing Network (RPN) has collected 12 green purchasing calculators, for which are available for free at this link: http://www.responsiblepurchasing.org/purchasing_guides/all/calculator/ In addition, we’ll be releasing a Model Annual Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Report. -Vincent Vincent Kitira RPN Manager 4. Most tracking has been done by requiring (green record keeping and reporting) by the vendor. Hopefully you’ll also hear from others with successful in-house tracking systems.

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Tracking is a challenge when different state agencies (or divisions within a company) are not using the same electronic accounting systems, or that they do not use the same commodity coding to identify purchases. Even if agencies are on the same recording system; if employees do not take care to correctly assign a commodity code to the product purchase then you cannot distinguish at the end of the reporting period whether you bought a virgin material pencil or a pencil with some recycled content (or the percentage of recycled content). NIGP has been working on a solution for identification: http://govpro.com/green/content/planting_seeds_green/index.html Doug Douglas Reed, Purchasing Agent Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Hoover State Office Building, Level A Des Moines, IA 50319-0105 [email protected] Phone: (515) 242-6151 Fax: 515-725-0120 direct 5. I am very interested in locating a reliable resource that can calculate how much of each type of natural resources (for example; barrels of oil, BTUs of energy, gallons of water, landfill space) are saved when we recycle 1 ton of #1 and #2 plastic bottles. The EPA website had something similar to this calculation regarding the recycling of 1 ton of paper, which saves 17 trees, etc… Does anyone have any recommended resources that I could use to estimate the amount of natural resources that are saved by recycling any type of containers plastics, glass, steel, aluminum (basic curbside collected containers) and aseptic containers. Thank you for any assistance with this effort. Sincerely, Lisa Perschke Business Recycling Coordinator Recycle Ann Arbor 2420 S. Industrial Hwy. Ann Arbor, MI 48104 734.662.6288 (113) OFFICE 734.320.9492 MOBILE 734.662.7749 FAX 6. Good Morning: Here are a few calculation tools that can be used to measure your organizations GHG emissions and waste stream to help build reports on your sustainability activities and benefits of recycling and alternative disposal of materials. The Greenhouse Gas Protocol Calculation Tools - www.ghgprotocol.org/calculation-tools/all-

tools - work in conjunction with the Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard for calculating a GHG inventory.

The Carbonfund.org business calculator - www.carbonfund.org/business/calculator - measures

office emissions based on utility bills, number of employees, or office space. The EPA’s Waste Reduction Model (WARM) -

http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/waste/calculators/Warm_Form.html

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I have found #3, EPA’s Model, to be the most comprehensive when dealing with alternative waste disposal options. Best regards, Aiden

7. In Massachusetts, our feeling was that there were too many calculators all focused on different product types and producing results in different units of measure (and using different equivalents in making those results understandable). So, we designed our own calculator, mostly based on the WARM Model and the Energy Star calculators, to produce consolidated reports for most of our purchases. Our goal was to have one calculator for almost everything… and I think we got fairly close:

The calculator is flexible – you can enter pretty much any recycled-content product, and create additional products in the Energy Star section as well.

You enter data in purchasing units (e.g. cases of paper, not tons). The calculator already contains a lot of pre-set products - only enter quantity and you will get a

benefits report No matter how many product types and individual products you enter (one or one thousand), the

calculator reports things by product type and by benefit type It also provides one consolidated report for benefits of all your purchases.

The tool is called EnviroCalc and is available from the Massachusetts EPP Program website at http://www.mass.gov/Eoaf/docs/osd/epp/envirocalc_main_page.doc Limitations: the EnergyStar section is limited to CFLs, Copiers, Monitors and Fax Machines (although within those categories, you can enter pretty much any product). There is less information on the reduction in the use of toxic chemicals than other calculators may offer. Thank you, Dmitriy Nikolayev Procurement Manager Facilities and Environmental Services Operational Services Division Commonwealth of Massachusetts One Ashburton Place, Room 1017 Boston, MA 02108 Phone: 617-720-3351 Fax: 617-727-4527

Aiden M. Cohen Sustainability Senior Buyer Responsible (Green) Purchasing Program City of Austin Financial & Administrative Services Dept. Central Purchasing Office PO Box 1088 Austin, TX 78767 512-972-4008 (Office) 512-972-4015 (Fax) [email protected]

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[email protected] 8. It seems that many calculators provide savings measured in Btus or kilowatt/hours. While these can produce some impressive numbers, we decided to convert these Btu / Kwh figures into more meaningful estimates. We now convert the Kwh figure (generated by the environmental calculator) to show how many homes in Missouri would be powered for a year. Here’s how we arrived at this figure for our most recent reporting period. To determine the average energy consumed by a household in Missouri we used this table http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/recs/recs2005/hc2005_tables/c&e/pdf/tableus1part1.pdf MO is in the West North Central region and the average annual energy consumption for a home is 104,600,000 Btus. The environmental calculator estimated that 1,625,383 Kwh of energy was saved by purchasing recycled-content paper last year. To convert this figure to Btus we multiplied by 3,413 (3413 Btu = 1 Kwh). Here’s the math … 1,625,383 Kwh X 3413 = 5,547,432,179 Btu 5,547,432,179 Btu / 104,600,000 Btu = 53 53 = Number of homes that could be powered for a year in Missouri Rob Didriksen Coordinator, Missouri State Recycling Program 9. I've seen many great suggestions on this today. I like the social math aspect in Rob exhibits when reporting what he measures in a way that better conveys the magnitude of the results. It's very important to reach the audience in a way that makes in understandable, absolutely. But the provocateur in me wonders if that is the most "meaningful" approach. The measures indicate a presumed savings, i.e., how many Btus or KWh or tons CO2e or whatever. But they don't indicate how that amount compares to the amount spent in previous years or months or per square foot or unit of product, i.e., a relative change from some previous condition. Doing so would help to prevent savings being transferred to some other resource consuming activities (stories of home energy savings going towards purchase of big screen plasma TVs, for instance). But even a relative improvement doesn't reflect the even more important question of whether there is an absolute improvement - is energy saved and the energy generated by renewable sources enough to offset increasing demand AND depleting or foreign sources? If we are only doing better (relative measure) are we doing enough (absolute measure)? If our tracking and reporting doesn't reflect absolute changes, then I don't think it's sustainable purchasing we're talking about. It's "changing the slope on the un-sustainability curve" purchasing. Hmmm, there's gotta be a better name than that - I think that's a little awkward. thoughts? Rick

Richard Yoder, PE Director, P2ric.org University of Nebraska at Omaha 6001 Dodge Street, RH308

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Omaha, NE 68182 vox: 402-554-6257 fax: 402-554-6260 http://www.p2ric.org/

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Looking for service vendor sustainability questionnaire, February 2010 2 Posts Original post: Hello EPPers; Would anyone have, and be willing to share, any vendor sustainability questionnaire that they are currently using ? We are beginning to develop one for our vendors who provide training and consulting services but at the moment I'm looking for any and all examples to give us a starting point. thanks, Lynda Lynda Rankin, Manager, Sustainable Procurement Integration Economic and Rural Development PO Box 787 Halifax Nova Scotia B3J 2V2 email: [email protected] Response: You might start with Wal-Mart’s 15 questions. Which are: Supplier Sustainability Assessment: 15 Questions for Suppliers - Energy and Climate: Reducing Energy Costs and Greenhouse Gas Emissions 1. Have you measured your corporate greenhouse gas emissions? 2. Have you opted to report your greenhouse gas emissions to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)? 3. What is your total annual greenhouse gas emissions reported in the most recent year measured? 4. Have you set publicly available greenhouse gas reduction targets? If yes, what are those targets? Material Efficiency: Reducing Waste and Enhancing Quality 1. If measured, please report the total amount of solid waste generated from the facilities that produce your product(s) for Wal-Mart for the most recent year measured. 2. Have you set publicly available solid waste reduction targets? If yes, what are those targets? 3. If measured, please report total water use from facilities that produce your product(s) for Wal-Mart for the most recent year measured. 4. Have you set publicly available water use reduction targets? If yes, what are those targets? Natural Resources: Producing High Quality, Responsibly Sourced Raw Materials 1. Have you established publicly available sustainability purchasing guidelines for your direct suppliers that address issues such as environmental compliance, employment practices and product/ingredient safety? 2. Have you obtained 3rd party certifications for any of the products that you sell to Wal-Mart? People and Community: Ensuring Responsible and Ethical Production 1. Do you know the location of 100 percent of the facilities that produce your product(s)? 2. Before beginning a business relationship with a manufacturing facility, do you evaluate the quality of, and capacity for, production? 3. Do you have a process for managing social compliance at the manufacturing level?

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4. Do you work with your supply base to resolve issues found during social compliance evaluations and also document specific corrections and improvements? 5. Do you invest in community development activities in the markets you source from and/or operate within? Mike Giuranna, Solid Waste Specialist EPA, Region III 1650 Arch Street (3LC40) Phila, PA 19103-2029 ph: 215-814-3298 fax:215-814-3163 [email protected]

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Recycling food service gloves, February 2010 3 Posts Original post: Does anyone know of programs for recycling food service gloves? I would guess this may be the same as medical gloves. . . thanks - Jeri Responses: 1. Don't know of any programs which recycle them but had this electronic file on alternatives: The Sustainable Hospitals Project has spent a lot of time looking at environmentally preferable alternatives to gloves, particularly non-PVC gloves. They list non-latex, non-PVC gloves appropriate for patient exam and surgery on their website. (Go to http://www.sustainablehospitals.org and click on gloves.) Catherine Galligan at the Project also would probably be able to provide you with more specific information about food service gloves if you contact her directly at [email protected] or 978-934-3386. Lara Sutherland Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Health Care Without Harm ph: 303-377-7048 fax: 303-377-7049 [email protected] 2. So far I haven't seen any reference to recycling latex gloves, but it is probably just over the horizon. Rutgers’s University announced in March of this year that they have developed a process for recycling latex paint. They mix it into plastics and the results are sometime even better than plastic without latex. If you start thinking about how many latex gloves are being sent to the landfill, it is probably just a short while before they start looking at the gloves as an additional source of latex for their plastics formula. Hospitals, dentists, hair dressers, a lot of manufacturers, first responders at accidents, police investigators, laboratory workers.......that's a lot of latex. Source(s): http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070321093327.htm Mike Giuranna, Solid Waste Specialist EPA, Region III 1650 Arch Street (3LC40) Phila, PA 19103-2029 ph: 215-814-3298 fax:215-814-3163 [email protected]

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CD Mailers - looking for guidance, March 2010 5 Posts Original post: I work for Department of Ecology for the state of Washington. I’m looking to purchase 500 CD mailers that are recyclable and made in the USA. I’ve researched the web and I’m having a hard time trying to find both criteria. I did find a company that has both but I have to order $500 or more. Do you have any suggestions, websites, or companies that I can contact? Thanks, Vanessa O'Daniel Department of Ecology Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction (360)407-6700 Responses: 1. Hello Vanessa, Yes, I can help you find the RECYCLED CD covers that you are looking for. Also, consider joining Environmental Preservation Solutions GREEN PURCHASING PROGRAM that provides information on where to find recycled products, E-Waste Collections, Contract Language, Green Purchasing and much, much more. Please give me a call at 303-875-7733. Regards, Gilbert L. Bailey 303-875-7733 President 2. Hello, Vanessa and EPPNetters: Try this Seattle-based company for CD covers. http://www.rebinder.com/ By the way, I believe you (Ecology) can use a City of Seattle office supplies contract to order these if you wish – get in touch with me directly to follow up. Shirli Axelrod Waste Prevention and Green Purchasing Seattle Public Utilities PO Box 34018 700 Fifth Avenue, Suite 4900 Seattle, WA 98124-4018 Phone: 206-684-7804 E-mail: [email protected] 3. The US Postal Service offers ReadyPost CD mailers that are Cradle-to-Cradle certified (which I assume means recycled content among other attributes), and are made in the USA. But they're pricey--$1.99 each. Product code: 93140002 Gretchen Brewer 4. You might search the Canopy Ecopaper database (http://canopyplanet.org/EPD/index.php) because they have listings for the heavier paper grades…under ‘Paper Type’ enter a filter for say “envelopes” or “packaging”. You didn’t mention if you were looking for a lightweight 24# paper grade envelope mailer or a heavier grade of protecting stock like a paperboard product.

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Doug Douglas Reed, CPPB, Purchasing Agent Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Hoover State Office Building, Level A Des Moines, IA 50319-0105 [email protected] Phone: (515) 242-6151 Fax: 515-725-0120 direct

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Solar powered waste handling equipment, March 2010 4 Posts Original post: Does anyone have any experience with solar powered waste handling equipment? Thanks, Steve Stephen P. Ashkin, President The Ashkin Group LLC - The Green Cleaning Experts 3644 Tamarron Drive Bloomington, IN 47408 Phone: (812) 332-7950 Fax: (812) 332-7965 Email: [email protected] Visit us at: www.AshkinGroup.com Responses: 1. We’re considering one of these at American University: http://www.bigbellysolar.com/products/ I believe they have a couple already in place at George Washington University. 2. City of Boston bought 50 a couple years ago and they love them. Our Dept. of Conservation and recreation use them as well. MA has found them to be a great company and a great product. Marcia Deegler, Director of Environmental Purchasing Operational Services Division One Ashburton Place, Room 1017 Boston, MA 02108-1552 617-720-3356, 617-727-4527 fax [email protected] Visit the EPP Website at www.mass.gov/epp 3. Big Belly has several hundred units installed in Philadelphia with documented significant savings in labor, fuel and disposal costs. I believe two hundred more units are going in shortly. Philadelphia is also actively using the compactors’ wireless communication functionality to focus staff on servicing units that are full. Dmitriy Nikolayev, Procurement Manager Facilities and Environmental Services Operational Services Division Commonwealth of Massachusetts One Ashburton Place, Room 1017 Boston, MA 02108 Phone: 617-720-3351 Fax: 617-727-4527 [email protected]

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Fragrance free institutional bathroom deodorizer, March 2010 6 Posts Original post: I’m looking for an environmentally friendly, institutional bathroom deodorizer for use in a law enforcement intake facility. We have a toxics reduction policy, so anything that has a fragrance will not pass. Scented might be OK if it’s a natural scent but fragrance is out. Got any ideas? Janna E. Allgood Sustainable Purchasing Coordinator NWSA AmeriCorps Member 503-988-5111 x 25906 (office) 503-988-3252 (fax) 703-587-0992 (mobile) Responses: 1. Here is a wiki on air fresheners - in case helpful. Produced by P2Rx. http://lib.wmrc.uiuc.edu/p2rx-wiki/index.php/Air_fresheners 2. Two all-natural, inexpensive deodorizers are baking soda or vinegar. Use in flat, wide containers to absorb the odor. Baking soda has no scent, and vinegar's scent (not a fragrance) is natural, but not appealing. Cleanliness in a bathroom is the best deodorizer. A black light is helpful in finding where bad smells (urine, semen, etc.) are so they can be removed through cleaning. Most commercial deodorizers are simply trying to cover a bad smell with a more powerful, synthetic smell, and most stink worse than the odor you're trying to cover. Pg 3. Try https://greencleaning.ny.gov/ 4. Janna, I’m not sure if this list will travel well over the list serve, but I’m trying it. There are five vendors on our state contract with odor control products that are EcoLogo certified. I cannot say that I personally familiar with any of them as our office does not purchase these products directly. Hopefully one or more of them may meet your specifications. I provided the emails for the vendors so you can check it out. Please let me know if something works out. Also let me know if you do not receive the list and I will email it as an attachment independently from the listserv.

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Vendor

Name

Product Type / Applica

tion

Manufacturer

Name

Product Name

Certification

Obtained

Packaging Size

Packaging

Cost Deliver

ed

Total

Gal in

Pkg Size

Dilution

Factor/Qrt

Volume % Disco

unt (if

any)

Product

Listed on GS or CCD

website?

Yes/No

Vendor

Contact

Vendor Email

Allston Supply Co.

Odor Control Butcher

Breakdown #43 Command Center CCD 115

2 X 1.5 Gallon $150.74 3 40 0% Yes

Bob Cohen

[email protected]

Casey EMI

Odor Control Butchers

#43 G Force Breakdown Clear Ecologo

(2) 1.5 Gallon

$ 124.83

3 gallons 10 0% Yes

Craig Smith

[email protected]

Simplex Janitorial

Odor Control

Enviro Solutions

ES58 Odor Eliminator

ECP-CCD-Other

2 x 1.25 gal.

$ 174.25 2.5 1 to 8 0% Yes

Charles Rice

[email protected]

MD Stetson

Odor Control

M.D. Stetson Company, Inc.

Product Central 121 Pro-Zyme Ecologo

4 x .5 gallon/case

$ 300.00 2 0.06 0% Yes

Andrea Glass

[email protected]

Zep Sales & Service

Odor Control

ZEP SALES AND SERVICE, INC.

GREENLINK ODORSTROYER EXTRA CD-110 QUART

$ 70.12 12 RTU 0% YES

Chris Collette

[email protected]

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Zep Sales & Service

Odor Control

ZEP SALES AND SERVICE, INC.

GREENLINK ODORSTROYER EXTRA CD-110

GALLON

$ 93.12 4 RTU 0% YES

Zep Sales & Service

Odor Control

ZEP SALES AND SERVICE, INC.

GREENLINK ODORSTROYER EXTRA CD-110 PAIL

$ 76.10 5 RTU 0% YES

Zep Sales & Service

Odor Control

ZEP SALES AND SERVICE, INC.

GREENLINK ODORSTROYER EXTRA CD-110 DRUM

$ 325.60 20 RTU 0% YES

Zep Sales & Service

Odor Control

ZEP SALES AND SERVICE, INC.

GREENLINK ODORSTROYER EXTRA CD-110 DRUM

$ 774.40 55 RTU 0% YES

Zep Sales & Service

Odor Control

ZEP SALES AND SERVICE, INC.

GREENLINK LBA

CCD-113 PAIL

$ 72.60 5

23/OZ/DAY 0% YES

Zep Sales & Service

Odor Control

ZEP SALES AND SERVICE, INC.

GREENLINK BIO MULIT-PURPOSE DRAIN CARE

CCD-113

GALLON

$ 79.76 4

4-12 OZ/WEEK 0% YES

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Zep Sales & Service

Odor Control

ZEP SALES AND SERVICE, INC.

GREENLINK BIO MULIT-PURPOSE DRAIN CARE

CCD-113 PAIL

$ 94.20 5

4-12 OZ/WEEK 0% YES

Zep Sales & Service

Odor Control

ZEP SALES AND SERVICE, INC.

GREENLINK ZEP-O-ZYME POWDER

CCD-113 1 LB

$ 108.04 12 5 0% YES

Zep Sales & Service

Odor Control

ZEP SALES AND SERVICE, INC.

GREENLINK ZEP-O-ZYME POWDER

CCD-113 DRUM

$ 160.00 25 5 0% YES

Zep Sales & Service

Odor Control

ZEP SALES AND SERVICE, INC.

GREENLINK ODORSTROYER EXTRA

CCD-113 QUART

$ 70.12 12 RTU 0% YES

Zep Sales & Service

Odor Control

ZEP SALES AND SERVICE, INC.

GREENLINK ODORSTROYER EXTRA

CCD-113

GALLON

$ 93.12 4 RTU 0% YES

Zep Sales & Service

Odor Control

ZEP SALES AND SERVICE, INC.

GREENLINK ODORSTROYER EXTRA

CCD-113 PAIL

$ 76.10 5 RTU 0% YES

Zep Sales & Service

Odor Control

ZEP SALES AND SERVICE, INC.

GREENLINK ODORSTROYER EXTRA

CCD-113 DRUM

$ 325.60 20 RTU 0% YES

247

Zep Sales & Service

Odor Control

ZEP SALES AND SERVICE, INC.

GREENLINK ODORSTROYER EXTRA

CCD-113 DRUM

$ 774.40 55 RTU 0% YES

Marcia Deegler Director of Environmental Purchasing Operational Services Division One Ashburton Place, Room 1017 Boston, MA 02108-1552 5. Another cost effective approach is to ensure good ventilation in the restrooms and not use any deodorizer. Unfortunately, the advertising industry has us trained to think the chemical smell of deodorizers is healthier than the natural smell of body processes. Sandra Cannon, Technical Support U.S. Department of Energy Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program Tel. 509-529-1535

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Swimming Pool Solutions, March 2010 3 Posts Original post: Hello everyone. I'm an intern with Allegheny County, PA assisting the purchasing department with creating specs for a swimming pool chemicals bid. I am looking for environmentally preferable solutions for the county's public pools. Thank you in advance for your consideration and assistance. Karen V. Abrams Slippery Rock University, Graduate Assistant Master of Science in Sustainable Systems (MS3) [email protected] (email) 724 738 4585 (office) 917 549 1988 (mobile) Responses: 1. Hello, Karen. Here are "Green" Hotels Association recommendations. Please do let me know your findings. Patty Griffin 713/789-888

SWIMMING POOL, Alternatives to Chlorine

Aqua-Flo, aqua-flo.com, 951/667-2000, pumps for the leisure water industry Chlor-Free, chlorfree.com, 011/506/2665-0896 (Costa Rica). The ChlorFree-AquaSmarter Ionizing Capsule lasts for 12 Months and does not require the need for Electricity, Constant Maintenance or Special Plumbing.

Zodiac Pool Care, Inc., zodiac.com, 800/822-7933, Nature2 canister filter said to trap bacteria, algae and viruses and releases minute amounts of silver (bactericide) and copper (kills algae) into the pool water to reduce need for chlorine.

Pool Solutions, links to alternative chemistry and equipment, www.poolsolutions.com/link/prod_alt_chem.html Ozone cleaning systems keep water naturally sanitized without chlorine; effectively used in Europe for over 30 years.

SunshinePool.com, 801/825-4523, manufacturer of environmentally friendly pool and spa sanitizers

OzonePureWater.com, 800/633-8469, Ozone Pure Water eliminates provides ozone systems that remove iron, sulfur, manganese, bacteria, taste and odor.

Mineral treatments: Minerals such as silver and copper destroy bacteria and algae reducing the amount of chlorine needed by about 90%. www.Nature2.com We use ozone to treat our two pools at American University. It comes from this company: http://www.delozone.com. The person here who manages it tells me: "We currently use ozone in both pools, but maintain a chlorine residual value of .5 to 1 pp. This residual is required by the health department, since ozone does not have a residual that can be measured." Hope this helps, Chris O'Brien

249

Director of Sustainability American University

2. Hi Karen, Any technology- whether its ozone or ionization or alternative chems will also require chlorine as per your state requirement for public pools or pools that the public can access- like YMCAs, health clubs, hotels etc. Here in Maine we have a 2 ppm requirement. Salt chlorine generators are a great alternative technology because they generate their own chlorine which a more pure form of chlorine w/ out the additives etc. That to me is the preferred way to go, but can be pricey. We just finished a pilot project using Orenda products in addition to chlorine. Orenda makes a food grade enzyme that is added to the pool to knock out phosphates in the water which minimize the chlorine's effectiveness. If you can make sure the chlorine is working effectively, you will use less chlorine. One hotel here in Portland and the Portland YMCA are using the Orenda products (which my program supplied them with for the pilot) in addition to their chlorine and they are now using 1/3 to 1/2 less chlorine to maintain the state required 2 ppm. Both of these pools are really liking the water quality, the indoor air quality and many swimmers have asked what is different about the water in a favorable manner. Also- you should make sure no pool is using "stabilized" chlorine in an indoor pool as the stabilizer (cyanuric acid) will not be broken down without UV rays. This is for outdoor pools. A build up in stabilizer will also occupy the chlorine and render it ineffective despite accurate chlorine readings. I found several hotel pools using stabilized chlorine (trichlor or dichlor)with indoor pools. This is a lawsuit waiting to happen. Let me know if you have any other questions. I'd be happy to advise... Peter Cooke Pollution Prevention Program Manager Maine Department of Environmental Protection 312 Canco Road Portland, ME 04103 (207) 791-8101 (207) 822-6303 fax [email protected] www.state.me.us/dep

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Business Card Printing, April 2010 3 Posts Original post: Good Morning EPPnet, I am in the process of developing a specification for environmentally friendly business cards. If anyone has any specs readily available, I'd love to take a peak. Thanks, Jonathan Jonathan Rifkin, Special Assistant to the Director Office of Contracting and Procurement One Judiciary Square, 441 4th St, NW, Suite 700S Washington, DC 20001 Ph: 202-724-3676 E-Mail: [email protected] Responses: 1. I went on the PA Recycled Products Guide at http://www.dep.state.pa.us/wm_apps/recycledproducts/ and found the following three companies that make recycled content business cards: Can Alta Bindery Corp. 8445 Davies Rd Edmonton, AB T6E 4N3 (780) 466-9973 [email protected] Recycled Product: Business Cards Total Recycled Content: 100% Total Recycled Content Post-Consumer Recycled Content: 100% Post-Consumer PET Stephens Solutions 10847 Midwest Industrial Blvd Saint Louis, MO 63132 (314) 423-6554 [email protected] http://www.stephensolutions.com Recycled Product: Business Cards Total Recycled Content: Up to 100% Total Recycled Content Post-Consumer Recycled Content: 20-100% Post-Consumer Paper Pre-Cycled P.O. Box 341 Brewster, NY 10509 (845) 278-7611, (888) 38-COLOR [email protected] http://www.pre-cycled.com Recycled Product: Business Cards Total Recycled Content: 50% Total Recycled Content Post-Consumer Recycled Content: 10% Post-Consumer Paper

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Mike Giuranna, Solid Waste Specialist EPA, Region III 1650 Arch Street (3LC40) Phila, PA 19103-2029 ph: 215-814-3298 fax:215-814-3163 [email protected] 2. Here at GSA we utilize the services of an Ability One workshop (handicapped workers) for printing business cards with recycled content and bio based inks. They are Envision located in Wichita Kansas. Contact: Fred Cabala at 316-267-2244 Martin A. Prince Environmental Specialist (QSDJ)(R02) GSA Northeast and Caribbean Region Phone 212-264-7883 Fax 212-264-3574

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Compostable Food Service Ware In Jails and Hospitals, April 2010 4 Posts Original post: I'm looking for leads to hospital and jail facilities that are successfully using compostable food service ware - e.g. cups, bowls, plates, utensils, trays. All leads and contacts appreciated! Susan Kinsella Responses: 1. Here's a list of companies offering compostable foodware. They're all Ally Members of "Green" Hotels Assn. The listing can be found at greenhotels.com/appvvnd.php. Patty Griffin Bamboo Studio, Barry Hermanson, Owner, ALLY MEMBER, 31878 Del Obispo Street, Bldg. 118-336, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, 949/582-3190, Fax 949/582-3198, Internet: WWW Home Page, Bamboo Studio is a revolutionary all-occasion dinnerware that is both disposable and reusable. Handcrafted from the sheath of the emerging bamboo plant, these dynamic new serving pieces are elegant, strong and environmentally friendly. Strong and leak resistant. Handcrafted from bamboo sheath. No harsh chemicals or bleaches are used. Requires little energy to make, and bamboo is 100% biodegradable. Foodservice & Packaging Institute, Inc., 703/538-2800, fpi.org Genpak LLC, Jeff Cole, ALLY MEMBER, 68Warren Street, Glen Falls, New York 12801, 518/798-9511, Internet: WWW Home Page The Harvest Collection® from Genpak is an exciting line of biodegradable food containers produced from naturally occurring, annually renewable resources such as corn, rice and wheat that will completely compost and biodegrade when placed into a commercially run composting facility. G.E.T. Enterprises, Inc., Audrey Copeland, Sustainable Products Manager, ALLY MEMBER, 1515 West Sam Houston Parkway North, Houston, TX 77043, 713/467-9394, Fax 713/467-9396, Internet: WWW Home Page, Eco-Takeouts is a green alternative to disposable containers. Reduce waste and our environmental impact by purchasing reusable products. Break-resistant and designed for use in commercial dishwasher, Eco-Takeouts will also cut supply costs through reuse. It is made of recyclable, 100% BPA free polypropylene and is microwave safe for reheating. Innoware Plastic, Inc., Ginger Green, Marketing Coordinator, ALLY MEMBER, 30000 Mill Creek Avenue, Suite 400, Alpharetta, Georgia 30022, dir 678/690-5144, C 770/924-1250, 678/690-5100, Fax 678/690-5103, Internet: WWW Home Page. We manufacture premium plastic and paper disposable products, including earth-friendly material options, for the foodservice and retail industriesInnoWare Plastic, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of upscale foodservice packaging. Well known for delivering innovative designs and reliable functionality, InnoWare is an ally of foodservice operators looking for earth-friendly containers that make a green statement with designer appeal. Mansfield Paper Company, Inc., Scott Parent, President, ALLY MEMBER, 380 Union Street, P. O. Box 1070, West Springfield, MA 01089, 800/225-4641, 413/781-2000, Fax 413/734-9666, Internet: WWW Home Page, Conserve the Earth's natural resources using eco-friendly products. Mansfield Paper is proud to feature biodegradable, compostable and recyclable tableware and accessories. We have in stock cutlery, cups, containers, cleaners and more. Let us help you conserve the Earth's natural resources by supplying

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eco-friendly merchandise. Total Packaging Solutions LLC, Wayne Cunningham, President, ALLY MEMBER, P. O. Box 1083, South Windsor, CT 06074, 860/644-6994, Fax 860/432-0183, Internet: WWW Home Page, E-mail: [email protected], Ultra Green LLC, Cal Krupa, President, ALLY MEMBER, 171 Cheshire Lane North, Suite 500, Minneapolis, MN 55441, 612/518-2240, Fax 763/746-3345, Internet: WWW Home Page, E-mail: [email protected], We make Earth-friendly products using cutting-edge ecological discoveries. We've gone beyond recycling. Our premiere Tree Free paper products are made from sugarcane fiber. After the sugar is squeezed from the cane, historically, the crushed stalk was burned or discarded. No longer. We've done away with the environmental nightmare of petroleum-based plastics that take hundreds of years to break down, contaminate our soil, groundwater and oceans. Ultra Green cups and utensils are made from cornstarch. All of our products are 100% biodegradable, compostable and sustainable. 2. I think the main thing tipping the scale towards environmental preferability of compostable service ware is that it is composted. And unless the facility is doing so, it is generally unlikely - though not impossible - that the trash or usual recycling collection system is sorting these to a composting operation. If that doesn't happen, then that environmental benefit does not occur. Alas - too often in EPP, purchasers buy the promise of "green" without ensuring the benefit. Which is why hundreds of vendors have sprung up to spread this potentially unlawful consumer misdirection. Time for an updated Green Guide from the FTC, I'd say. They got it right with their recycling guidance, i.e., you can't say recyclable unless there's an accessible recycling operation. And composting is a subset of recycling, so I suggest it applies. Now all that is needed is a test case. regards, Rick

Richard Yoder, PE Director, P2ric.org University of Nebraska at Omaha 6001 Dodge Street, RH308 Omaha, NE 68182 vox: 402-554-6257 fax: 402-554-6260 http://www.p2ric.org/

3. Here is an example of one biodegradable product, that actually does NOT degrade in one NW composter's process. (scroll down past glass 'letter'). http://www.portlandonline.com/bps/index.cfm?a=266020&c=41682

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10,000 lb. Hotel Bed and Bath Linens to Donate, April 2010 2 Posts Original post: A winter Colorado resort replaces all of their bed and bath linens each year, and are anxious to donate this past year's linens for reuse by a non-profit. (Haiti seems like the perfect destination at this point.) If you have ideas how these linens can be put to good use this year or in future years, please respond to: Lyn Halliday in Steamboat Springs, CO, 970/879-6323, [email protected] Patty Griffin, "Green" Hotels Assn, 713/789-8889 Response: Here's a list of companies offering compostable foodware. They're all Ally Members of "Green" Hotels Convoy of Hope is a disaster relief organization doing work in Haiti and Chile. http://www.convoyofhope.org/go/contact The Red Cross may want them for use here or elsewhere. http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.d229a5f06620c6052b1ecfbf43181aa0/?vgnextoid=07001b655eb3b110VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD&cpsextcurrchannel=1 World Vision accepts product donations. They have missions in the US and world-wide. The web address for product donation is http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/give/gik-contactus?Open&lpos=lft_txt_Contact-Us

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Recycling pharmaceutical bottles, April 2010 6 Posts Original post: Can anyone help this pharmacist? I have an old file (2001) which has some outlets for recycling pill bottles, but am not sure if they're good anymore. Common item: HDPE2 pharmaceutical bottles. I am a pharmacist/manager with an endless supply. My research says easy to recycle HDPE (#)2 but pharmaceutical bottles deemed contaminated. True? I've contacted legislators. Can you help? email: [email protected] Here's what I had: One Person Can Make a Difference: Target Worker Helps Pharmacy Stop Being a Pill Lily Askue noticed the plastic stock bottles, dispensers and pill bottles were getting trashed rather than recycled at her place of work, the Target Pharmacy. To a girl raised on reuse and recycling, she was distressed to see the all that could be recycled simply heading to the landfill. So, she asked her team to start setting aside the plastics and she would take them home for recycling weekly. It took a while, but once people were used to a new system, the pharmacy started generating a couple of trash bags full each week. Lily and her boss now share the task of transporting the recycling. The story gets better. Target is now reportedly working with recycling companies to determine how best recycle pharmacy plastics nationwide. They may have to make adjustments in production dyes and adhesives for best results. Way to go Target. And, thanks, Lily! Thanks all for stepping up to the plate, Polly Sattler & Montine Blank GreenPlate, Inc. Responses: 1. A few years ago, when I attempted this, we ran into a few challenges: -Some people feel their medicines are highly confidential, or were highly controlled substances, so they were reluctant to give up bottles that had their name, Doctor's name, prescription number, drug name, dosage frequency, etc. If we could get the patient to remove the old label (if it could be removed) that solved that problem. --The problem of residual medicine in the bottles was another concern. If we could get the patient to return their bottles for refill that would take care of that concern. The patient would have to wait while the pharmacist filled scripts for other patient's already in line, or return later when completed. ---Reading the very small plastic recycling symbols was not easy for a centralized, manual sorting system. Returning bottles to the pharmacy where purchased can reduce those problems, since a single pharmacist generally buys from a single supplier. A plastic processor that has an automated sorting system, where exposure of workers to pharmaceutical residue could be handled safely, would be the best bet. A return/reuse system for refilling ongoing prescriptions, would reduce (but not eliminate) this waste. Doug Douglas Reed Department of General Services Hoover State Office Building, Level A

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2. Mike - in case helpful: PPRC did a bit of WA state research on this a few years ago - as part of our support to Washington's Medicine Return Program. Probably not helpful outside WA state - we found only a few solid waste recyclers would accept Rx bottles, but no one mentioned they wouldn't take them because they were "contaminated." (Possibly the volume/outlets was behind the "don't accept" policy?) An aside - the City of Seattle does not allow residents to put them in recycling. So, speaking of medicine return programs - seems these folks would be good resources to inquire further. At a minimum, you could ask the same question to the Teleosis group in Berkeley: They're working on prescrip drug return/waste reduction, so they may be working this side-issue, too. Teleosis FAQ on household medicine return sites http://www.teleosis.org/pdf/Green%20Pharmacy/GPP_FAQ.pdf says some take-back locations will recycle prescrip bottles and to check with local site to confirm. Google search turns up a SF Bay Area pharmacy chain that does accept prescrip bottles for recycling: http://www.elephantpharm.com/greenpharmacy Product Stewardship Institute website says the Northeast Recycling Council is interested in recycling as BMP for Rx containers; implies they're working on having the practice approved/adopted broadly. Scroll down this page to NERC reference & link: http://www.productstewardship.net/productsPharmaceuticalsNGOPrograms.htm Finally - this blog from 2007 http://www.aboutmyplanet.com/daily-green-tips/recycle-prescription/ lists 27 ways to re-use prescrip bottles, and at end says, " Most pharmacies don't recycle prescription bottles because in some cases pharmacies don't have the equipment or manpower to do it. Prescription bottles have to be cleaned and sanitized before they are reused." See reader comments @ end for more on the bottle recycling topic. One references a kid in W. VA who recycles empty prescrip bottles for re-use at a local medical clinic. http://waste-not-want-not.tripod.com/id14.html Response compiled by Cathy Buller, PPRC Michelle Gaither | environmental engineer 1402 Third Ave, Suite 1420 | Seattle, WA 98101 T 206.352.2050 | F 206.352.2049| www.pprc.org 3. In western Mass small prescription bottles are not acceptable because the small bottles can fall through the machinery at the recycling facility. 4. NERC has a report on this - look under "Managing Plastic Medication Containers" at this site. http://www.nerc.org/topic_areas/unwanted_medications_collections.html Hope this helps! Laurie Laurie Tenace

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Environmental Specialist Waste Reduction Section Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2600 Blair Stone Rd., MS 4555 Tallahassee FL 32399-2400 P: 850.245.8759 F: 850.245.8811 [email protected] 5. Hi - I just wanted to provide an update to one of the suggestions below: Elephant Pharmacy actually closed all of their stores (Northern CA) so I'm not sure why their website is still up. http://www.elephantpharm.com/closed "February 3, 2009 It is with a heavy heart that we post this notice: Elephant Pharm, which has served over 1 million customers in four Bay Area markets, has closed indefinitely. As a small business, we've been hurt by the terrible turn the economy has taken and the tightening of the credit market. It's been a very special six years since we started this drugstore revolution, and we certainly couldn't have made it as far as we did without you, our customers. We hope that you will continue your pursuit of a good, long life, well lived." -Sue

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Elevator purchase, install, maintenance, April 2010 3 Posts Original post: Hello, Does anyone have example “green” specifications for the purchase of new elevators for an existing building? Also, any example “green” specifications for elevator installation and maintenance? Thank you, -Stacey Stacey Foreman City of Portland, Oregon, Procurement Services [email protected] Responses: 1. Stacey, The Department of Energy’s Princeton Plasma Physics Lab specified biobased hydraulic fluid in their new elevators a few years ago. Contact information is Tom McGeachen, [email protected] Sandra Cannon, Technical Support U.S. Department of Energy Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program Tel. 509-529-1535 2. Stacey, For elevators, consider mercury containing parts and lighting. Require any/all mercury containing parts be removed from service during the term of the contract and replaced with mercury-free parts whenever possible. Also that the removed parts be recycled. Any parts installed containing mercury should be labeled. Require replacement of mercury-containing lighting be replaced with LEDs. Also, as Sandra mentioned, replace petroleum-based ingredients with Biobased. Let me know if you want details. Beth Beth Eckl Director, Environmental Purchasing Program Practice Greenhealth (866) 598-2240 [email protected]

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History of Recycling Collection, April 2010 2 Posts Original post: Does anyone have a good resource that describes the evolution of the US recycling collection infrastructure? Mary Ann Remolador, Assistant Director Northeast Recycling Council, Inc. 139 Main Street, Suite 401 Brattleboro, Vermont 05301 Tel: 802-254-3636; Fax: 802-254-5870 www.nerc.org Response: Mary Ann, The Complete Handbook of Solid Waste Collection and Transfer by H. Lanier Hickman, Jr. has a chapter on the evolution of solid waste collection, including recycling, in Chapter 1 (pages 17-33). I have a copy of the book. Mike Giuranna, Solid Waste Specialist EPA, Region III 1650 Arch Street (3LC40) Phila, PA 19103-2029 ph: 215-814-3298 fax:215-814-3163 [email protected]

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Wanted: Info Life Cycle Costing, May 2010 3 Posts Original post: Do any of you perform life cycle costing in your procurement processes? I am developing training materials for departmental buyers on this topic. I need to help them transition their thought processes from “low bidder” to “best overall value.” Does anyone have a tool, a set of guidelines or anything that they have found useful for this purpose? As well, when and how are you performing LCC today? In what types of procurements and at what point in the procurement process? Thanks in advance and enjoy your weekend! Janna E. Allgood Multnomah County Purchasing Sustainable Purchasing Coordinator NWSA AmeriCorps Member 503-988-5111 x 25906 (office) 503-988-3252 (fax) 703-587-0992 (mobile) Responses: 1. We are expected to do as much Life Cycle Cost analysis (LCC) as possible. Challenges arise in finding independent, reliable, third party authority references that can be used for measurable comparison purposes. We have done an abbreviated LCC of light duty vehicles such as cars and pickups for years. It factors in the Initial Purchase Price, Fuel Efficiency, Time Value of Money, and Residual Value at the end of 60 months or 75,000 miles. We keep vehicles much longer than that; but that used to be about as far out as the estimated residual value was available. If I had the right reference source; I would add repair costs to the equation. We reference today the USA D.O.E. Fuel Economy Guides for fuel efficiency and the residual values come from Black Book. Note: since there is nearly a straight line equivalence between fuel consumed and tailpipe CO2 produced, you can draw some conclusions regarding greenhouse gas reductions even though a dollar value has not been established for CO2…which we’ll need to establish that for ‘Cap and Trade’. Eco-labeling organizations can make the purchasing agents’ job much easier. Our management has accepted Energy Star certification as an abbreviated form of LCC. I say abbreviated form because basically Energy Star only addresses energy efficiency; not environmental attributes or byproducts (as EPEAT addresses). I have asked to automatically accept EPEAT certifications, which incorporates Energy Star; but have not heard back. NIGP and NASPO have LCC training courses and resources you could recommend to your co-workers. If you wish a copy of LCC bid terminology; see the NIGP resource library, or I can send you a copy of my vehicles RFB mentioned above. If you wish to get deeper into LCC and valuation of socio-economic attributes, see: http://www.epa.gov/nrmrl/std/sab/lca/index.html

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http://www.epa.gov/ORD/NRMRL/lcaccess/resources.html http://www.epa.gov/ORD/NRMRL/lcaccess/lca101.html Doug Douglas Reed, CPPB, Purchasing Agent Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Hoover State Office Building, Level A Des Moines, IA 50319-0105 [email protected] Phone: (515) 242-6151 Fax: 515-725-0120 direct 2. Hi Janna: In Nova Scotia we have a new (August 2009) Sustainable Procurement Policy which requires us to look at best value instead of LCB and we are staring to use a life cycle costing and environmental impact analysis to look at options for some types of purchases (various types of lighting, computers and multifunction devices etc.) We haven't nailed down a good process yet to capture the social side impacts yet but I see one of the other posters has provided some references that may give us some new ideas on that front. In our sustainable procurement training we are advising staff to consider using LCC (even in a simplified form) for purchase of anything that will be used for a period time, that will have maintenance requirements, that uses energy and/or uses consumable supplies. In the classroom this year I've been using desk top computer and traffic light examples - there is good data, the costs and environmental impact reductions can be quite substantial and they are categories that everyone can relate to. We also have a small guidance document on our internal website. I suspect attachments are not allowed so feel free to contact me off-list and I'd be happy to share what we do have. Lynda Lynda Rankin, Manager, Sustainable Procurement Integration Economic and Rural Development PO Box 787 Halifax Nova Scotia B3J 2V2 email: [email protected]

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Chemical do not use list - construction, May 2010 4 Posts Original post: Hello, Has anyone put together a “do not use” chemical list for construction/tenant improvement projects? I realize there are a lot of material/product specific chemical prohibitions/limits (e.g. for latex paint, plywood, finishes, various LEED criteria, etc.), but has anyone put together an over-arching prohibited list for use in contract documents? Thank you. -Stacey Stacey Foreman Sustainable Procurement Coordinator City of Portland, Oregon, Procurement Services [email protected] Responses: 1. Checkout Environmental Building News Volume 19, Number 3 March 2010.

2. In the Build a Green Walla Walla project, we list chemicals to avoid are formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds. We also suggest avoiding PVC in any form but that is a material not a chemical---Sandra Sandra Cannon, Lead Build a Green Walla Walla Project Walla Walla Area Resource Conservation Committee Tel. 509-525-8849 3. I recall Nike creating an "X-List" several years ago, but I don't know offhand whether it's a procurement practice they still have in place. Molly Chidsey Sustainability Coordinator Metro 503-797-1690 [email protected]

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Post-consumer content for paper bags, May 2010 3 Posts

Original post: I am seeking examples of post-consumer content (PCC) that appears in specifications or in bid documents for paper bags. If you know of any, please let me know. In California we have a 30% PCC for paper bags and I am wondering if others have something similar or perhaps higher. Thanks very much, Kathleen Frevert Senior Specialist, Product Stewardship and Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Dept. of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) 1001 I Street, PO Box 4025, MS 13A Sacramento, CA 95812-4025 Phone: 916-341-6476; Fax: 916-319-7246 [email protected] www.CalRecycle.ca.gov

Responses: 1. Kathy; EPA has a Comprehensive Procurement Guideline Specification for Paper Bags at http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/tools/cpg/products/paperbrd.htm (Scroll down to the table for EPA's Recommended Recovered Fiber Content Levels for Paperboard and Packaging Products). This was written back in 1996 and specifies 5-20% Postconsumer fiber and 5-40% recovered fibers for Brown paper (e.g. wrapping paper and bags) see http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/tools/cpg/paprman.htm for more details. Mike Giuranna, Solid Waste Specialist Office of Materials Management, EPA, Region III 1650 Arch Street (3LC40) Phila, PA 19103-2029 ph: 215-814-3298 fax:215-814-3163 [email protected]

2. Having been involved in the development of the paper procurement guidelines and RMAN way back then, my recollection is that there is a limit to the amount of postconsumer fiber that can be incorporated into the type of paper (i.e., Kraft) used for these end use applications, because recovered fiber, being shorter, is inherently less strong. A paper bag needs to be able to accommodate significant weight without tearing. The Kraft pulping process is designed to render strong paper (in fact, Kraft means strong in German). So, functionality/performance is a key consideration in recycled-content levels for any paper grade. Judy Usherson, Senior Analyst ERG [email protected] 703-841-0503

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Green specifications for toilets, standard & composting, June 2010 2 Posts Original post: Good afternoon: Does anyone have specifications or green purchasing guidelines for toilets both "standard" and composting? Thanks for your help, Kathy Response: Kathy, We have evaluations of waterless urinals we would be glad to share. Should they be of interest, please send your e-mail address---Sandra Sandra Cannon, Technical Support U.S. Department of Energy Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program Tel. 509-529-1535

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Sustainable criteria for home compost bins, June 2010 2 Posts Original post: Metro purchases backyard home composting bins at bulk volume and sells them to residents of the Portland metro region at a discount. We are interested in integrating some sustainable procurement criteria into our next contract, beyond recycled content. Any thoughts or examples of other public contracts that have been successful in doing this? Please contact me directly via email. Thanks, Molly Chidsey Sustainability Coordinator Metro [email protected] www.oregonmetro.gov Response: If it is an RFP; you might want to add some extra points for ‘Local’ or ‘fast fill order’ attributes. When a program requires a change out of garbage or recycling containers, or compost bins…then storage during dispersal can become a real problem with these bulky items. They don’t need to be in covered storage; but even storing them outside (for instance in floodwater catchment areas) kills the grass, they blow around, are subject to theft and vandalism, etc. Add this benefit on top of the environmental savings by reducing transportation pollution. In other words reward the vendor if you can use their existing storage, or if they are local and can deliver ‘as needed’. Doug Douglas Reed, CPPB, Purchasing Agent Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Hoover State Office Building, Level A Des Moines, IA 50319-0105 [email protected] Phone: (515) 242-6151 Fax: 515-725-0120 direct

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Paint certifications, June 2010 2 Posts Original post: Hello, Has anyone written up a recent comparison between Green Seal’s G-11 paint standard and the MPI Green Performance Standards (GPS-1-08 and GPS-2-08), including the new MPI Extreme Green standard? I am interested in a comparison that looks at environmental, performance, and testing requirements as well as how the standards are developed/enforced. Thank you. -Stacey Stacey Foreman City of Portland, Oregon, Procurement Services [email protected] Response: You’ve probably already seen RPN’s Responsible Purchasing Guide for Paint, but in case you haven’t, it is available online here: http://www.responsiblepurchasing.org/purchasing_guides/paint/index.php. The guide includes a standards comparison matrix on green standards for paint, which I have attached. (Excel document). According to the MPI standard (http://www.paintinfo.com/GPS/GPS-01-08%20_July%202008%20revision_%20and%20GPS-2-08.pdf), “the new Green Seal Standard for Recycled Paint … requires MPI listing approval based upon testing to MPI’s performance standards, and auditing both by Green Seal and by MPI.” Sandra Cannon, Technical Support U.S. Department of Energy Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program Tel. 509-529-1535

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PAINT CERTIFICATIONS

Green Seal EcoLogo (Environmental Choice) GREENGUARD Scientific

Certification Systems

CRITERIA GS-11 Latex Paint

GS-43 Recycled-Content

Latex Paint

CCD-047 Architectural

Surface Coatings

CCD-048 Recycled Water-

borne Surface Coatings

Indoor Air Quality Certified

Paints and Coatings

SCS-EC10.2-2007 Indoor Advantage

Gold

Environmental & Human Health

Heavy Metals ü ü ü ü

Persistent, Bioaccumualtive Toxins (PBTs, POPs) ü ü ü ü

Endocrine Disruptors ü ü ü ü

Toxicity to Aquatic Life ü ü

Other Hazardous Substances (e.g. carcinogens, reproductive toxins, chlorinated compounds) ü ü ü ü ü ü

Aromatic Compounds ü ü ü ü ü

VOCs (see also Air) ü ü ü ü ü ü

Acute Toxicity

Combustibility ü ü

Energy

Renewable Energy

Embodied Energy

Energy Efficiency

Land

Habitat Alteration

Air

Air Emissions (Photochemical Smog)

Indoor Air Quality ü ü ü ü ü ü

Smog (tropospheric ozone; nitrogen oxides; VOCs; peroxyacl nitrates; aldehydes) ü ü ü ü ü

Particulates

Global Warming

268

Acidification

Stratospheric Ozone Depletion ü ü ü ü

Water

Water Conservation

Water Efficiency

Water Emissions

Ocean Acidification

Eutrophication

Materials

Material Reduction

Durability, Reliability & Performance ü ü

Renewable feedstock

Regionally Sourced

Recycled Content ü ü

Reliance on Petroleum Derived Products

Bio-based Materials

Manufacturing & Retailing

ISO 9000+ Good Manufacturing Process ü

ISO 14000+ Environmental Management Systems ü

Packaging ü ü

Labeling ü ü ü

Shipping, Distribution, Advertising & Sales ü ü

Training

End of Life & New Life

Recyclability vs. Downcyclability ü

Material Take Back

Material Reuse ü

Biodegradable

Disposal ü ü ü

Social Responsibility

SA8000 approved workplace

Environmental Justice

269

Employee Health and Safety Management

Extended Social Responsibility Expectations into Supply Chain

Community Outreach/Involvement

Performance Standards

ASTM, AATCC, CSPA, CRI, ISO, IIRC, MPI, more ü ü ü ü

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Sustainable Printing Policies, July 2010 5 Posts, 2 Attachments Original Post: Hello All: I was wondering if anyone has taken steps to develop a Sustainable Printing Policy? We are looking into this here at the Regional Technology Program in State College, PA but are at the first stages of this. We are looking for some pushes in the right directions. All I can find of any substance is to do with companies who themselves provide sustainable printing services. Thank you, Hillary Pasch Technical Support Specialist Borough of State College I.T. Department [email protected] Responses: 1. Hello Hillary, Here is a file that may be of some help. Included at end of Postings: Attachment 1: Printing/Bindery Green Team Services Jeff Wylde, CPPB State of Colorado Department of Personnel & Administration State Purchasing Office 633 17th Street, Suite 1520 Denver, CO 80202 T 303.866.6191 F 303.866.6016

2. You might want to check out: Waterless Printing Association: http://www.waterless.org/ Sustainable Green Printing Partnership - https://www.sgppartnership.org/index.php?PageID=15&LinkID=55 Green Press Initiative: http://www.greenpressinitiative.org/ Judy Belaval CT DEP Office of Source Reduction and Recycling (860) 424-3237 3. Hi Hillary: We don't have a sustainable printing policy in the NS Government but the attached tip sheet (See: Sustainable Printing for Trainers) that covers many of the key issues involved in printing. When developing it we learned from the local printers that some of the things we had initially considered including in our requirements would have had unintended consequences that did not support our goals (e.g., requiring the use of veggie inks or specialty papers - if not handled properly in specifications/policy these requirements can create quite a lot of additional waste). Based on our experience, I'd encourage you to run a draft of your new policy by some of the more environmentally friendly or sustainable printers in your area and get their feedback on it before you implement.

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B.T.W starting this fall the trainers on our Standing Offer will be required to follow these tips when developing materials for delivery to provincial government staff. Hope this help out, Lynda Lynda Rankin, Manager, Sustainable Procurement Integration Economic and Rural Development PO Box 787 Halifax Nova Scotia B3J 2V2 email: [email protected] 4. IEEE and EPEAT are in the process of developing an environmental performance standard for Imaging Equipment. The standard is currently slated to be completed and available for use with conforming products listed on the EPEAT Product Registry by next summer. I'd recommend asking for purchase or lease of EPEAT registered products which meet the upcoming IEEE 1680.3 Standard for the Environmental Assessment of Imaging Equipment in any policy pertaining to printing. The standard will be going out for ballot by the end of this summer, and information on how to join the balloting group will be shared with this listserv. Sincerely, Holly Elwood USEPA The Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program USEPA Headquarters, MC 7409-M EPA East Building 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20460 Email: [email protected] Ph: 202-564-8854 Fx: 202-564-8901 www.epa.gov/oppt/epp

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Attachment 1: PRINTING/BINDERY SERVICES GREEN TEAM PRINTING/BINDERY SERVICES GREEN TEAM Users: Judicial, Higher Education, Department of Corrections, Division of Wildlife, Department of Public Health and Environment, Department of Revenue Baseline: FY08 and FY09 YTD solicitation information was gathered from State of Colorado BIDS. Awards from FY08 in the Printing/Bindery Services category were in excess of $2.1 million and mid FY09 awards were approximately $1.0 million Team: Lisa Barkley, Director of Marketing, UNC Farrah Bustamante, Purchasing Agent, CSU Vickki Klingman, Purchasing Director, UNC Kathy Phifer, Director of Communications and Creative Services, CSU Goal: The main goal is to reduce/reuse/recycle the materials used for printing/bindery services as well as to select materials and processes that are as environmentally friendly as possible. Policy: This policy is recommended in order to strengthen environmental outcomes through purchasing decisions that cause less pollution and waste, conserve resources and habitats, minimize local and global climate impact, and contribute to sustainable economic growth within the State of Colorado. Standards/Specifications: Consider Design Elements One of the first things that can be done to achieve greener printing tactics is to use design elements that are free of bleeding and large ink areas. If this is not possible, then reduce the size of the project to reduce the amount of waste created during the printing process. Projects will print faster and cost less. In addition, consider reducing margin widths and font size. Reducing page count will not only create more cost-effective printings, but it is also greener since there is less waste produced. There are numerous ways to reduce page count - use smaller margins, smaller font sizes, and print on both sides of the page to maximize the use of your materials. Good to know: Although custom/original sizes of projects may add creativity to a project, the unusual size can cause excess paper waste, longer press times, and increased postage rates. Examine Paper Options Recycled paper is healthier for the environment – it saves trees, reduces the use of toxic chemicals and uses less energy to produce than virgin paper. Additionally, the use of virgin paper contributes to the loss of natural forests, which results in serious environmental consequences such as species extinction, loss of biodiversity and erosion. It’s important that those who purchase paper keep in mind the environmental impact of their paper selections. With the variety and competitive cost of recycled paper, printing and writing paper should contain no less than 30% post-consumer recycled fibers. When possible, a higher post-consumer recycled fiber should be used.

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As much as possible, use paper that has been processed chlorine free. Chlorine bleaching of paper used to be widespread in the U.S. However, since chlorine bleaching releases cancer-causing dioxin into the atmosphere, most paper is now elemental chlorine free in order to meet Environmental Protection Agency rules. ECF paper is made from chlorine derivates that reduce but not eliminate dioxin pollution. Unlike PCF paper that has been bleached with oxygen-based compounds and provides a better option. Use paper that is not dyed, except for light or pastel colors, because fluorescent and dark colors make paper harder to recycle. For some projects, consider the use of tree-free paper, which can be made from crops such as cotton, soybeans and wheat. This paper is acid free and requires fewer chemicals and less energy to produce than paper from tree pulp. Unfortunately, it is more expensive and often needs to be imported. If the use of virgin paper is unavoidable, be sure that it is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Consult printers as to how to maximize parent sheets of paper to ensure that there is minimal waste. Good to know: The EPA guidelines for recycled paper are 30% post consumer-recycled fiber (PCRF) for uncoated sheets and 10% PCRF for coated sheets. However, when considering the environment, the post consumer waste (PCW) content is a more important number because that is what impacts our landfills. Good to know: Keep in mind that recycled papers may require a longer lead time when ordering. Soy or Vegetable Based Inks Respond Not only do soy and vegetable based inks come from renewable resources, unlike petroleum based inks, they are also better for the environment. They do not contain the toxins and carcinogens that petroleum-based inks do. In addition, they break down faster and are easier to remove during the recycling process. These inks have earned an industry wide reputation for their outstanding press performance, forgiving nature, and consistently accurate color reproduction. Drying time and prevailing conditions play an integral role in the type of ink that produces successful results. Good to know: Colors made with heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chrome are toxic to the environment. Consult your printer on less toxic inks. Utilize Bio-degradable Coatings For projects that require a coating on the finished product, such as book covers and brochures, look for bio-degradable coatings. These are gentler on the environment and easier to recycle. Use non-catalytic cured, water-based lacquer coatings. Good to know: Embossing, instead of foil stamping, reduces waste. Explore Recycled Binding Options Glue and adhesives often used for perfect binding can be toxic and cannot be recycled. Explore more sustainable mechanical binding methods such as uncoated wire-o, GBC made from PVC plastic, as well as plastic coil. Three-ring binders can be used/recycled and are a good option for handbooks and reports. Good to know: Look for recycled plastic coil. These usually come in dark neutral colors and can contain as much as 80% post-consumer waste plastic, making it a green alternative to other binding options.

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Know the Numbers When trying to incorporate greener printing, it is helpful to print only the exact number of copies needed. Wait to print materials onsite when you know exactly how many copies are needed and print employee handouts and forms on an as-needed basis, eliminating waste and reducing cost. Good to know: Using less paper and making fewer copies saves energy and reduces air pollution. Photocopiers use more toxic ink and produce more volatile organic compounds. Printing Chemicals Chemicals used on the press can also include VOCs. However, there are now press chemicals that contain a low VOC content. Good to know: Ask your printer about what chemicals he or she uses. Digital Printing For low quantity jobs (up to 1,000) consider high speed digital printing. Digital printing uses a direct to paper process eliminating pre-press work and press set-up and often offers a quicker turn-around time than offset printing. It can provide a high-quality copy on the first page, reducing paper waste. It also works well for on-demand printing eliminating the need for storing large quantities of documents. However, with digital printing there are limited paper and finishing choices available as well as a limited selection of material sizes, styles, and formats. Good to know: Use high speed digital printing for quantities less than 1000. Multicolor Printing There may be times when traditional lithographic process will work best for your project. However, as you design your project, keep in mind this process generates a higher amount of wasted press plates, ink, cleaning solutions, and paper. A full color photo in a printed page will require the use of four press plates, four different ink colors, clean-up on four printing units, and the additional paper waste to set the ink color registration and balance. Good to know: By using smart design techniques you can minimize the waste the project will generate. Electronic Publishing When developing a project consider publishing the document on the Internet. This could eliminate the need for printing as well as save money. Another option would be to print part of the document and publish part of it on the Internet. You can then use the printed piece to drive users to the web. This could reduce the size and cost of your printed piece. Both options work well especially when the information frequently needs to be updated. Good to know: Print part of the document and publish part of it on the Internet. This is best for documents which need updating. Selecting a Printer To the extent you can, work with printers who are aware of their impact on the environment and take deliberate steps to minimize that impact. This includes reducing harmful air emission and air toxics, decreasing chemical use and discharges to sewers, cutting printing and paper waste, being in compliance with environmental and health and safety regulations and minimizing the shop’s energy consumption.

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Good to know: If you are contracted with printers who do not have strong environmental practices, let them know that in future bids it is something you will be requesting. Packaging When developing a project consider what impact your packaging options have on the environment. Consider packaging products that reduce overall waste and use fewer resources. Assess your packaging options using the “waste hierarchy” (reduce, reuse, recycle). In order to reduce your packaging, favor zero packaging or less material where appropriate. Try to reuse packaging that cannot be avoided or reduced but favor packaging that is or can be reused (e.g. containers picked up by supplier). Try to recycle where reuse is impracticable. For example, favor packaging that is made from recycled material and/or material that can be easily recycled (e.g. packaging made from a single recyclable material rather than multiple materials), look for the recycling symbol, the plastics coding symbol (on plastic packaging only), a “do the right thing” anti-litter symbol, use items that are less likely to result in litter (loose-fill foam packing should be avoided, if possible) and look for companies that document additional environmental benefits of their products or superior performance of their companies (Documentation could include environmental management systems certified to ISO 14001, public environmental reporting, etc.). Good to know: Assess your packaging options using the “waste hierarchy” (reduce, reuse, recycle). Film Retention/Disposal There are a lot of chemicals associated with the use of films for printing publications. When working with a vendor, give consideration to if the printer will retain the films made for your publication or supply them to you for retention. Good to know: Consider using printers who use direct-to-plate technology. Glues When planning your project, try to specify glues which emit no VOCs in the process and ones which are able to be recycled. Water based, non-chlorinated glues are a good example. Use glues with fewer solvents to reduce problems with recycling. Good to know: Consider printing mailing information directly on envelopes or brochures. Greening your Promotional Items If you order promotional items for your department, there are several lines of recycled products available. To qualify as eco-friendly, a product must be recycled, sustainable, non-polluting or organic. Items made of recycled materials include bags and totes, which are also classified as reusable. Other reusable products are sport bottles, cups and mugs, some of which are now being processed from recycled post-industrial plastics. The recycled content is first-use industrial regrind and has no post-consumer content. This meets all household product guidelines. New technology has created methods for more consistency in colors other than black. Now plastic bottles and cups are available in dark blue, dark green, tan, and gray, although some slight variations will occur. Travel mugs made from stainless steel are recyclable after they have served their original purpose of a reusable item.

Bamboo is a highly renewable resource and is replacing the use of wood in products such as cheese boards and the handles on grilling tools.

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Other eco-friendly items offer sustainable and non-polluting energy. Flashlights powered by either cranking or pumping operate without the use of batteries. Solar panels allow for daytime charging on flashlights and radios.

Another idea to promote environmental awareness is to encourage individual organic practices by giving away gardening products.

One environmentally-minded company practices Carbon-Free Shipping, or net neutral shipping. This follows the Carbonfund.org program of using carbon offsets equivalent to the CO2 produced as a byproduct of deliveries in North America.

Good to know: To qualify as eco-friendly, a product must be recycled, sustainable, non-polluting or organic. Good to know: Research companies which provide carbon-free shipping. Best Practices:

If Federal funds are used for a project, then Federal guidelines must be followed o http://www.acquisition.gov/FAR/current/pdf/FAR.pdf.

Update mailing lists and delete duplicates. Advocate “passing it on,” i.e. pass a reduced number of documents around rather than printing for

everyone in an office/area. Encourage readers to find out how to properly recycle the published piece when they are done

with it. Use local printers to yield a lower carbon footprint. To ensure wastes are being properly managed and reduced investigate using water-based

adhesives instead of solvent-based. This can reduce air emissions. Labeling options will vary depending on the paper stock and intended use. Ask about options

which minimize adhesives and solvent based glues. Design multifunctional projects, e.g. selfmailer/program combos to economize when using more

expensive paper. Combine projects.

Resources: http://www.p2pays.org/ref%5C07/06762/#50 From “Commercial Printing Industry – Compliance & Pollution Prevention Workbook” Chapter 5

‘Identifying & Implementing Best Management Practices & Pollution Prevention Opportunities’ Post-Press http://www.pprc.org/pubs/workbook/print5.pdf

From “The Blue Ribbon Task Force Print Buyer Guidelines” http://www.p2pays.org/ref%5C07/06762/#50

From http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/publications/government/purchasing/pubs/printing.pdf

Gipper’s guide: http://www.pmac.ca/PDF/gipper.pdf - From U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

http://yosemite1.epa.gov/oppt/eppstand2.nsf/Pages/ListTables.html?Open&Services%20Store&Printing%20Services&Type=A

Contract Language: “All departments, offices and agencies shall, whenever cost effective and to the extent reasonably practicable, use and require their contractors to use environmentally preferred products in the performance of their contracts with the State.”

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Revised: June, 2010

Designing Sustainable Learning Resources

Departments are now required to consider sustainability criteria in all procurement decisions. Departments must to the best of their ability, use the sustainable criteria outlined in this tip sheet in their procurement decisions.

SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES Learning service providers design and print hundreds of item s every year, from brochures and guides to workbooks, and reports. The amount of energy and materials used in the printing of these documents has implications for air and water quality, waste disposal and energy use. These im pacts can all be reduced by printing only what you need and by designing and specifying sustainable print jobs.

BEST PRACTICES FOR FACILITATORS AND LEARNING SERVICE PROVIDERS • Consider whether documents need to be printed at all. Online documents are easy to

update and can be more convenient to file and use over time. • Project or post the agenda in the room rather than printing it • Print only the resources that will actually be used during an event (e.g., worksheets,

case studies etc.) post other resources and reference material on line or distribute electronically.

• Consider electronic formats such as thumb drives or m ini CDs for large documents. • Avoid printing slide decks and note pages - advise participants that they will be posted on

line. • Project rather than print working documents during meetings and edit in real-tim e.

Photocopied and D igitally Printed Resources

Digital printing typically has a fast turnaround time, allow s you to print on demand and to custom ize your m aterials for different audiences. Digital printing also allow s for easy double-sided printing (duplexing) and collation. Consider digital printing when you m ay require m ultiple print runs. The follow ing tips w ill help m ake your print job m ore sustainable:

• Request copy paper that is certified as having com e from a responsibly m anaged

fibre source. Copy paper certified by FSC or SFI is readily available from Nova Scotia paper distributors.

• If certified paper is unavailable, request that the copy paper used has at least 30% post consum er recycled content. Note: The best choice is paper that is both certified and contains post consum er fibre but it can be m ore difficult to find.

• Choose uncoated paper document covers that can be recycled. • If bindings are needed, choose staples or bindings that can be rem oved for

docum ent recycling.

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Commercially Printed Resources Planning the Job

Commercial offset printing is typically used for larger print jobs that include one or m ore colour inks. How ever, m any publications becom e out-dated quickly. W hile a few thousand extra copies add m inim al cost to the job they often end up as w aste. To m ake your print job m ore sustainable; • estim ate quantities for print jobs accurately, and • if you plan to print in bulk consider w hat inform ation is likely to becom e dated and

look at alternative ways that this inform ation can be provided (insert, w ebsite reference etc.).

Design Considerations • Design docum ents to be double sided and where practical reduce m argin size and unnecessary w hite space. • Design docum ents to fit standard paper sizes w henever possible. • Avoid bleeds in both colour and black and white docum ents. A “bleed” is w hen the

ink is printed up to the edge of the paper. Bleeds require trim m ing to produce a final copy, w hich creates ink and paper w aste.

• Request the m inim um am ount of ink coverage on docum ent covers and graphics. • If choice of specific ink colour is not critical to your design, choose standard colours over m ixed (Pantone)

colours w henever possible. • Ask for PDF proofs rather than printed proofs.

Production and Assem bly • Use FSC C ertified paper and ask for paper w ith that has post consum er recycled content w hen possible. • Use FSC certified printers w hen possible (see Term s and Definitions below for m ore inform ation). • Request the low est paper w eight that is suitable for the printed product. Using lighter w

eight papers conserves resources and can cut shipping costs. • Talk to your printer about using agri or vegetable-based inks. Both standard and Pantone colours are available. • Ask your printer if recycled black ink is available. • Choose uncoated paper docum ent covers that can be recycled. • If bindings are needed, choose staples or bindings that can be rem oved for docum ent recycling. • If adhesives are needed, request w ater-based non-chlorinated glues. • Ask for m inim al packaging for shipping and elim inate shrink w rapping w here possible.

TERMS AND DEFINITIONS Post-consum er recycled paper - contains m aterials that have been reclaim ed from the hom e or com m ercial w aste stream , such as recycled office paper and then used as a substitute for raw m aterials in a m anufacturing process. Recycled paper - paper that is sim ply identified as “recycled paper” or m ade from “recycled fibers” is usually m ade from paper that has been recovered during the m anufacturing process before it reaches the consum er. This includes trim w astes and wastes from pulp and paper m ills. M any com m ercially available papers

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contain both types of recycled paper. The exact fibre content is typically stated on the packaging. Third Party Certified Paper - W here possible ensure that the paper used in printed docum ents is sourced from sustainably m anaged forests w hich are certified by independent, third party, forestry certification program s such as the Forestry Stew ardship Council (FSC) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). Printers can be certified by FSC as w ell. To print the FSC logo on a printed docum ent, the docum ent m ust be printed on FSC certified paper and m ust be printed by a printer that has an FSC C hain of Custody Certification. For a list of FSC certified printers in Nova Scotia see w w w .fsccanada.o rg/F SCPrinters.htm

GOVERNMENT TAKING ACTION The governm ent of Nova Scotia purchases over 10,000 cartons of w hite letter size copy paper each year for use in all departm ents. The specification for this paper requires that, at a m inim

um , this paper be 3rd party certified by FSC or SFI and com e from responsibly m anaged forests. In addition, The Queens Printer (the Governm ent in-house print shop) is a FSC Chain of Custody Certified printer. W hen requested the Queens Printer can produce FSC certified print jobs bearing the FSC logo.

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Energy Saving Vending Machine Services Contract Ideas, July 2010 3 Posts

Original Posting: Hi folks- I'd like to hear implementation feedback from agencies that have included environmental specifications for vending machine services for large, multi-machine type (drink and food) service contracts. We are considering including Energy Star requirements for cold beverage machines and having all machines delivered without lamps. We have considered allowing vendors to reduce energy with external devices like Vending Misers, but feel there is too much potential for them to be disconnected, thus negating the energy saving potential. I have two specific questions for those who have included these requirements: 1) We currently use a number of small local vending companies to service approximately 50 facilities located in 8 cities across the County. Has the smaller vendors’ ability to provide Energy Star machines (whether built to Energy Star or refurbished) been a problem for other agencies and are they readily available at reasonable cost? 2) Beyond some grumbling, has there been any negative outcome from having no lamps in your vending machines (i.e. smaller sales volume due to customers thinking machine is broken). Have you implemented the lamping requirement differently based on whether the public has access to it or done anything else to try to mitigate possible impacts? I’d appreciate seeing your contract language and hearing about your implementation strategies and experiences. Also, if you achieved energy savings through other means not listed above (including through energy misers or snack misers), that would be great to hear. Thanks! Karen Cook | Sustainability Project Manager, LEED AP County of Alameda, General Services Agency (510) 208-9754 | www.acsustain.org Responses: 1. Possible idea? VendingMiser® uses a Passive Infrared Sensor to:

a. Power down the machine when the surrounding area is vacant b. Monitor the room's temperature c. Automatically repower the cooling system at one- to three-hour d. intervals, independent of sales e. Ensure the product stays cold

2. Our snack machines have LED lights. Our beverage machines were recently replaced with Energy Star labeled machines that have energy saving technology built in that is similar to the VendingMiser retrofit. The new machines will turn off the lights and the refrigeration after a certain amount of time of inactivity. They are purported to learn patterns so that eventually they will know to shut down and restart on a schedule that it learns from user behavior. We have yet to see how this works out in practice. Chris O'Brien, Director of Sustainability Office of Sustainability American University 202.885.2682 (ph) www.american.edu/sustainability www.twitter.com/GreenAU

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Cooperatively Bid RFPs, August 2010 2 Posts

Original Posting: Hi Folks - Does anyone have bid or contract documents they can share of a cooperatively bid request for proposal? Our purchasing division is preparing a solicitation on behalf of several other agencies in the region (including our own) for electric vehicles and would like to see examples to model as they have little experience in managing cooperative bids. Please send them to me at karen.cook(at)acgov.org. Thanks! Karen Cook Sustainability Project Manager Alameda County, General Services Agency 510-208-9754

Response: Here’s an approach to cooperative procurement that may work in your situation. The State of Missouri maintains a list of eligible cooperative procurement organizations – usually tax-supported entities. I believe a cooperative procurement clause is contained in most RFPs issued by the state. For additional info or clarification please contact [email protected] or 573-751-4885 From a Buyer's perspective, we open up the opportunity to the vendor who can say yes/no about extending the contract to co-ops. From there on out it's usually invisible to the Buyer although with the fleet vehicles contracts, the Buyer fields a lot of questions from co-ops. Cooperative Procurement Program: If the contractor has indicated agreement on the Pricing Page with participation in the Cooperative Procurement Program, the contractor shall provide {name the commodity/service being procured} as described herein under the terms and conditions, requirements and specifications of the contract, including prices, to other government entities in accordance with the Technical Services Act (section 67.360, RSMo, which is available on the internet at: http://www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/c000-099/0670000360.htm.) The contractor shall further understand and agree that participation by other governmental entities is discretionary on the part of that governmental entity and the State of Missouri bears no financial responsibility for any payments due the contractor by such governmental entities. Local Government Use (Cooperative Procurement): The bidder should indicate agreement/disagreement to participate in the State of Missouri's Cooperative Procurement Program as described herein.

Yes No Rob Didriksen, Coordinator, Missouri State Recycling Program Office of Administration PO Box 809, Jefferson City MO 65102 http://www.oa.mo.gov/purch/recypro.html phone: 573-751-3384 fax: 573-526-9815

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Health care provided to the employees of your vendors, August 2010 2 Posts Original Posting: We are implementing our newly launched Sustainable Purchasing Policy and so far things are going well. We now have an interest in raising the bar a bit on the social equity aspect of it. Has anyone included in their solicitations a question about the health care provided by the vendor to its employees? If so, how did you phrase the question and how did you evaluate the answers you got? Today is my last day at Multnomah County, so sending answers to our Purchasing Manager, Brian Smith, [[email protected]] would be appreciated. Thanks to all and it’s been great getting all these epp.net emails full of incredibly valuable information. Janna E. Allgood Multnomah County Purchasing Sustainable Purchasing Coordinator NWSA AmeriCorps Member 503-988-5111 x 25906 (office) 503-988-3252 (fax) 703-587-0992 (mobile) Response: Janna, The City of Portland has an “Equal Benefits” requirement for its contractors. More information at: http://www.portlandonline.com/omf/index.cfm?c=43774&. While it does not mandate health care coverage, it does require that if a company makes benefits available to an employee’s spouse, then they have to make it available to an employee’s domestic partner. -Stacey City of Portland, Oregon

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Trade show displays, August 2010 2 Posts Original Posting: Hello, Has anyone sourced “green” trade show displays? Recycled content, recyclable, less-toxic inks, etc. What have you found? Thanks, -Stacey Foreman City of Portland, Oregon, Procurement Services [email protected] Response: Hi Stacey, I had saved this from an EPPNet posting from 2004: Perhaps your need for information only affects displays, but should you be organizing the trade show, for the U.S. Department of Energy Pollution Prevention conferences, we have incorporated EPP in our contracts for facilities in which we held DOE trade shows and conferences and in the contracts with vendors leasing space. This affects the types of products vendors are allowed to display and handouts they might be giving away, all food being served in durable (not disposable) containers, .... Building EPP into the contract up front is the key. Good luck! Sandra Cannon, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Technical Assistance for the U.S. Department of Energy Tel. 509-529-1535 Thank you Sandra, We are working to green the events as well.... this particular tradeshow decorator is positioning itself as the first 'green' service provider in their industry. They don't organize the events, all they can do is provide what they provide in a green manner. I'm thinking they want to partner with a company that makes eco-friendly displays so they can then package that together when working with conference organizers. Thanks to everyone for all of the great information! I love eppnet ;) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) program has a "green" booth. As I recall, the booth also includes a sign explaining some of the environmentally preferable features. For additional info, try contacting Holly Elwood [email protected] or Julie Shannon [email protected] I believe the booth was designed by ERG, a government contracting firm where I worked for years and where I still do some consulting. ERG does tons of different things, including communications work. They have designed several EPA booths. Try contacting Linda Cook [email protected], the head of the graphics department. She might have some recommendations. Hope this helps. Scot Case, Director of Procurement Strategies Center for a New American Dream 505 Penn Street, Suite 306 Reading, PA 19601 610 373-7703 [email protected] www.newdream.org/procure

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Biobased cleaners, August 2010 4 Posts Original Posting: Hi, We are looking for reliable sources of information on biobased commercial janitorial cleaners as opposed to non-biobased. Does anyone have resources or studies addressing their preferability in the marketplace? Thanks, Beth Beth Eckl Director, Environmental Purchasing Program Practice Greenhealth (866) 598-2240 [email protected] Responses: 1. It is my understanding that a company called Spartan purposefully chose to offer biobased cleaning products as their green cleaning strategy. I would perhaps look them up and call to inquire. Karl 2. Spartan does make a line of products called BioPreffered and have national distribution which would make it easy for purchasers regardless of what part of the country you may be in. Just keep in mind that while being biobased may be preferable because it is made from renewable resources, but as you know that doesn’t mean that they are necessarily safe for either human health or the environment. So make sure that you check it out thoroughly. Steve Stephen P. Ashkin, President The Ashkin Group LLC - The Green Cleaning Experts 3644 Tamarron Drive Bloomington, IN 47408 Phone: (812) 332-7950 Fax: (812) 332-7965 Email: [email protected] Visit us at: www.AshkinGroup.com 3. We sponsored a life cycle assessment study on a few different types of general purpose cleaning products, including a biobased product, several years ago. You can contact me directly if you would like a copy. In terms of identifying specific biobased products, you can go to the catalog at USDA's BioPreferred Web site to find products that qualify for USDA's BioPreferred program (http://www.catalog.biopreferred.gov/bioPreferredCatalog/faces/jsp/catalogLanding.jsp). Jim Darr, Chemist US EPA Pollution Prevention Division [email protected]

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Contract language for inclusion in EPA EPP Database, August 2010 2 Posts Original Posting: The US EPA is updating the contract language portion of the Database of Environmental Information for Products and Services (EPP Database) on our EPP website http://yosemite1.epa.gov/oppt/eppstand2.nsf or navigate from www.epa.gov/epp) and is interested in reviewing current contract language being used by government agencies (federal, state, or local) to solicit and contract for environmentally preferable goods and services. If you have such language to share via the Internet, please send the link to me. Please keep in mind that any information posted on the EPA EPP website is freely available to the public. Thanks, Jim Darr, Chemist US EPA Pollution Prevention Division Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program [email protected] 202-564-8841 Response: See http://www.ogs.state.ny.us/EO/4/ApprovedSpecs.asp.

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Carpet & Resilient Flooring Specifications, September 2010 3 Posts Original Posting: Hi all, We are rebidding our Carpet and Resilient Flooring contract and would like to strengthen the environmental specifications used in the previous contract . We will be addressing recycled content, VOC content, and end-of-life management. Any examples of environmental specifications used to bid successful contracts would be very helpful! My contact information is listed below. Thanks! Have a great day, Johanna Johanna Kertesz Integrated Solid Waste Management Unit Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (651) 757-2489 [email protected] www.pca.state.mn.us/epp www.rethinkrecycling.com/government/eppg Responses: 1. A note about wording that we learned: If you want “recycled content” to be content from carpet fiber, as opposed to recycled content from other products (such as pop bottles or pvc backing), do be explicit. You might, for example, state “recycled carpet fiber content”… Or you might provide separate criteria for “recycled content from carpet fiber”, “recycled content from carpet”, “recycled content regardless of source,” etc. Shirli Axelrod Waste Prevention and Green Purchasing Seattle Public Utilities PO Box 34018 700 Fifth Avenue, Suite 4900 Seattle, WA 98124-4018 Phone: 206-684-7804 E-mail: [email protected] 2. Johanna, There are new NSF/ANSI sustainability assessment standards for both carpet & resilient floor coverings. These standards address a number of environmental impact areas such as energy and materials use (including recycled content), end-of-life management, hazardous chemicals use, and VOC emissions. The standards have multiple levels of achievement, i.e. silver, gold, platinum. I think that the state of California is now specifying "NSF 140 Platinum" for their carpet purchases. Brief descriptions of the standards from the ANSI website are shown below. The documents themselves are copyrighted, so I can't just send you copies, but I participated on the committees that developed these standards and will be glad to answer questions or provide more details to you. Darr James, EPA

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Manufacturers for Trash Liners with 10% or 20% PCRC, September 2010 2 Posts Original Posting: Hello All, I'm looking for some manufacturers who sell trash liners with either 10% or 20% PCRC. Any suggestions? Thanks, Jonathan Jonathan Rifkin, Special Assistant to the Director Office of Contracting and Procurement One Judiciary Square, 441 4th St, NW, Suite 700S Washington, DC 20001 Ph: 202-724-3676 E-Mail: [email protected] Response: EPA list 29 suppliers of recycled content plastic trash bags on our CPG web page go to http://cpg.epa.tms.icfi.com/user/cpg_list.cfm the select Product, scroll down to Plastic Trash Bags and click on Search at the bottom of the page. Also Check page 17 of the Recycled Product Guide on line at http://www.recycleminnesota.org/images/RecProdCon.pdf Mike Giuranna, Solid Waste Specialist Office of Materials Management, EPA, Region III 1650 Arch Street (3LC40) Phila, PA 19103-2029 ph: 215-814-3298 fax:215-814-3163 [email protected]

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Green hand soap packaging, October 2010 3 Posts Original Posting: Hello, Does anyone currently use a Green Seal or EcoLogo certified hand soap (for restrooms and break rooms) that minimizes packaging through bulk refills (non-individually packaged refills)? AND/OR Does anyone have any data on which would be preferable from an overall waste reduction viewpoint? 1 – individual refills packaged in recyclable rigid containers 2 – individual refills packaged in non-recyclable “pouch” containers (but uses less plastic than rigid containers per Green Seal/EcoLogo requirements) Thank you in advance. -Stacey Stacey Foreman Sustainable Procurement Coordinator City of Portland, Oregon, Procurement Services [email protected] Responses: 1. Stacey, soap dispensers that allow you to refill from gallon-or-more containers of liquid soap allowing you to purchase from Wal-Mart of whoever you choose are by far the best choice. See greenhotels.com/catalog/misc.php. Patty Griffin, "Green" Hotels Assn 2. Some data which I have seen indicates that bacteria can grow inside a bulk hand soap dispenser. And from personal observations, I have seen all kinds of “nasty” stuff inside a bulk hand soap dispenser upon opening to refill them such as bugs (i.e. flies) and cigarette butts. In my opinion, bulk soap dispensers are preferable as long as they are removed from the wall or counter and thoroughly cleaned, which should be done at least monthly. And I really do mean “cleaned”, not merely emptied and refilled. In my opinion, bulk soap dispensers certainly are less expensive if we only consider the cost of the soap. But “closed” systems reduce the overall cost associated with cleaning the dispensers (i.e. labor cost) and reduce risks to occupants and guests from exposure to contaminated soaps. For anyone looking for more specific data on this, trying “Googling” Dr. Charles Gerba at the University of Arizona. He has done a lot or research on this. Steve

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Environmentally "Best” disposable cups for Bottled water cooler/dispenser, October 2010 2 Posts Original Posting: Can anyone recommend the "best' disposable cups (recycled content/compostable/paper, etc.) for a bottled water cooler/dispenser in the fitness center in our building. They were using Styrofoam cups and reusable cups were suggested, which some bring but a lot of people don't so we need to buy some reasonably priced paper cups, hopefully with recycled content. Mike Giuranna, Solid Waste Specialist Office of Materials Management, EPA, Region III 1650 Arch Street (3LC40) Phila, PA 19103-2029 ph: 215-814-3298 fax:215-814-3163 [email protected] Response: http://www.freshwatersystems.com/c-429-water-cups.aspx?gclid=CP7HnJz-zaQCFQNM5Qodc2cAjA These coned shaped cups are small and sure you can purchase in bulk Best regards, Deborah Deborah Robbins, VP Business Development & Sustainability Headquarters and Main Plant: 75 Michigan Street Lockport, NY 14094-2629 - USA Office #: 716-478-0404 - Ext #303 Fax #: 716-478-0408 Cell #: 716-474-1303 Toll Free #:866-424-6981 mailto:[email protected]

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Seeking alternative deicing products, October 2010 5 Posts Original Posting: I have been extensively researching both the issues and product alternatives for snow and ice deicers and anti-icing agents. I am seeking products for use on new concrete as well as for the parking lot. Since there are no third party certifications for these products, I am at a loss at how to select the alternatives available since there are so many pros and cons. I am seeking this information for both a city agency and a state agency. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Lynn Rose 3 McClelland Farm Road, Deerfield, MA 01342 Phone and Fax (call first): 1-413-774-6540 Cell: 1-413-522-5525 Email: [email protected] Responses: 1. Check this out-supposed to be very "Green" http://www.magicsalt.info/Magic%20Salt.htm Regards, Deborah Deborah Robbins, VP Business Development & Sustainability Headquarters and Main Plant: 75 Michigan Street Lockport, NY 14094-2629 - USA Office #: 716-478-0404 - Ext #303 Fax #: 716-478-0408 Cell #: 716-474-1303 Toll Free #:866-424-6981 mailto:[email protected] 2. Thanks, I have the product MSDS and it has sodium chloride in it which has been processed to reduce its environmental impacts and work more effectively. It is still a salt based product so I was unsure about it. I am open to discussion. Lynn Rose 3 McClelland Farm Road, Deerfield, MA 01342 Phone and Fax (call first): 1-413-774-6540 Cell: 1-413-522-5525 Email: [email protected]

3. I use it at work and home. My friend who has a landscaping/plowing business swears by it. Regards, Deborah 4. MA has a contract for alternative deicers. At the moment it is limited, but we hope to re-open. In an effort to use an independent standard that includes environmental criteria (as well as performance) in

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their review process we referenced the Pacific Northwest Snow Fighters (PNS) specifications. We said that the product must appear on their approved list that is posted on their website: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/partners/pns/. Marcia Deegler Director of Environmental Purchasing Operational Services Division One Ashburton Place, Room 1017 Boston, MA 02108-1552 617-720-3356, 617-727-4527 fax [email protected] Visit the EPP Website at www.mass.gov/epp

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City of Portland Posts Green Specification Examples, October 2010 Hello, The City of Portland, Oregon now has example “green” specifications from City solicitation documents on the City’s website. http://www.portlandonline.com/omf/index.cfm?c=53454& (or go to www.portlandonline.com/buygreen and click on “Buying Green Example Specifications”) Procurement professionals looking for commodity-specific ITB or RFP “green” specifications can now download example language used by the City of Portland. The following examples are currently posted; we will post more examples as we continue to issue solicitations with “green” specifications.

Chairs - Task Intensive Construction - emissions & waste reduction Diesel Emission Retrofit Devices Ecoroofs Food Waste & Recycling Containers Hauling - Stormwater Residuals Laundry and Uniform Services LED Modules for Traffic Signals Paper & Business Envelopes (Misc.) Promotional Items Resource Management Services

Please contact me with any questions and feedback. Thank you! -Stacey Stacey Foreman, LEED Green Assoc. Sustainable Procurement Coordinator City of Portland, Oregon, Procurement Services [email protected] www.portlandonline.com/buygreen

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Accelerated hydrogen peroxide, November 2010 2 Posts Original Posting: Maryland's State Parks are using green cleaning supplies whenever possible, but have not yet found a good green substitute for chlorine bleach as a disinfectant. They tried an accelerated hydrogen peroxide (AHP) product, but found that in their situation it left a film they deemed unacceptable. Can anyone offer a lead on a green replacement for bleach as a disinfectant? Is there much variety in AHP products, or are they all pretty much the same? Thanks! Rich Norling Office for a Sustainable Future Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources 410-260-8124 http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/sustainability/ Response: I'm not real familiar with the AHP products, but I would expect that there may be some differences in the other components of the formulation (surfactants, chelating agents, etc.) among different products. Cleaning efficacy can at times be very specific to the surface being cleaned, i.e. certain types of formulations work better on certain surfaces. Different types of products sometimes require different work practices for optimal results, as well. Two of the major trade associations for cleaning products, ISSA (www.issa.com) and The American Cleaning Institute (www.cleaninginstitute.org), have active green cleaning programs and may be able to make some recommendations for your specific needs. Jim Darr, Chemist US EPA Pollution Prevention Division 202-564-8841

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The Curious Case of the TerraChoice 2010 Greenwashing Report & EPEAT, November 2010 2 Posts Original Posting: Hi Everybody, Thought you might be interested in my blog piece on the latest TerraChoice Greenwashing Report and EPEAT. TerraChoice Environmental Marketing recently released the latest in their series of Sins of Greenwashing http://sinsofgreenwashing.org reports. Their TerraChoice Greenwashing Report 2010 http://sinsofgreenwashing.org/findings/greenwashing-report-2010 finds that 95 percent of green product claims are misleading. There is good evidence that the report itself has become an example of conflict of interest and greenwashing, especially in its omission of the green IT brand, EPEAT. Find it at: The Curious Case of the TerraChoice 2010 Greenwashing Report and EPEAT http://blog.techsoup.org/node/1502 -Jim Jim Lynch TechSoup Global Director, Computer Recycling & Reuse Programs Co-director, GreenTech Program +1.415.633.9308 (office phone) 435 Brannan St. Suite 100 +1.415.633.9400 (fax) San Francisco, CA 94107 USA [email protected] www.techsoup.org/recycle www.techsoup.org/greentech Response: Jim – The labels included in TerraChoice's Sins of Greenwashing report www.sinsofgreenwashing.org) are identified as consumer facing brands. The TerraChoice researchers did not find the EPEAT label among any of the more than 5,000 products they found in any of the 24 stores they visited, which included several well-known computer and monitor retailers. Had TerraChoice focused on institutional buyers rather than consumers, EPEAT would have been included. As for any potential conflicts of interest regarding the relationship between TerraChoice and UL Environment, that relationship is fully disclosed in each edition of the Sins of Greenwashing report. Any accusations that the decision to include or not include particular certification programs based on a perceived conflict of interest are groundless and without merit. - Scot Scot Case, Market Development Director UL Environment (e): [email protected] (c): 610 781-1684

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Recycling at State Parks, December 2010 2 Posts Original Post: Good Morning, CT is getting ready to send out an RFB for recycling at the state parks. Our current program has encountered a myriad of issues – mostly revolving around unacceptable levels of contamination of the recyclables. We would really appreciate hearing about any park recycling programs that have achieved a level of success in both participation rates and quality of recyclables recovered. Are there any case studies out there that you could share? Thank you, Judy Judy Belaval CT DEP Office of Source Reduction and Recycling (860) 424-3237 Response: Judy, This question was asked on the JTR list serve last year, here are the responses: Hi Everyone!! It's been a while since I posted on JTRnet! Hope everyone is doing well. I have a state colleague who has contacted us asking for help identifying good examples of state park recycling programs. If your state has a good program providing a contact or web link would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! Pam Swingle, Manager, Office of Pollution Prevention and Innovation EPA Region 4 61 Forsyth Street SW Atlanta, Georgia 30303 Phone: (404) 562-8482 Email: [email protected] Since the Spring of 2008, all NYS agencies have been told to set the example, and establish and implement programs that reduce waste created by 10% per year, recycle and buy environmentally-preferable goods. To accomplish the goals of our Executive Order #4 (http://www.ogs.state.ny.us/EO/4/Default.asp ), each agency was required to name a Sustainability Coordinator, who would develop that agency's Sustainability Plan. The Sustainability Coordinator for the NYS Dept. of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is Rich Schiafo. I do not know how much headway he's been able to make within his organization, but he's dedicated, energetic and creative and may have some good examples to share. Happy Thanksgiving! Brenda G. Rich Schiafo, Sustainability Coordinator NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Empire State Plaza Agency Building 1 Albany, NY 12238 518-473-2163 Hi Pam, We are very interested in developing and promoting sustainability for the tourism industry in North Carolina. One facet of our project will involve promoting sustainable state parks. NC DPPEA is partnering with the Center for Sustainable Tourism at East Carolina University to assist parks and other tourism-related facilities in becoming greener. Please share any information you gather with us. Thanks.

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Tom Rhodes, Environmental Specialist NC Division of Pollution Prevention & Environmental Assistance 1639 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1639 (919) 715-6516 Unilever Corp is working with 55 National Parks on a recycling project. Information about this project is on their web site at: http://www.nationalparks.org/proudpartners/partner_unilever_rw.shtml http://www.unilevernationalparks.com/ http://www.unilever.com/ourvalues/environmentandsociety/casestudies/Employees/usa_national_parks.asp Region 8 did something with recycling at National Parks which is on their web site at http://www.epa.gov/region08/conservation_recycling/natlpk.html Over the past two years our state parks have been working on an initiative to implement biodiesel use in all diesel powered equipment. The project has been very successful - I would be happy to discuss, feel free to give me a call. If interested here is a link to some of the green initiatives being undertaken at Michigan's state parks. http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10365_37783---,00.html Karen Edlin, Program Manager Pollution Prevention and Compliance Assistance Section Environmental Science and Services Division Michigan Department of Environmental Quality P.O. Box 30457 Lansing, MI 48909-7957 Phone: (517) 373-0604 Fax: (517) 241-7966 E-Mail: [email protected] Mike Giuranna, Solid Waste Specialist Office of Materials Management, EPA, Region III 1650 Arch Street (3LC40) Phila, PA 19103-2029 ph: 215-814-3298 fax:215-814-3163 [email protected]

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Recommend a good retail bag for use by an art gallery, December 2010 4 Posts Original Post: Hello - I am looking for suggestions for some type of eco-bag that an art gallery could use (selling products from very light-weight to 20 pounds). I have read about mold growth in reusable bags, lead content in some types, life cycle analysis on paper vs. plastic, etc. Seems like there are a lot of different criteria and variables for a 'green bag', just a few of which might be: 1 - will customers re-use? 2 - is it easily compostable/recyclable? 3 - post-consumer recycled content 4 - least toxic to environment (production and disposal) 5 - least toxic to customers (release lead, grow mold in the bag, what's in the ink, etc.) 6 - additional life cycle considerations (energy to produce, extraction of materials, disposal) Anyway, amidst multiple selection parameters, can anyone recommend cloth, vs. reusable plastic, vs. paper vs. plastic? Does anyone know the types of bags that have been found with lead? (is it the shiny plastic type? and/or - is the lead found in the ink or the plastic?) Thanks in advance for any input. Michelle Gaither | environmental engineer 1402 Third Ave, Suite 1420 | Seattle, WA 98101 T 206.352.2050 | F 206.352.2049| www.pprc.org Twitter: twitter.com/PacNW_PPRC LinkedIn Group: linkd.in/hjKoi3 Facebook Page: facebook.com/PacNW.PPRC Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center (PPRC) Responses: 1. Hi Michelle: We buy a number of bags as well and since the recent recalls I've also working my way through the issue so I would be interested to hear what you find out. No LCA data but here's what I've learned related to a couple of the questions in your email Will consumers re-use - Re-usable bag campaigns were a common thing in both the public and private sector for the last few years here in Nova Scotia. The bags played a prominent part in a couple of solid waste reduction campaigns and we have a had a couple of local retailers "ban" and/or charge for plastic bags. How much use the bags got seems to depend on both the bag and the consumer. Anecdotally, I see more use/re-use of cotton or nylon bags especially those that fold into a tiny pocket ( e.g., of the type below - no endorsement of brand implied) ) than I do of larger heavier plastic/vinyl etc. bags that don't fold as well. Additionally the cotton or nylon ones and even the recycled PET ones (basically a polyester cloth) can be thrown in the washing machine to deal with food safety concerns whereas the heavier, plastic ones can't

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easily. That said - if the bags are washed frequently, the screen printing on cotton or canvas seems to hold up to washing better than it does on the nylon and PET. Lead (the recall issue) The bags from the recalls (in Canada anyway) are a shiny plastic rather than a cloth like ag. Lead can potentially arise from two sources - the screen printing inks used to apply the logos etc. and the plastic bag itself (lead is used as a plasticizer in some types of processes). Not sure which was the actual source in the recalled bags. You can also get bags made from recycled PET (up to 100% I believe). I haven't been able to find out if lead is ever used in this manufacturing process. A final thought - A lot of promotional products are ordered pre-printed. You can specify the lower toxicity inks but this may be difficult to verify if the bag is not being manufactured and screen printed locally. One way around this is to source a suitable un-printed bag and it screen printed locally where you can have more control over the printing process. We have used local screen printers and in some cases local adult service centers (e.g., sheltered workshops to use the older term) to do some of our screen printing to achieve a more sustainable product. Hope this helps a bit anyway, Lynda Lynda Rankin, Manager, Sustainable Procurement Integration Economic and Rural Development PO Box 787 Halifax Nova Scotia B3J 2V2 email: [email protected] 2. Hi Michelle-This response is a little delayed, but just to add to what Lynda said below (that’s a lot of great information) – my co-worker who has done some testing of reusable bags (for lead) said: The lead issues with reusable bags have been not very widespread and variable. Sometimes it’s the ink, sometimes the plastic. It means that it's hard to give good advice. We would always be happy to test a bag sample if that would be helpful. Her personal choice would be to go for organic cotton or recycled paper. Or reusable plastic that's made from recycled plastic, but check it for lead. Again, if you are interested in testing a particular bag for lead, you could send it to us. Regards, -Sue Sue Chiang Pollution Prevention Director Center for Environmental Health Office #: 510.655.3900 x311 3. The Toxics in Packaging in Clearinghouse (TPCH) and member states have been testing packaging for a few years. TPCH was formed in 1992 to promote the Model Toxics in Packaging Legislation. This model legislation was originally drafted in 1989. It was developed in an effort to reduce the amount of heavy metals in packaging and packaging components that are sold or distributed throughout the United States. Currently 19 states have toxics in packaging legislation. 10 of those states belong to TPCH.

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Packaging is tested for the four restricted metals in the model toxics in packaging legislation. If bags made from recycled PVC are used, you will also need to check for cadmium.

One thing to consider is the country of origin. Most of the problems we’ve seen in the TPCH projects are with imported packaging. TPCH publishes reports of its testing projects. Below is a summary of results of samples with greater than 100 ppm of the restricted heavy metals. The latest report is at http://www.toxicsinpackaging.org/docs/assessment_of_heavy_metals_in_packaging_09_update.pdf See below.

Table 4: Summary of Results >100 ppm by Restricted Heavy Metal Restricted Metal

Samples with >100 ppm Detected

Mean (ppm)

Median (ppm)

Range (ppm)

Comments

Cadmium 39 364 358 137 - 687

All samples were flexible PVC; at least 36 of the samples were imported

Lead 19 9,642 450 122 – 150,388

Found in inks, flexible PVC, and solder.

Mercury 2 214 214 170 – 258

Both samples were ink.

Chromium1 14 1,002 318 131– 6,706

Most samples were inks on plastic, paper, or glass. Chromium was detected in only one glass (blue) sample.2

1 XRF measures total chromium, not hexavalent chromium (Cr+6), which is the regulated metal. 2 Chromium is most likely chromium oxide (Cr2O3). Becky Jayne Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Office of Pollution Prevention 1021 N. Grand Ave East Springfield, Illinois 62794 [email protected] Phone: (217) 524-9642 Fax: (217) 557-2125

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Nontoxic railroad cross ties, January 2011 3 Posts Original Posting: Hello, Does anyone have an AREMA compliant specification for railroad cross ties that incorporates any of the following? If so, would you please send a copy my way? Thank you. 1 – Least-toxic treatment/chemical for wooden ties (or prohibits certain kinds of chemical treatments) 2 – Treated-wood alternative (e.g. TimberSIL or composite ties) 3 – Specifications that incorporate sourcing wood from non-endangered forests (or FSC certified) Thank you in advance, -Stacey Stacey Foreman, LEED Green Assoc. Sustainable Procurement Coordinator City of Portland, Oregon, Procurement Services Ph: 503-823-3508 [email protected] www.portlandonline.com/buygreen Response: 1. “Green” Railroad Ties. Dynamic Composites LLC, a unit of Steel Dynamics, Inc. (SDI), has shipped the first production order of its "green" composite railroad ties to BNSF Railway Co. After testing evaluation quantities of these ties, BNSF placed an order for 4,000 units, the Columbia City, Indiana, based company said. Nine railcar loads of ties were shipped to Texas. The ties are made from a variety of recycled materials, including steel, rubber, and plastics. They are produced at a plant near SDI's Structural and Rail mill. The composite tie employs a core made of flat-rolled steel (provided by SDI's Flat Roll division) filled with concrete, which in turn is encapsulated by a tough skin consisting of a blend of shredded tires and recycled plastics. The company estimates the composite ties have a life-span of 60 years, offsetting the cost difference of wood ties. N. American Technologies sees improved third quarter Aug. 18 -- North American Technologies Group Inc., which manufactures railroad ties from recycled material, saw improved performance during its fiscal third quarter on more efficient operations and better sales. The company reported a net income of $272,802, or 2 cents per diluted share, on revenue of $8.1 million, for the quarter ended June 29, compared with a net loss of $1.8 million, or 20 cents per diluted share, on revenue of $5.8 million for the third quarter of 2007. "We believe that our customers are beginning to recognize the value proposition of our ties," said Rod Wallace, president and CEO. Irving, Texas-based North American Technologies Group produces railroad ties and other products through its wholly owned subsidiary, TieTek, using recycled plastic and tires. Mike Giuranna, Solid Waste Specialist, Office of Materials Management, EPA, Region III 1650 Arch Street (3LC40) Phila, PA 19103-2029 ph: 215-814-3298 fax:215-814-3114 [email protected]

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2. Hello Stacey, Would your Agency consider the Rutgers patented plastic railroad ties that we have been installing at military bases and Conrail (if so, we can send you the specs): http://amipp.rutgers.edu/html/group_member_nosker_thomas.html (Tom is a colleague of mine and the researcher behind the technology) http://news.rutgers.edu/focus/issue.2009-02-02.4357742289/article.2009-02-02.6065738797 http://amipp.rutgers.edu/assets/documents/scholarlypubs/PerformanceBasedApproachPlasticCrosstie.pdf Here are some videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hE-ymdio44&feature=related (bridge video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dD3ml_t77Y&playnext=1&list=PL2F6D8AE86D03E631&index=28 (railroad video) Here is the company that we have transferred the license to: http://www.axionintl.com/ http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110104005743/en/Axion-International-Announces-Successful-Completion-Morocco-Rail http://www.railresource.com/content/?p=949 Tom can give you a few Army Contract and Engineer contacts as well. I conduct the supply chain and economic analysis research on these projects. K Kevin Lyons, Ph.D. Chief Procurement Officer/Executive Director, Procurement and Contracting Research Professor, Supply Chain Environmental Archeology, Rutgers Business School Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Administrative Services Building III 3 Rutgers Plaza New Brunswick, NJ 08903 732-932-4375 ext. 2301 732-932-4390 (fax) [email protected]

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Cleaning Railroad Yards, January 2011 3 Posts Original post: We are working to clean up 12 hazardous waste sites at an active 150 acre railroad yard and to implement P2 alternatives wherever possible. I would appreciate any information not included in this email that you have on alternatives that I could present to the RR. Thank you for your time. Lynn Rose 3 McClelland Farm Road, Deerfield, MA 01342 Phone and Fax (call first): 1-413-774-6540 Cell: 1-413-522-5525 Email: [email protected] Responses: 1. Hi Lynn- If you haven’t checked out USEPA’s website on greener site remediation http://www.clu-in.org/greenremediation/ Delta has developed a short guide for greener site remediation based on EPA and other info. A version is on our website at: http://delta-institute.org/greeneconomy Best, Abby Abigail Corso, P.E. Delta Institute 53 W Jackson Blvd | Suite 230 | Chicago, IL 60604 [email protected] t 312.554.0900 x25 f 312.554.0193 w delta-institute.org 2. Also, NYS DEC has a new green remediation policy see http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/remediation_hudson_pdf/der31.pdf It was developed by my colleague Kevin Carpenter, who has agreed to share his contact information with the group: Kevin Carpenter, P.E. Agency Sustainability Coordinator Division of Environmental Remediation New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Phone: 518-402-9799 Fax: 518-402-9595 Address: 625 Broadway, 11th floor, Albany, NY 12233-7020

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Integrated pest management, January 2011 2 Posts Original Posting: Hi! The PDF of our pest management spec, requiring IPM for indoor environments, is attached, and is also available at: http://www.ogs.state.ny.us/EO/4/Docs/Finals/PestManagement.pdf. The contract referred to in the specs, which contains detailed instructions regarding IPM practices, has many associated documents which are posted on the OGS website, including a checklist for practitioners. One place to start accessing these documents is here http://www.ogs.state.ny.us/purchase/snt/awardnotes/7101001510can.HTM. You can also search the OGS website or Google OGS NYS Group 71010 contract. You should also know that our outdoor turf and ornamental management spec requires non-chemical pest management. That is available on the OGS website at http://www.ogs.state.ny.us/EO/4/Docs/Finals/Turf.pdf Hope this is helpful! Elizabeth E. Meer Special Assistant Commissioner's Policy Office NYS Department of Environmental Conservation 625 Broadway, 14th Floor Albany, NY 12233 518-402-2796 Telephone 518-402-8541 Fax Response: http://www.green.ca.gov/EPP/Grounds/LandscapeIPM.htm This is what I know of on-line. Kathy

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Remanufactured Toner Cartridges for HP 5550DN, January 2011 8 Posts Original post: Is anyone using the HP 5550DN color laser printer? If you are, have you found a quality remanufactured toner cartridge vendor? Please advise. Gabriel G. Adams, REM Environmental Compliance Specialist DynMcDermott Petroleum Operations Company M&O Contractor for U.S. DOE SPR Office: 504-734-4503 Fax: 504-818-5503 Responses: 1. I buy mine from Super Media Store. I don’t have the same model. I’m happy with the performance. Here’s a link to remanufactured HP cartridges for HP 5550 printers: http://www.supermediastore.com/product/search?search=hp+5550+toner+%23Type%3A%27Remanufactured%27. The price is only $105/cartridge. New HP cartridges are over $1,100. 2. I’ve not used them but it is my understanding that Cartridge World does a good job. Lynn Leavitt Recycling Coordinator, Westbrook [email protected] (207) 591-8135 3. Jayne, In looking at the Super Media Store website, it appears the manufacturer of the cartridges listed is Hewlett Packard. HP does not remanufacture cartridges so we are a bit confused as to whether these are remanufactured cartridges or not. All , The US Department of Energy has done extensive testing of remanufactured cartridges since the late 1990s. We have a protocol on our website that you may find helpful in selecting quality remanufactured cartridges (http://www.hss.doe.gov/pp/epp/library/ap-toner-cartridge-protocol.pdf)---Sandra Sandra Cannon, Technical Support U.S. Department of Energy Sustainable Acquisition Program Tel. 509-529-1535 4.Sandra - I checked my invoices. The description is the same as what is currently online. The HP in the cartridge description just identifies which printer brand the cartridges are for. Regards, Becky 5. I’ve been told by a cartridge remanufacturer that the industry hasn’t yet developed a reliable option for the HP 5550DN. Here’s an excerpt from the email I received from the rep:

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It has very unique characteristics that have created multiple layers of challenge to allowing a quality remanufactured alternative. At this time I recommend users staying with the original branded product unless they are content with a minimum 6% or greater defect rate. Just something to consider! Johanna Kertesz Integrated Solid Waste Management Unit Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (651) 757-2489 [email protected] www.pca.state.mn.us/epp www.rethinkrecycling.com/government/eppg 6. Johanna, What you describe is a problem with the industry. We have told printer manufacturers that if their printers preclude or hinder the use of remanufactured cartridges, we will not purchase that printer model. The new EPEAT standard coming out for printers also precludes such a hindrance. A good source for valid information is the International Imaging Technology Council (http://www.i-itc.org/stmcompanies.htm, 702-838-4279). While one remanufacturer may not have the technology to overcome the hindrances, there are others that do. Hope this helps---Sandra Sandra Cannon, Technical Support U.S. Department of Energy Sustainable Acquisition Program Tel. 509-529-1535 7. Sandra, Thank you so much for the DOE protocol for selecting quality remanufactured cartridges and also the info on the International Imaging Technology Council's list of reputable (STMC) certified remanufacturing companies. Any idea if there's a resource out there that lists printers (like the HP 5550DN) that have very difficult to refill or remanufacture toner or ink cartridges? From the conversation so far, it sounds like there may not be - because some remanufacturers are clever at reverse engineering or resetting the smart chips on cartridges that are designed to make them non-refillable. However, knowing which printers have readily refillable cartridges is one of the top criteria for purchasing printers to lower TOC, and I've found little or no info on that. -Jim Jim Lynch, Co-Director GreenTech & Electronics Recycling & Reuse Programs +1-415-633-9308 (office phone) [email protected] 435 Brannan St. Suite 100 San Francisco, CA 94107 USA www.techsoup.org/greentech www.techsoupglobal.org

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Portable recycling stations-containers, January 2011 4 Posts Original Posting: Hello, I am looking for recommendations on portable recycling containers that can be easily packed/stowed for transport between locations. These would be used for collecting indoor recycling/compost/waste from meetings at locations where there isn’t standard recycling available. If anyone has suggestions on a brand or style that has worked well for them, I would appreciate it. Thank you. -Stacey Stacey Foreman, LEED Green Assoc. Sustainable Procurement Coordinator City of Portland, Oregon, Procurement Services

Responses: 1. We use Toter Inc. For our curbside pickup program we typically use the 64 gallon size but they also have a 32 gallon option which is quite study and has a lid and wheels. The 64 gallon containers nest inside each other but the 32 gallon contains have to be stacked.

L. Lynn Leavitt Recycling Coordinator, Westbrook [email protected] (207) 591-8135

2. We have used the ClearStream recycling containers for outdoor events for several years. They are very portable, user friendly and don’t require much space for storage. I believe there is a government entity in Oregon that has a program where ClearStream containers can be borrowed. Here’s a link with more info: http://www.clearstreamrecycler.com/ Rob Didriksen Coordinator, Missouri State Recycling Program 3. We also use the ClearStream system, and it's good for many purposes. We are a nonprofit that manages a community lending system where the City financed the bins. For more details on this program, Leigh Cushing is the Eco-Cycle staffer in charge of that. Eric Lombardi Eco-Cycle Boulder, CO www.ecocycle.org

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Durable Delivery Totes, January 2011 4 Posts Original Posting: Does anyone have any recommendations for durable delivery totes? Our libraries are looking for alternative solutions to the plastic delivery totes they have been using to distribute books to branch locations and to other agencies. Currently they are using 16 and 20 quart plastic totes, which crack a lot. While they do recycle the broken ones, they would prefer to use a product that lasts longer. Does anyone have any recommendations for durable delivery totes? They are considering corrugated plastic totes (like USPS); does anyone have any experience with these - positive or negative? They need to be durable and weatherproof (with detachable lids), and able to withstand multiple deliveries of books. Must be recyclable and we would prefer they are made from recycled content. Thank you, Julia Fraser, Sustainable Purchasing Coordinator Multnomah County Purchasing 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 400, Portland, Oregon 97214 Phone: 503-988-5111 x22651 Email: [email protected] Website: http://web.multco.us/sustainability/sustainable-purchasing Responses: 1. Julia, while we don’t own any reusable totes, we use them in partnership with OfficeMax. Our Central Services team delivers goods to about 20 buildings accommodating roughly 1,000 staff and the reusable totes have been great. They seem to withstand serious handling and collapse well.

Ronda Chapman-Duer Sustainability Coordinator Washington County 155 N. 1st Ave, Suite 270 Hillsboro, OR 97124 503-846-8857 2. Ronda, The question was not concerning reusable totes. The question was whether the totes are manufactured with recycled plastic content. Thanks---Sandra Sandra Cannon, Technical Support U.S. Department of Energy Sustainable Acquisition Program Tel. 509-529-1535 3. Thank you, the question was concerning more durable reusable totes. Sorry if that was not clear. Thanks. Julia

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Dealing with product claims in the absence of 3rd party certification, January 2011 4 Posts Original Post: Hi all; We have a couple of categories of purchases in which we'd like to ask vendors if their products meet certain criteria related to the chemicals used in the manufacturing process and the recycled content of the products. There are currently no third party certifications that cover the issues that we are interested in. My question is, given we can't ask for certification, does anyone have any thoughts on how we can ask the vendors to verify that their products do in fact meet our criteria. Has anyone asked used signed declarations for this purpose? Other ideas? I'd love to hear how others have approached this. Thanks in advance for the help, Lynda Lynda Rankin, Manager, Sustainable Procurement Integration Economic and Rural Development and Tourism PO Box 787 Halifax Nova Scotia B3J 2V2 email: [email protected] Responses: 1. Hi, Lynda and all, Some years ago we required suppliers to provide us specific chemical information in order to be considered for a contract. We gave them the option to either identify to us chemicals that fell within a set of health/environmental criteria or provide documentation from an accredited independent lab, signed by a qualified individual. Admittedly this is not a foolproof method. However, we did get data we felt was relatively reliable, and it gave us a consistent requirement we could apply to the submittals. It has been a while since we did this, but I can provide the language we used if you wish. Feel free to contact me directly if you want more detail. Shirli Shirli Axelrod Waste Prevention and Green Purchasing Seattle Public Utilities PO Box 34018 700 Fifth Avenue, Suite 4900 Seattle, WA 98124-4018 Phone: 206-684-7804 E-mail: [email protected] 2. We have used two approaches:

For recycled content claims, we ask for Scientific Certification Systems recycled content certification.

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For other claims (i.e. chemicals), we ask the vendors to sign a declaration indicating that their product is free of that material. This is obviously not perfect, but the vendor would be in violation of the contracts terms if this is violated.

Johanna Kertesz Integrated Solid Waste Management Unit Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (651) 757-2489 [email protected] 3. I wonder if anyone has included in their contract an agreement that if a user can provide an analysis from a certified lab that showed the presence of the forbidden material at or above a certain level that the supplier in advance agrees to a specific remedy? Such as, pay a penalty upon receipt of a copy of such test, that the contract is ended or suspended, or the supplier must immediately provide conforming replacements at no cost. This sort of thing would make enforcement of such contract terms vastly simpler and help chill any thoughts of false declaration. The supplier may wish to add some other clauses, such as that they have to right to demand a retest, to use a second certified lab of their choosing, or receive assurances of a chain-of-custody. I wonder if anyone has gone down this road? Rick Reibstein MA Office of Technical Assistance Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs 9th floor, 100 Cambridge Street Boston, MA 02114 617 626 1062

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Quieter electric hand dryers, February 2011 2 Posts Original Posting: Hello, Has anyone found a high-performance electric hand dryer (maximum 1,600 watts, less than 15 seconds drying time) that is also relatively quiet? I have seen the GreenSpec listings and am looking for real-world experience from folks that are happy with their choice of electric hand dryer. We have pilot-tested the Xlerator and the Dyson Airblade and found that they may be too loud for the acoustics of the targeted restrooms. Thanks in advance, -Stacey Stacey Foreman, LEED Green Assoc. City of Portland, Oregon, Procurement Services [email protected] Response: We have Dyson Airblades. They do make noise but it seems acceptable to our employees. The drying time is very good. The sound is different that the Xlerator and other high powered dryers – sounds more like a high-tech jet engine and is not as shocking. Jodi Smits Anderson, AIA, LEED AP DASNY t: 518-257-3486 e: [email protected]

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Green cleaning in correctional facilities, February 2011 3 Posts Original Posting: The State of California Prison Industries Authority (PIA) offers two Green Seal Certified cleaning products: multipurpose and glass cleaner concentrates. These items are viewable at PIA’s on-line catalog: http://catalog.pia.ca.gov/store.php?t=1297870526. Charleen Fain-Keslar Procurement Engineer Phone 916.375.4454 Fax 916.375.4522 Email [email protected] Responses: 1. We are working with Department of Justice in Victoria, Australia to reduce the environmental impact of prison buying so I would be interested in any other examples of work done with prisons in this area. Thanks. Hugh Hugh Wareham, Chief Executive Officer ECO-Buy Limited P (03) 9349 0401 Mobile 0417 139 809 E-mail [email protected] Web www.ecobuy.org.au 2. Hugh: ISSA provides some useful technical information on Green Cleaner procurement. Some of it is for free if you sign in: http://www.issa.com/?m=showcase. A little old but still useful: http://www.global-laser.org/cgi/laser/resource.html?mv_arg=120 WAXIE offers information on their green cleaners offered: http://www.waxie.com/WAXIE-GPS-Portfolio.pdf, http://www.waxie.com/gps_products.html#2 Significant improvements and reductions in health exposure risks by installing closed loop dispenser systems. Products that are certified to one of the applicable Green Cleaning Standards are relevant and address a broad range of human health and environmental concerns worthy of consideration and used in Green Building Operations:

· Green Seal (GS-37) · EcoLogo (CCD-146) · US EPA’s DfE Standard and Criteria for Safer Chemical Ingredients http://www.epa.gov/dfe/pubs/projects/gfcp/index.htm

Best, Antoinette “Toni” Stein PhD 892 Arlington Ave Berkeley, CA 94707 650-823-7662 [email protected]

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Trash can liners, March 2011 5 Posts Original Post: Hello EPPnetters! Does anyone have a good (independent) reference/resource for understanding the different types of plastic resins used for trash can liners and their comparative “green-ness”? I have received information from vendors about why one type of plastic is better than others (including why 100% virgin of one type resin is still “greener” than recycled content of another type of resin) and I would like to be check that information against some (recent) independent research. I realize it would be best to go without the liner, but we still have many applications that call for the use of trash can liners. Thank you in advance. -Stacey Stacey Foreman City of Portland, Oregon, Procurement Services [email protected] Responses: 1. There's a very nice informed discussion on biodegradable vs. compostable plastic bags going on at: http://www.greenerpackage.com/discuss/compost_biodegrade/whats_difference_between_biodegradable_vs_compostable The discussion has citations and links to research and other resources. I'm particularly interested in the spirited debate between oxo-biodegradable plastic vs. hydro-biodegradable plastic. The trade association for the hydro-biodegradable plastics industry is the Biodegradable Products Institute http://www.bpiworld.org/. Hydro-biodegradable bags are mostly made from vegetable-based materials. The Trade Association for the oxo-biodegradable plastics industry is the Oxo-biodegradable Plastics Association www.biodeg.org. Oxo-biodegradable bags are mostly made from by-products of oil-refining. Anyone have a preference? -Jim Jim Lynch, Co-Director GreenTech & Electronics Recycling & Reuse Programs +1-415-633-9308 (office phone) [email protected] 435 Brannan St. Suite 100 San Francisco, CA 94107 USA www.techsoup.org/greentech www.techsoupglobal.org 2. A quick thought: When comparing trash can liners it is important to look for materials that are compatible with the waste. For example, a plastic liner interferes with the recyclability of paper waste. And, for the biodegradable plastic liners holding food wastes, the can liner should biodegrade readily under the biological and environmental conditions that exist where the waste is taken.

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Tom Barron 3. Hi Stacey, We just did a big project for a client who is a large real estate investment trust (REIT) on plastic liners and found a company that makes a plastic liner with 70% PCR. We found the bags to be competitively priced compared to virgin plastic bags with the exception of the small thin bags used for desk-side trash cans. And rather than keeping the small bags, we developed a “campaign” to eliminate these small bags altogether, which obviously reduced consumption and costs. If you’re interested in contacting the company or getting a copy of the “flyer” we developed for the building owner (it’s basically trying to anticipate and reduce tenant complaints by explaining why we’re eliminating the bags and NOT asking them to dump their own trash) - just let me know and I would be happy to share these things with you. Take care, Steve 4. Hi Stacey, May I please inquiry about what is your end-use application? Are you using can liners for municipal organics diversion program? We have a new film material on the market that is industrial compostable and provides for tough compost bags. We have a customer in your area now offering compostable bags. How can I help you? Debra C. Darby Director of Marketing Communications t │+1.978.513.1851 m│+1.978.376.8879 [email protected]

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Paper statistics, March 2011 2 Posts Original Posting: Does anyone know statistics on wasted paper by businesses? Also, I’m interested in the amount of paper wasted for printing (abandoned copies, blank pages, sent to wrong copier). Thank you. Mary Ann Remolador, Assistant Director Northeast Recycling Council, Inc. 139 Main Street, Suite 401 Brattleboro, Vermont 05301 tel 802-254-3636; fax 802-254-5870 www.nerc.org Response: Hi Mary Ann, Below is some information my co-worker, Stephanie Terrell, pulled together. We know how much paper ends up in the waste stream locally. About 25% of Seattle’s business waste is paper that goes to a landfill. In California, business generates 47 percent of the waste stream, and paper is the second-largest component. Here’s a good one: Researchers at Xerox found that about half of the documents printed in a typical office are thrown away within 24 hours. Source: Hesseldahl, Arik, “The New Push to Get Rid of Paper,” BusinessWeek, May 27, 2008, www.businessweek.com/technology/content/may2008/tc20080526_370615.htm?link_position=link1 Cost impact: It is estimated that companies will spend about $8 billion this year on paper alone; that doesn’t include costs for ink and toner, or for running copiers, printers, and fax machines. In the typical office, for every dollar spent on printing documents, companies incur another $6 in handling and distribution, according to Xerox. Here are some other random stats from the Stopwaste.org A Paper Use Reduction Guide for Your Business: In the U.S. alone, it is estimated that the number of paper documents generated is growing at a rate of

at least 22 percent per year. Of the pages handled each day in the average office, 90 percent are merely shuffled. The average number of copies made of a document is 19. Americans use 50 million tons of paper each year—that’s 850 million trees. Katie Kennedy, Senior Associate Cascadia Consulting Group, Inc. 206.449.1121 www.cascadiaconsulting.com

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Returnable Packaging, March 2011 5 Posts Original Post: Hello, I have a client that is trying to develop a re-usable packaging program for one of its customers and when he runs the #’s, the return freight keeps getting in the way for this to make sense. The client is in CT and his customer is in Massachusetts. They use a trucking company, don’t deliver themselves. Do you have any insight or any companies that I can contact to see how they are doing it. His customer is going to pay the full costs below, but it isn’t fiscally sound at this point. Here’s what we see right now: Current Corrugated packaging costs 40,000 Reusable packaging costs 48,000 – estimated life 5 years. Return freight on reusable packaging: 44,200 This doesn’t include the freight costs for shipping the product. Unless he can get the freight cost down to the 20k level, which in a rising gas price scenario I don’t see how that happens, this will not make sense for our customer to move in this direction. Even at 20k he return on investment assuming no damage or loss is still 2+ years. Any ideas that you have will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Judy Wlodarczyk CONNSTEP, Inc. 1090 Elm Street Suite 202 Rocky Hill, CT 06067 http://www.connstep.org Email: [email protected] Office: 860-644-9718 Cell: 860-539-4926 Fax: 860-529-5001 Responses: 1. Hi Judy, I found this in my computer files - don’t know anything about this company – but it might be worth a try to contact them: http://www.reboxcorp.com

2. Typically the best is to build into the purchase contract that the vendor must take back all packaging. If the amount of the purchase is significant, this stipulation will not be a deterrent. The result usually is the vendor quickly reduces the packaging to a minimal amount, such as shipping the deliverables on shrink wrapped pallets. Usually pallets can be reused locally if the vendor finds the return cost for shipping them back is more than buying new ones. Sandra Cannon, Technical Support U.S. Department of Energy Sustainable Acquisition Program Tel. 509-529-1535

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3. Office Depot delivers to PSU with reusable plastic totes and consolidates departmental shipments and uses a local bicycle delivery system. They have some other innovative packaging ideas that might be useful as well.

4. Judy, If your customer might consider bioplastics material for manufacturing new shipping crates: the crates would be durable and reusable; when the crates break or are no longer useful, the material can be grounded up and sent to an anaerobic digester for a secondary use - conversion to biogas. Debra Darby Debra C. Darby Director of Marketing Communications t │+1.978.513.1851 m│+1.978.376.8879 [email protected]

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Recycled content aluminum for sign manufacture, March 2011 2 Posts Original Post: Does anyone have a supply source for 80% recycled content aluminum for sign manufacture? This is our new university standard for campus signage but our best bidder is having trouble finding a supply of 80% recycled content aluminum to manufacturer our signs. Thanks for any suggestions. Response: Surprisingly, you might take a look at Rubber Form, Inc. Although they specialize in recycled rubber products, they should on their website 100% recycled content aluminum signs (http://www.rubberform.com/products/Parking_Lot_and_Road_Safety/Traffic_Signs). Good luck!---Sandra Sandra Cannon, Technical Support U.S. Department of Energy Sustainable Acquisition Program Tel. 509-529-1535

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Contract Language for Sourcing Green Office (Copy) Paper, April 2011 4 Posts Original Post: Hello Everyone. I'm working with a client who wants to source green office paper. His organization is very large and has offices throughout the country (including some remote locations). We've looked through Conservatree, RPN and Green Seal and EcoLogo websites which had very helpful information. Now, we are interested in looking at examples of specific contract language that requires: 1)at least 30% post-consumer content paper with the possibility of also having the vendor supply paper that is 50% and 100% post-consumer content; 2)PCF for the recycled pulp and TCF for virgin pulp 3)third party certification for #1 and #2 4)recycled content/recyclable ream wrappers 5)other environmentally beneficial attributes for packaging 6)green supply chain/distribution network, including delivery to remote locations 7)high performance in duplex mode for printing, copying and scanning equipment Also, has anyone included incentive language for vendors to provide training for users to reduce the use of paper? One thought is that with the reduction in use of paper, the organization can pay for the higher priced 100% PC paper, keeping the paper budget neutral. Any contract language or ideas to meet these requirements would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! Eun-Sook Goidel Full Circle Environmental, Inc. [email protected] (206)855-2896 Responses: 1. Eun-Sook, Here are the guidelines for paper purchases that I have provided to our Purchasing Office at the City of Austin. As you can see, I have incorporated a lot of RPN’s recommendations into our specifications.

I’m not sure if the formatting will come through on the EPPP.net listserv, but if anyone would like a copy, please send me an email directly. Thanks, Aiden Aiden Cohen Program Manager, Strategic Initiatives City of Austin Phone: 512-974-1929 Email: [email protected] 2. Hi Eun-Sook, The info sent from the City of Austin was outstanding and I suspect you will receive others equally as good. But I wanted to ask a question. For the past many years we have basically defined environmentally preferable paper around two issues --- recycled content and bleaching processes (or lack thereof), and more recently around forest certification which as we know primarily

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applies primarily to virgin fiber. But I wonder about the use of rapidly renewable and/or tree-free fibers such as the waste from (sustainably grown) sugar cane? I know in America we basically make things from trees, but what about encouraging paper from other sources? Any thoughts? Hope all is well, Steve Stephen P. Ashkin, President The Ashkin Group LLC - The Green Cleaning Experts 3644 Tamarron Drive Bloomington, IN 47408 Phone: (812) 332-7950 Fax: (812) 332-7965 Email: [email protected] Visit us at: www.AshkinGroup.com 3. Under New York's Executive Order #4, which was first instituted under former Governor Paterson but which has been carried over by Governor Cuomo, all state agencies and affiliates are required to procure 100% post-consumer copy paper. This mandate was written right into the EO. (In addition, each year since 2008, when EO#4 was put into place, an interagency subcommittee works to redefine and "green" specifications for up to 36 commodities. You can check out the refined specs, as well as more information about how EO#4 works and even see the first annual report to the Governor at http://www.ogs.state.ny.us/EO/4/Default.asp). The text of EO#4 is at: http://www.ogs.state.ny.us/purchase/spg/pdfdocs/EO4.pdf Below are links to the current contracts for truckload and less-than-truckloads of 100% recycled paper: http://www.ogs.state.ny.us/purchase/spg/awards/5021321427CAN.HTM http://www.ogs.state.ny.us/purchase/spg/awards/5021121239CAN.HTM FYI - all toilet, tissue and toweling are also to be made with 100% post-consumer recycled content. Hope this is helpful, Brenda G Brenda Grober Environmental Services Unit Empire State Development 30 South Pearl Street Albany, NY 12245 (518) 292-5342 / FAX (518) 292-5886 [email protected] 4. Hi, Steve. Great question about tree-free paper. I think there are many opportunities for encouraging use of both on-purpose crops (kenaf, flax, etc.) and agricultural residues (e.g., wheat straw, coffee plant, etc.) for paper production. However, it seems that these papers are more for specialty use purposes (e.g., letter head) and serve a niche market. I am not aware of such crops and residues being used for copy paper. Would love to know if they are commercially available so that organizations can try them out, even on a small scale to help move the market along. In 2004, Conservatree, in collaboration with others, did an excellent Paper Listening Study that included a series of questions related to Tree Free Paper. http://www.conservatree.org/paperlisteningstudy/view.all.html

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It would be great to hear about how the market and infrastructure for tree free paper have evolved since that time. Thanks to everyone who have responded with contract language. Would love to see more! Thank you!! Eun-Sook 5. Some points to add to the mix: 1) There's no TCF virgin pulp available in North America, which is why the only truly chlorine free papers here are 100% recycled PCF (there may be some TCF virgin pulp in Europe and at one point a small amount was imported here, but we're not seeing it now; Louisiana-Pacific was the only mill in the U.S. that made TCF virgin pulp but it sold almost all of it overseas and is now closed), 2) I have been hoping that there would be some mechanical fiber copy paper that could have TCF virgin pulp along with recycled but we're not seeing that at this point, either, 3) There are some sugar cane fiber copy papers newly becoming available, some from China and one from South America. They don't, however, have recycled content. Sometimes the China versions claim some recycled content but it seems to be from bamboo construction debris that has been recycled, not from recovered fiber. We're still working on learning more about these papers; it's difficult to get info. Susan Susan Kinsella Executive Director Conservatree San Francisco, CA 415-883-6264 http://www.conservatree.org

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Environmentally preferable, April 2011 7 Posts Original Post: EPPNetters: Does anyone have experience with specifying environmentally preferable products using multiple attributes? If so, how did you determine the attributes and how did you evaluate the products? Thanks Richard Keller Manager of Recycling Maryland Environmental Service 259 Najoles Road | Millersville, MD | 21108 Phone: 410-729-8531 | Fax: 410-729-8383 [email protected] www.menv.com Responses: 1. That is a challenging question, Richard. It depends on the product. In a perfect world you would have access to a common, generally accepted multi-attribute third party certification like Green Seal, Ecologo, EPEAT (depending on the type of product you are purchasing). If there is no one multi-attribute certification or standard available, you can try to piece together separate single attribute standards or certifications. It’s cumbersome but will get you where you need to go. If there are no established clear standards or certifications for a product it’s probably best to ask around to other jurisdictions and find specifications for all “hot spot” environmental attributes that you intend to include in your solicitation. JR Jonathan Rifkin, Special Assistant to the Director Office of Contracting and Procurement One Judiciary Square, 441 4th St, NW, Suite 700S Washington, DC 20001 Ph: 202-724-3676 E-Mail: [email protected]

2. Richard, Here are some things to consider when purchasing environmentally preferable products and services:

Minimize Heavy metals (e.g. lead, mercury,

cadmium) Ozone depleting chlorinated

compounds (e.g. CFCs) Organic solvents (e.g.

chlorinated and aroma-tichydrocarbons

Reactivity, corrosiveness, flammability, irritation potential

Carcinogens, mutagens, teratogens

Acute and chronic toxicity

Favor Postconsumer recycled

content Reusability/repairability Reduction in packaging Energy Efficiency Use of renewable energy

sources Biobased products Biodegradability upon

disposal

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Substances that can bioaccumulate

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Phosphorous

Determining the environmental attributes of a product or service shall very from product to product and service to service, but there are some simple steps that can be taken and information that is available that will assist you in achieving your desired goals. Gilbert L. Bailey Green Purchasing Consultant Environmental Preservation Solutions 2323 S. Troy Street Bldg. 5-209 Aurora, Colorado 80014 Phone 303-875-7733 Fax 303-482-1490 3. Hi Richard, I hope you won’t take my comment wrong, but I think a lot of people on this listserv have years of experience using multiple attributes when specifying environmentally preferable products. Coincidentally, you may have noticed that there is another discussion going on right now on eppnet on purchasing paper products. And I mention this because the individual posting the request was actually the person responsible at EPA back in the early 90’s who wrote much of the work on EPP and the importance of multiple attributes. If you are curious or want to talk to her, her contact info is: Eun-Sook Goidel Full Circle Environmental, Inc. [email protected] (206)855-2896 Perhaps Eun-Sook can share her wealth of knowledge and historical perspective with you. And Eun-Sook, I hope you don’t mind me sharing your name and contact info. Beyond this, my recommendation is to keep it simple. During the late 90’s and early part of this century many public procurement entities were developing their own EPP specifications. And I think what many will tell you is that it was very hard, time consuming and expensive to develop appropriate requirements for each product category --- and then even more difficult, time consuming and expensive to evaluate proposals and each vendor inevitably sent in information that needed additional clarification or interpretation and input from technical experts. This is precisely why many purchasers began to rely on third-parties like Green Seal, TerraChoice’s EcoLogo Program, EPA’s Energy Star program, EPA’s DfE program, EPEAT, BIFMA’s Level program, etc. Not only did this make purchasing easier because a third-party did all the evaluations and verification, but because the same third-party standards were being broadly adopted it also reduced the cost of the actual products because the manufacturers could sell the same product using the same testing to a larger customer base (as compared to just the entity with the unique requirements). So my recommendation is to adopt third-party standards from a credible standard setting organization if such standards exist for the categories you are concerned about. And if you have questions about what

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makes a credible standard, the Green Products Roundtable just released their “Organizational Credibility” document on this issue that can help you. I also think individuals such as Eun-Sook or the folks from a number of States such as Marcia Deegler from Massachusetts and others have lots of info that can help you. And of course, I think the Responsible Purchasing Network has some good info as well. Hope this helps, Steve Stephen P. Ashkin, President The Ashkin Group LLC 3644 Tamarron Drive Bloomington, IN 47408 Phone: (812) 332-7950 Fax: (812) 332-7965 Email: [email protected] Visit us at: www.AshkinGroup.com 4. As the prompter of one of the first efforts to define EPP (for cleaners) on a multi-attribute basis, (the MA program), I want to mention two thoughts in response to Steve Ashkin’s good advice. One is that it certainly was a great deal of work, and has been ever since. But it was good work to do. We brought together many interested stakeholders, which helps to integrate programs that should be collaborating, and we learned a lot of things we needed to learn. The second is that you can over-rely on third-party certifications and then lose that internal expertise. In addition, the dependence on third-party certifications requires that they remain of high quality, and the chance of that is increased if those who use them remain knowledgeable and up-to-date. So the work is well worth it. Rick Reibstein MA Office of Technical Assistance Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs 9th floor, 100 Cambridge Street Boston, MA 02114 617 626 1062 5. Hi Richard, I would qualify Gilbert’s “favor” list with a few qualifiers:

Increasing post-consumer recycled content typically reduces several environmental impacts of a material. However, when comparing dissimilar materials, recycled content does not necessarily correlate at all well with reduced environmental impact. So for example, when purchasing mailing envelopes, a plastic mailer with higher postconsumer content will typically have lower impacts than a mailer made of the same resin with lower postconsumer content. But when comparing it against other materials (different resins, paper mailers, or even corrugated boxes), the material with higher recycled content will not necessarily have the lowest environmental impacts. See http://www.deq.state.or.us/lq/pubs/docs/sw/packaging/life cycleinventorylong.pdf for more details. “Biobased products” can also have significant impacts, depending on how they’re made. As the whole ethanol debate illustrates, one has to be careful and not automatically assume that just because something is “made from a plant”, it is inherently and necessarily a good environmental

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choice. Biobased products can be excellent choices, but a lot depends on what they’re made of, and how they’re made. “Biodegradability upon disposal” is a fine attribute for materials that are likely going to end up in water or wastewater, or could cause significant harm if they did (lubricants for example). If you’re purchasing a product that you believe will be littered into the open environment, it is also a factor worth considering (although I know the State of Maryland isn’t promoting littering of the products it purchases!). However, if your product is going to end up in a landfill, or has the potential of being recycled, then “biodegradable” has the potential of causing more harm than good. In a landfill, biodegradability leads to methane production, and unless the gas capture rate at the landfill is exceptionally high, the net result can be an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. In the case of materials being recycled into new products, we don’t want to harm the viability of recycling and recycled products by introducing feedstocks that biodegrade and cause the products to fail prematurely. This is one reason, for example, why Wal-Mart has avoided switching over to plastic shopping bags made with “oxodegradable” additives; yes, they are “biodegradable upon disposal”, but since some consumers choose to recycle their plastic bags, introducing this degradable feedstock has the potential of harming the viability of plastics recycling.

Thanks, David Allaway Oregon Department of Environmental Quality 811 S.W. Sixth Avenue Portland, OR 97204 phone: (503) 229-5479 fax: (503) 229-6977

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Soy-based laser toner cartridges, April 2011 2 Posts

Original Post: Hello, Has anyone seen an independently researched LCA of soy-based laser toner cartridges vs. traditional laser toner cartridges? If so, would you please send me a copy of (or a link to) the findings? Thank you! -Stacey Stacey Foreman City of Portland, Oregon, Procurement Services [email protected] www.portlandonline.com/buygreen Response: Stacey: I recently gave a presentation on environmental product declarations (EPDs) at a Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI) Workshop and met James Hileman from MIT. He has developed on grant from Federal FAA an LCA analysis of Bio-fuels that may be of use to you if you are unable to find a soy ink specific LCA since inks and fuels share much of their core life cycle phases.

Take a look at Table 1 and Table 95 for results in his report http://web.mit.edu/aeroastro/partner/reports/proj28/partner-proj28-2010-001.pdf The first 4 columns in Table 95 together with the Land Use Change column will provide you with a rough comparative LCA estimate between soy and fossil oil based materials. Of course please realize that there will be different processing values to make an ink than a fuel but the other important LC phases for GHG impacts will be pretty accurate rough comparisons.

It’s quite interesting to see in Section 7.2.1 shown in Tables 44 and 47 the very high “farming” GHG emissions collected from data from USDA representing the cultivating diesel equipment! It’s not too pretty a picture - lots of room for improvement in the future for soybean farming. Plus this LCA does not look at anything other than GHG emissions. The report however does importantly highlight that there are other very important negative impacts in biobased materials outside of GHG emissions for a complete LCA namely the impact on Domestic Water Resources; it is lightly discussed in Section 8.4 of his report, see the pie charts in Figure 32.

Could you please share with me any specific report on ink that anyone sends you? There is a free LCA Listserve sponsored by Pre that you could also send your LCA question to http://www.doka.ch/lca.htm#Lists if you want more. Best Antoinette “Toni” Stein PhD 892 Arlington Ave Berkeley, CA 94707 650-823-7662 [email protected]

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Sustainable Cleaners for Concrete & Asphalt, April 2011 2 Posts Original Post: We are looking for concrete and asphalt cleaners that are environmentally preferable and effective. Do you have any to recommend? Appreciate your help---Sandra Sandra Cannon, Technical Support U.S. Department of Energy Sustainable Acquisition Program Tel. 509-529-1535 Response: Our transportation department has used the following soy-based asphalt release agent for several years: "Maxi-Kreme" by Global Chem Source (http://www.globalchemsourcecorp.com/index.html). We have a case study about our use of the product: http://www.portlandonline.com/omf/index.cfm?c=44701&a=157994 -Stacey Stacey Foreman City of Portland, Oregon, Procurement Services [email protected] www.portlandonline.com/buygreen

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EPP Vendor Questionnaires, June 2011 3 Posts Original Post: Hello EPPnet, RPN is conducting research into vendor questionnaires as part of the bidding process that dives into more environmental background information for both specific products (to provide more of an LCA context) and some of the practices of the vendor (use of LEED buildings, fuel-efficient fleets, etc.). Some of the categories we are interested in including are: - Packaging - Transportation - Business Practices (including publication of sustainability reports, if possible) - Product-specific questions regarding sustainable sourcing At this stage, we are curious to see what other purchasers have developed to draw comparisons. If you've developed any vendor questionnaires or surveys, I would very much appreciate it if you could share them with me at [email protected]. Thank you! Phillip Kobernick , RPN Manager Responsible Purchasing Network 1201 Martin Luther King Jr. Way Oakland, CA 94612 Phone (510) 547-5475 www.ResponsiblePurchasing.org Responses: 1. Check out Rutgers University Green website http://procure.rutgers.edu/green/index.html; they have some very creative tools; have done a great job. Have a “greenwashing” form: http://procure.rutgers.edu/green/about_us.html Best regards, Deborah Upstate New York USGBC Board of Directors Deborah Robbins cell:716-474-1303 2. Hi Phillip, We do not have a questionnaire or survey, but we will sometimes include such questions in our evaluative criteria in our RFPs. Please check our website for examples: http://www.portlandonline.com/omf/index.cfm?c=53454& -Stacey Stacey Foreman, LEED Green Assoc. Sustainable Procurement Coordinator City of Portland, Oregon, Procurement Services www.portlandonline.com/buygreen

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Testing laboratories for laser cartridges, July 2011 2 Posts Original Post: Hello, Does anyone have information/contacts on independent laboratories that will performance test laser toner cartridges (both OEM and remanufactured)? Thanks. -Stacey Stacey Foreman, LEED Green Assoc. Sustainable Procurement Coordinator City of Portland, Oregon, Procurement Services [email protected] Response: Professionals at RIT’s Remanufacturing Center have done this type of research in the past:

Brenda Grober | Strategic Business Development Empire State Development (518) 292-5342: Office (518) 852-8219: Mobile www.esd.ny.gov

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Office supplies contract language, July 2011 3 Posts Original Post: Hello EPPnet, I am in the process of developing contract language for an Office Supplies Blanket Purchase Agreement and Term Contract. I am looking for general language that will establish environmental guidance for office supplies, i.e., "All paper products shall, at minimum, contain post-consumer recycled content levels as required by the Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines; paper products shall have earned SFI or FSC certifications, or other certifications, etc..." Generally, I am looking for anything that establishes requirements and provides guidance to bidders about what kind of products they should provide and information that substantiates a green claim. I'm available to discuss if you have information that you feel requires additional information. Thank you, Jonathan Rifkin, Special Assistant to the Director Office of Contracting and Procurement One Judiciary Square, 441 4th St, NW, Suite 700S Washington, DC 20001 Ph: 202-724-3676 E-Mail: [email protected]

Responses: 1. Hi, Jonathan and all, City of Seattle has set up office supplies contracts with green criteria. You can see our 2008 RFP which led to the contracts we currently use: http://www2.cityofseattle.net/purchasing/vendorcontracts/BVCDetail.asp?rptid=250&SortMode=1&ReportOption=0&cid=0000002338&sr1=2&sr2=2. Here is part of the "Purpose" statement from the RFP: "The Seattle Municipal Code, 20.60.200 directs the City to pursue green products... Office products encompass a wide variety of manufactured goods made from different materials..., so the environmental impacts from their production, use, and disposal are equally wide-ranging. Office supplies require raw materials (both renewable and nonrenewable) and energy for production, generate air and water pollution and solid and hazardous wastes during manufacturing, are often elaborately packed, consume resources in shipping and transportation to location, and become solid waste when discarded. The scope of this contract will therefore include and prioritize green office supply products as a first priority product list...The City intends the new contract to provide green office supply products as the first choice in a highly intuitive, easy to use website, where City departments must first select and purchase if a green product is available The vendor will initially name the products the vendor considers "green." The product list is to be limited to products manufactured using recycled content materials that are recycled as part of their product life, or manufactured with reduced-toxic materials... Over the life of the contract, the City intends to review the definition and/or the product offerings with the Vendor.... The City plans to review and approve or reject products and/or definitions of eligible products. A sample of the type criteria the City may use in the approval review of products is attached. [You'll see this if you go to the link above; can't embed in this email.] The City requires on-line ordering in an easy, user-friendly system, and desires an auto-substitute

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feature, which automatically proposes a substitute green product for the original traditional product.... The City seeks training and education that the Vendor will design and provide, to help City employees identify and switch to green products.... The City seeks proposals to reduce packaging and switch to environmentally preferably packaging, such as reduced packaging and recyclable packing materials. The City seeks proposals for reducing by-products of transportation, such as biodiesel shipping or combined delivery.... The City invites proposals for unique items that are manufactured locally or regionally with unique environmentally-preferable characteristics...." Hope this is useful. Shirli Axelrod Waste Prevention and Green Purchasing Seattle Public Utilities PO Box 34018 700 Fifth Avenue, Suite 4900 Seattle, WA 98124-4018 Phone: 206-684-7804 E-mail: [email protected]

2. Jonathan -- I'd encourage you to check out the existing EcoLogo and Green Seal standards. EcoLogo, for example, has a variety of standards for office supplies, including: CCD 033 -- Office Furniture CCD 035 -- Office Machines (including copiers and printers) CCD 039 -- Remanufactured Printer Cartridges CCD 077 -- Paper CCD 080 -- Envelopes CCD 133 -- Batteries CCD 168 -- Pens & Pencils Many of the existing cooperative purchasing agreements through US Communities and WSCA include contracts with office supply companies that carry EcoLogo certified products. Hope this helps. Give me a shout if you have any questions. - Scot Scot Case UL Environment 610 781-1684

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Green professional services contract, July 2011 4 Posts Original Post: Greetings ---Stacey Foreman, green purchasing guru from Portland, OR, and I are co-writing a Government Procurement (GoPro) article on ways to green professional services contracts. We’re not talking about greening cleaning or pest management services contracts, but other professional services contracts – contracts for consultants, A/E firms, lawyers, financial or IT services, etc. Does anyone have any good examples of successful (or not so successful) efforts to green a professional services contract? If so, please e-mail me directly at [email protected]; spare the entire list. Stacey and I will be sure to share a copy of the article when it is published. Thanks in advance for the help. - Scot Scot Case Director, Markets Development UL Environment 29 N Carolina Ave Reading, PA 19608 610 779-3770 610 781-1684 (cell) [email protected] Responses: 1. Hi Scott and all; Actually this is an area of great interest to us in Nova Scotia as we still refining our processes. Rather than going off-line, I'd love to see what's going on posted to the list (so participants can follow up if they wish). For our part - we have a general proponent Sustainability Assessment that is attached to all of our service RSOs. Then, depending on the type of service, the requesting/contracting department will add additional project specific requirements. For example for Learning Service Providers there are a whole bunch of requirements covering everything from catering, print and publication to respectful workplace, privacy and classroom management/safety (e.g., letting folks know where the first aid supplies, exits and muster stations are located etc.) For RFPs we have a section typically valued at 10% of the evaluation that asks the proponent how they will be delivering the service in a sustainable manner. The questions in this section may be general or quite specific depending again on the nature of the service being requested. Love to hear what others are doing ... Lynda Lynda Rankin, Manager, Sustainable Procurement Integration Economic and Rural Development and Tourism PO Box 787

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Halifax Nova Scotia B3J 2V2 email: [email protected] 2. Lynda: Here is what I suggested to Scot and Stacey: I highly recommend excerpting what you can that is relevant from EU EMAS particularly the sections and tools for small businesses on their website. The ISO 14000 Standards (i.e. 14001 etc.) are worthwhile reviewing for this educational project too. EU EMAS website What I’ve found to be very informative for educating people on EMS topics (i.e. ISO 14001) is the international EU EMAS website http://ec.europa.eu/environment/emas/index_en.htm particularly the sections and tools for small businesses on their website. It puts the ISO 14001 standard into very plain English. http://ec.europa.eu/environment/emas/toolkit/ US EPA: http://www.epa.gov/owm/iso14001/ems2001final.pdf http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/publications/incentives/ems/emstoolsmas.pdf http://www.epa.gov/dfe/pubs/iems/bulletins/bullet01 http://www.epa.gov/epp/pubs/grn-pur/green-pur-ems.htm http://www.epa.gov/epp/pubs/grn-pur/green-pur-ems2.htm http://www.epa.gov/oppt/epp/pubs/grn-pur/green-pur-ems1a3a.pdf http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/publications/incentives/ems/emstoolsmas.pdf I also have found the Hara website to be useful. http://www.hara.com/solutions_overview.html and Pablo from Ask Pablo site to be a great resource: http://askpablo.org/ http://www.globalreporting.org/ReportingFramework/G3Guidelines/#5 Below I wrote a “CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (EMS) Questionnaire.” That could be adapted to a service contract. This questionnaire was Beta tested in State of CA SOLICITATION NO.56659 in 2008 for Towels Washcloths, and Blankets (if interested in a copy of the complete bid contact Terry Muñoz (916) 376-5482 in acquisitions. Best Antoinette “Toni” Stein PhD 892 Arlington Ave Berkeley, CA 94707 650-823-7662 [email protected] 3. Hi, Scot, Stacey, and all, Seattle has some green provisions that are standard requirements for our solicitations and contracts, including for consultant contracts. What is considered “professional services” also can fall under what we buy through goods and services contracts. Here are some examples of language/boilerplate for our solicitations – at a minimum, the no-idling and paper requirements are likely to be in all: Delivery of Products and Services – Idling Prohibited: Vehicles and/or diesel fuel trucks shall not idle at the time and location of the delivery to the City for more than five minutes. The City requires vendors to utilize practices that reduce fuel consumption and emission discharge, including turning off trucks and vehicles during delivery of products to the City. Exceptions to this requirement include when a vehicle is

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making deliveries and associated power is necessary; when the engine is used to provide power in another device, and if required for proper warm-up and cool-down of the engine. Specific examples include “bucket” trucks that allow a worker to reach wires on telephone poles or tree branches for trimming; and vehicles with a lift on the back of a truck to move products in and out of the truck. The City of Seattle has a commitment to reduction of unnecessary fuel emissions. The City intends to improve air quality by reducing unnecessary air pollution from idling vehicles. Limiting car and truck idling supports cleaner air, healthier work environments, the efficient use of city resources, the public’s enjoyment of City properties and programs, conservation of natural resources, and good stewardship practices. A reference sheet regarding the Anti-Idling provision is attached to provide further background. Recycled Product Requirements: To promote and encourage environmentally sustainable practices for companies doing business with the City, the City requires that Contractors under City contract use environmentally preferable products in production of City work products. Paper and Paper Product Requirements: The City desires use of 100% PCF (post-consumer recycled content, chlorine-free) Grays Harbor paper, to comply with the City Executive Order and to encourage environmentally preferable practices for City business. Such paper is available at City contract prices from Keeney’s Office Supplies at 425-285-0541. The City prohibits vinyl binders. The City prefers 100% recycled stock Binders. “Rebinders” are a product that fit this requirement and are available at City contract prices from Complete Office at 206-628-0059 or Keeney’s Office Supplies at 425-285-0541. Please do not use binders or plastic folders, unless essential. Note - Keeney’s is a Women Owned Firm and may be noted on your Outreach Plan. Contractors shall duplex materials prepared for Seattle under this Contract, whether materials are printed or copied, except when impracticable due to the nature of the product. This is executed under the Mayor's Executive Order, issued February 13, 2005. You might also be interested in the “Environmental” section in the US Communities RFP we just worked on – this is apart from the specific product specs and services requirements we put in – you’d have to ask US Communities how much of this if any is boilerplate for them now (I left out the ones that seem to me irrelevant for professional services): “Environmental

1. Provide a brief description of any company environmental initiatives, including any green products and certifications to be available through your company.

2. What is your company’s environmental strategy? 3. What is your investment in being an environmentally preferable product leader? 4. Do you have any resources dedicated to your environmental strategy? Please describe.”

Hope this is useful. Looking forward to seeing the article—keep us posted. Thanks. Shirli Axelrod Waste Prevention and Green Purchasing Seattle Public Utilities PO Box 34018 700 Fifth Avenue, Suite 4900 Seattle, WA 98124-4018 Phone: 206-684-7804 E-mail: [email protected]

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Road salt, July 2011 6 Posts Original Post: Hello All, I'm doing some research on environmentally preferable road salt. If anyone has any specifications or suggestions that identify some products or methods that are environmentally friendly and effective, that would be much appreciated. Thanks! Jonathan Jonathan Rifkin, Special Assistant to the Director Office of Contracting and Procurement One Judiciary Square, 441 4th St, NW, Suite 700S Washington, DC 20001 Ph: 202-724-3676 E-Mail: [email protected] Responses: 1. Jonathan: Hi, Please note that it is important to specify the content of the deice material to ensure that toxic constituents in the material will not contaminate land, water, or air to cause public health issues. http://www.observertoday.com/page/content.detail/id/535925.html?nav=5047 Below is info I have in my file on the topic of deicers to share: De-Icing Alternatives 1) We are looking into using an organic natural ice melter that is environmentally friendly, Mountain Organic Natural IceMelter. This product is safe on concrete, effective in temperatures of -4 degrees Fahrenheit, safe on vegetation, harmless to groundwater systems, and is safe to handle. Unfortunately, I cannot attest to the effectiveness of this product, as it has yet to be tried. If you are interested there is a website to visit for further information: http://www.xynyth.com 2) I once had a sidewalk replaced with one with heating elements in it. Worked great! 3) Here is a site to check out: http://www.plantops.umich.edu/grounds/winter_alternatives.html 4) I don't have a guide, but 1 minute using Google turns up a bunch of environmentally friendly alternatives to salt http://www.cryotech.com/products/pdf/CMAfacts.pdf 5) You could use one of the non-salt based products or install heater elements under the sidewalks as some people do their driveways. Problem with the latter is increased use of electricity. 6) These sites discuss the alternatives well but are dated. http://www.oseh.umich.edu//salt.html http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/nov98/910675052.Ch.r.html Other resources: http://www.enviroliteracy.org/article.php/709.html EPA Guidance 1999 http://www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/ice.pdf . Hotel guidance http://www.vtgreenhotels.org/articles/deice.htm 7) Maryland Department of Environment - Facts about winter weathers, chemical deicers and the

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Chesapeake Bay http://www.mde.state.md.us/assets/document/WINTER_2.pdf Environment Canada - BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR SALT USE ON PRIVATE ROADS, PARKING LOTS AND SIDEWALKS http://www.ec.gc.ca/nopp/roadsalt/reports/ParkingLot/EN/p5.cfm University of Michigan - Winter Maintenance: Snow and Ice Removal http://www.oseh.umich.edu//salt.html 8) I would think a greens keeper at a resort might have some good ideas. The City of Frankenmuth in our county installed heated sidewalks a few years back. I'm sure they would be able to give you more information on the cost effectiveness which apparently is comparable to labor and materials used in repeated salting & shoveling. You can contact them at 240 W. Genesee, Frankenmuth, MI 48734 or call City Manager Charles Graham at 989-652-9901. 9) Both Potassium Chloride (KCL) and Calcium Chloride (CaCL) will do what he seeks. KCL is also a low yield fertilizer, making the nearby grass turn green quickly in the spring. Although both make low yield acids when mixed with water, neither KHCL nor CaHCL has sufficient strength to damage plants. In fact, those plants which like acid soils thrive with either added to their roots. Notable example in Michigan is the Azalea, it loves both acids and their blooms look better when run-off water from sidewalks and driveways contains diluted KHCL and CaHCL. 10) This resource doesn't directly address the question below but has some useful thoughts and information you might want to pass along: http://www.grist.org/biz/tp/2005/11/01/greenclean/index.html 11) Don't know if this will help but on a smaller scale using Alfalfa meal on residential sidewalks and porch helps melt the ice. It is safe for the lawn, concrete, and pets. I originally heard of this through a pet store. The paragraph below is from a recycling newsletter in Spokane Washington with some "winter tips". Melting Ice: Try alfalfa meal instead of using salt on your porch and sidewalk. This completely natural fertilizer contains nitrogen to promote ice melting and has a texture to provide traction while it works. Alfalfa meal will not leave grass and perennials brown or eat away at concrete. Traction Helpers: For just plain traction, cover ice with wood ashes, coal cinders, sand, or cat litter. Slip Stoppers: Invest in some non-slip stair treads for your slippery steps. 12) See the Salt Institute document on salt and the environment, and sensible salting practices, available at http://www.saltinstitute.org/saltandenvironment-english.pdf In addition, go to www.carbohydrateeconomy.org, word search for "deicer" to find information companies that make/sell these alternative products for both ice control. Site is part of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. Remind the facility if they have 5 tons or more of salt, they would be subject to the Part 5 rules 13) Here is a great reference from the University of Minnesota.... http://www.extension.umn.edu/projects/yardandgarden/ygbriefs/h456de-icer.html

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Our program has been looking at the environmental impacts and possible specifications for deicers. Based on our analysis of the products available on the market, we found that while many of the products may offer a significant reduction in the amount of chlorides released into the environment (through using chlorides other than sodium chloride, "activating" sodium chloride with other chemicals or completely replacing chlorides as active ingredients), many of the chemicals come with environmental concerns of their own. While sodium chloride is a fairly pure chemical, a lot of the alternative deicing products may include a broad range of impurities, including heavy metals and significant concentrations of phosphorus and nitrogen. In addition, many of the smaller product manufacturers and marketers may have difficulty supplying products with consistent chemical composition, because the organics they get as byproducts of the food industry, for example, will vary in concentrations of copper, zinc and other metals batch to batch. This is not to say that there are no good alternative deicing products out there. Those products definitely exist. At the same time, the fact that a product has a lower chloride concentration or has "all natural" components in it does not make it green. I would suggest using the chemical specifications established by the Pacific Northwest Snowfighters (PNS) Association as the minimum standard for the deicing chemicals that you are buying. The Association includes state departments of transportation from Washington, Montana, Idaho and others. Here is the link to their website: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/partners/pns/ There are a couple of issues with the standard, most notably, the limit for phosphorus (in some states it may be considered high) and the lack of a limit for nitrogen. At the same time, the standard definitely takes into account many other variables and has been successfully used by several states for many years. The PNS standard is well known in the industry today. If you are concerned about the issues I noted above, consider setting additional, more stringent, specifications above and beyond that standard. One of the ideas we had here in MA was to set the PNS standard as a minimum specification and then mark products that comply with the set of more stringent specifications (which I will be happy to send you) with the "green" rating. In summary, we should continue looking at deicing products and technologies and possibly agree on some common standards to use. I think the PNS standard is an excellent starting point for anyone who is interested in buying alternative deicers. Dmitriy Nikolayev, Procurement Manager Facilities and Environmental Services Operational Services Division Commonwealth of Massachusetts One Ashburton Place, Room 1017 Boston, MA 02108 Phone: 617-720-3351 Fax: 617-727-4527 [email protected]

2. Jonathan and EPP listserv participants, Below please find the text from New York's environmentally-preferable specification for road salt. Feel free to check out any of the state's approved EPP specs at http://www.ogs.state.ny.us/EO/4/ApprovedSpecs.asp

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Have a great weekend, Brenda Grober TREATED ROAD SALT Covered products: Treated Road Salt Definitions: Granular sodium chloride (rock salt) treated with corrosion inhibited liquid magnesium chloride – categorized as Type 1 or Type 2 treated salt. Type 1 is defined as rock salt treated with at least 25% Magnesium Chloride concentration (w/v). Type 2 is defined as rock salt treated with 13 - 24% Magnesium Chloride Concentration (w/v) plus a minimum of 12% Organic Based Performance Enhancer mixed in. BOD5: Abbreviates “Biological Oxygen Demand” and refers to the amount of dissolved oxygen consumed in five days by bacteria that perform biological degradation of organic matter. Standards: Where applicable and appropriate, available at a competitive cost and where it meets operational objectives, affected entities shall, to the maximum extent practicable, use treated salt as an alternative to untreated salt or sand. Affected entities are encouraged to use treated salt in environmentally sensitive areas. Sand is the least desirable alternative due to the potential for increased human health and ecological impacts. Treated salt shall not exceed the concentrations of constituents listed below: Constituents Concentration Phosphorus 250.00 ppm Cyanide 0.20 ppm Arsenic 5.00 ppm Copper 0.50 ppm Lead 1.00 ppm Mercury 0.05 ppm Chromium 0.50 ppm Cadmium 0.20 ppm Barium 75.00 ppm Selenium 5.00 ppm Zinc 10.00 ppm Sampling results shall be provided to the New York State Department of Transportation to demonstrate that a product meets the parameters above and for Type 2 treated salt, to indicate the product’s BOD5. Sampling shall be performed in accordance with ASTM D-345. BOD5 shall be expressed as mg/L. Product shall be tested using generally accepted industry standard analytical procedures as appropriate. When Type 2 product choices are considered, affected entities are encouraged to utilize products with a phosphorus content lower than listed above as well as comparatively lower BOD5. In the event of equal prices for treated salt and with all other criteria being met, the lowest concentration of phosphorous shall be used in determining award Brenda Grober | Strategic Business Development Empire State Development (518) 292-5342: Office (518) 852-8219: Mobile www.esd.ny.gov

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3. http://www.magicsalt.info/Magic%20Salt.htm Have you ever looked into Magic Salt? Best regards, Deborah Deborah Robbins cell:716-474-1303 4. Jonathan, The State of Washington is a member state in the Pacific Northwest Snowfighters Association (PNS) which establishes standards and specifications for winter snow and ice control products and was referenced in one of your replies. King County, WA uses the GeoMelt C product (calcium chloride) that is available on the State of Washington contract using the PNS standards. You can view contract details at: https://fortress.wa.gov/ga/apps/ContractSearch/ContractSummary.aspx?c=02708 You can also view the King County Snow and Ice Removal brochure at: http://www.kingcounty.gov/transportation/kcdot/Roads/AboutUs/~/media/transportation/kcdot/roads/aboutus/docs/snowandicebrochure.ashx Karen Hamilton Environmental Purchasing Program Manager King County Procurement and Contract Services 401 5th Avenue, 3rd Floor Seattle, WA 98104 (206)263-9294 www.kingcounty.gov/procurement/green 5. Jonathan, I have zero personal experience with this but some municipalities around here (Wisconsin) swear by a salt/de-sugared beet juice mix... word on the street is that it works better at colder temps, you can save a ton of money overall, and that much less salt gets into our fresh waterways, there's more salt to go around during shortages, it's safer, it's less corrosive, etc. Here are a few random articles that came up in a search: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2007/11/30/WinterRoad.ART_ART_11-30-07_B1_0N8KKP5.html http://www.secorgroupinc.com/blog/2011/06/17/the-daily-iowan-review-on-promelt/ Debbie Deborah Lema Research and Education Racine Industries, Inc.

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Language to specify water efficient fixtures, August 2011 3 Posts Original Posting: Hi all; I'm working on an RFP template and looking for some general language to require contractors to use water efficient fixtures in residential renovations. Does anyone have any clauses/language/specs that they can share? Also is anyone specifying the new WaterSense Certification? Is there another standard that I can reference? Thanks in advance for any help, Lynda Lynda Rankin, Manager, Sustainable Procurement Integration Economic and Rural Development and Tourism PO Box 787 Halifax Nova Scotia B3J 2V2 email: [email protected] Responses: 1. WaterSense is a label for standards specifically geared for residences and the one we would suggest but are interested to learn if there are other more robust water efficiency standards---Sandra Sandra Cannon, Technical Support U.S. Department of Energy Sustainable Acquisition Program Tel. 509-529-1535 2. Also check the DOE FEMP Specifications for Energy-Efficient Products - it includes plumbing fixtures. http://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/technologies/eep_purchasingspecs.html -Stacey Stacey Foreman City of Portland, Oregon, Procurement Services

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Tools or sample contracts on how to weight environmental considerations, September 2011 3 Posts Original Posting: I am looking for some tools or examples that show how to weight (or evaluate) environmental considerations into a contract. Alternatively examples of contracts to illustrate how this has been done would help. Would welcome any assistance. Thanks Hugh Hugh Wareham Chief Executive Officer ECO-Buy Limited p (03) 9349 0401 mobile 0417 139 809 E-mail [email protected] web www.ecobuy.org.au Responses: 1. Hi Hugh, There are many different ways to weight/evaluate environmental considerations in contracts. We might have some examples. If you want to give me a call, we can talk through what you are looking for, and I can try to provide some relevant information. My number is (510) 547-5475. If the timing is too difficult (given that it looks like you are in Australia), maybe send me an email with more details -- are you looking for environmental specifications for particular product categories? Or more general bid solicitation strategies? Thanks, Ellen Love Responsible Purchasing Network (510) 547-5475 1201 Martin Luther King Jr. Way Oakland, CA 94612 [email protected] 2. We have posted samples from several RFBs and RFPs for Minnesota state contracts - you can view them on our website: http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/topics/preventing-waste-and-pollution/environmentally-preferable-purchasing/state-contracts.html

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Sustainable IT policies, September 2011 3 Posts Original Post: Hi all-I was wondering if anyone knows of any organizations or institutions that have a Sustainable IT policy? I’ve come across general Sustainability Policies or general Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policies but we’re looking specifically for IT/Electronics (preferably dealing with purchasing, management and disposal). Regards, -Sue Sue Chiang Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Electronics Director Center for Environmental Health Office #: 510.655.3900 x311 Responses: 1. Hi Sue, Most institutional purchasers that have a policy have specific requirements for buying EPEAT. On the EPEAT website they have a section on sample purchaser contracts: http://www.epeat.net/resources/sample-purchase-contracts/. Near you, I believe San Francisco was one of the first cities in the country to implement an IT policy a few years ago. You may want to talk to the folks at SF Environment on their specific policy. Their website for the Committee on Information Technology has a little bit of info here: http://www.sfcoit.org/index.aspx?page=619. Hope this helps! Josh Saunders Greencurement 312-623-5529 [email protected] http://www.Greencurement.com 2. Hi Sue – A few years ago I worked with the Washington State Departments of General Administration and Information Services (now combined into Enterprise Services) to develop a green IT policy for state purchasing. Policy development was mandated by the passage of WA’s e-waste legislation RCW 70.95N.250 in 2006. The policy doesn’t have a reporting requirement, but I am hoping in the next year to get some state wide data. The policy is located within the Washington State Purchasing Manual, section 6.20, Purchasing of Electronic Products - see http://www.ga.wa.gov/PCA/manual.htm. Regards, Tina Simcich Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Coordinator (360) 407-7517 Washington State Department of Ecology http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/epp

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Laundry service specifications, October 2011 3 Posts Original Posting: Hi all, Does anyone know of some good examples of RFPs for laundry services and/or uniform rental services that incorporate environmental criteria? Specifically, I’m looking for best practices in the following areas:

Least toxic options for commercial laundry detergents and related chemicals Third party certifications (either for chemicals or the operation as a whole) Water and energy conservation practices Packaging reduction Other opportunities to reduce the environmental impacts

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide! Kelly Panciera Green Spectrum Consulting PO Box 29135 Portland, OR 97296-9135 503-208-3786 [email protected] Responses: 1. Some jurisdictions are looking into requirements that uniforms NOT require dry cleaning. Elizabeth E. Meer Special Assistant Commissioner's Policy Office NYS Department of Environmental Conservation 625 Broadway, 14th Floor Albany, NY 12233 518-402-2796 Telephone 518-402-8541 Fax 2. Hi Kelly – there’s a nice case study on a Kaiser Permanente laundry effort (and an email contact for more info) at http://practicegreenhealth.org/sites/default/files/upload-files/ncal_external_laundry_success_story_6.11.pdf I did some work with H2E on ozone use in place of bleach– no longer have the info readily available but it was a substantial improvement in terms of toxicity, enabling lower temps, actually reducing wear on textiles – though of course like every alternative it had some issues of its own… Sarah O'Brien EPEAT/Green Electronics Council [email protected] +1 (802) 479 0317

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Strategies to Reduce Paper Towel Waste, October 2011 4 Posts, 3 Attachments Original Post: Hi all, I’m an AmeriCorps member working on climate change issues in the San Francisco Bay Area. I am currently working with Alameda County on waste reduction and sustainable purchasing. Does anyone have experience implementing an office-based paper towel waste reduction program? I am considering a sticker campaign for dispensers, reminding people to use fewer paper towels. Could you send me information on outreach techniques (e.g. messaging, sticker, survey, fact sheet, etc.) that worked for your office? Other resource, data or information is appreciated, as well. Thanks, Will Quinn Sustainability Associate AmeriCorps Member [email protected] (This request is posted to EPPnet by Karen Cook on Will's behalf) Responses: 1. Hello Will - It's always best to REDUCE before composting and recycling. So I like your idea of reminding people to minimize use in the first place. Secondly, I just heard about a program where a commercial property management company in Seattle, who is LEED certified, worked with a regional composter and the local public health department, to approve and pilot a composting collection program for paper towels in their property bathrooms. (Although, I don't know all the details, there may be some issues with public health requirements if a specific composting process is not guaranteed to provide the composting conditions to ensure pathogen destruction. I believe this was part of the assessment and approval process of this program). Also, I would imagine that property tenant education and signage would be a very important part of such a program. The pilot was apparently successful and is moving beyond the pilot phase. E-mail me directly if you want referral contact information. Michelle Gaither 1402 Third Ave, Suite 1420 | Seattle, WA 98101 T 206.352.2050 | F 206.352.2049 | [email protected] | www.pprc.org Twitter: twitter.com/PacNW_PPRC LinkedIn Group: linkd.in/hjKoi3 Facebook Page: facebook.com/PacNW.PPRC 2. Will, Do they have to stay with paper? Excel hand dryers are terrific, I just hate paper towels. Cost benefit analysis? Best regards, Deborah Deborah Robbins cell:716-474-1303

3. Here's something I had. Additional files at the end of this first article.

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Can You Recycle Paper Towels? By Laura Dattaro, eHow Contributor updated: August 26, 2009 Most paper products can and should be recycled, but paper towels present problems due to the fibers from which they're made. Learning how to dispose of them properly will divert much waste from landfills and encourage the use of healthy practices like composting, reusing and recycling. How it Works

Paper towels cannot be recycled the way other paper products can. They are generally already made of recycled paper products, and as the products get reused, the fibers get continuously shorter. Recycling paper towels would also raise concerns of bacteria and food waste, as they are used to clean up messes.

Composting Although paper towels cannot be recycled at most recycling plants, they can be used for

composting and creating mulch. Creating and maintaining a compost heap can be a time-consuming process, but will produce cheap, high-quality mulch to use in gardens. Paper towels can be added to compost heaps since they break down easily and are made of recycled fibers.

Reusing Most people throw away paper towels after one use, but they are designed to be sturdy enough for

multiple uses. If a towel is not completely saturated or dirty, save it for reuse. Rinse it with water, squeeze the excess water out and hang on a line with a clothespin to dry. Towels that are only used for wiping up dry messes can be saved and reused without rinsing.

Waste Disposal Some waste-disposal companies will accept paper towels as part of yard waste, as it will break

down in this environment. Waste Management, Inc., the country's leading waste-disposal company, practices this method of disposal. Check with your local waste-disposal provider; if they offer this option, save paper towels and dispose of them with grass clippings and other yard waste.

Benefits Composting or reusing paper towels cuts down on landfill waste, where paper towels may not

break down. Reusing them saves money and encourages environmental practices, while composting provides a cheap and healthy way to add life to a yard or garden. Because paper towels are already made of recycled fibers, finding ways to recycle and reuse them completes the cycle of an environmentally friendly product and helps cut down on the amount of household waste produced.

Mike Giuranna, Solid Waste Specialist, Office of Materials Management, EPA, Region III 1650 Arch Street (3LC40) Phila, PA 19103-2029 ph: 215-814-3298 fax:215-814-3114 [email protected]

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Attachment A – Paper Towel Rolls vs. Folded We are a small programme offering sustainable procurement and practice advice to government agencies in New Zealand (see Govt3 website at www.mfe.govt.nz/issues/sustainable-industry/govt3/index.html).... And really have enjoyed reading your helpful advice on EPPnet, thank you! One question which we have been asked by a number of agencies is about which hand-drying option to use and why: air towels, paper towels, or roller cloth towels. The few reports we have seen address resource use (particularly electricity, landfill & and paper industry impacts), but omit the cloth towel option completely. We have also had questions raised about health which we cannot answer (for example do we need to care about all those germ-laden water droplets whizzing off one’s hands in the air towel breeze? Obviously in a roller towel, you want them replaced as soon as they run out). Our current advice is to go with air towels (our energy here is 70% hydroelectric) and/or cloth towels (discharge from commercial laundries is covered by regional water quality laws)…. And paper towels if they are going to re-pulping or composting after use instead of landfill (incineration for energy recovery is not an option here). But we’d really like fewer gaps in our information if possible. We are looking for leads to other studies, data, comparisons, advice – can any of you out there help? Many thanks! Dana Peterson Acting Govt3 team leader [email protected] Ministry for the Environment Wellington, New Zealand Dana – I’ll send you a copy of an August 2001 life cycle assessment that claims hand dryers are better. It was prepared for Airdri Ltd. and Bobrick Washroom Equipment Inc. so the results might not surprise anyone. I’d also refer you to the EPPnet archives. There is a thread from March 2004 that covers the topic. If you can’t find it, I have a Word version of the thread I cut-and-pasted that I can send you. Scot At the County of Alameda in California, we have been examining similar questions. Here is some info to get you started: Life cycle or similar studies that highlight which hand-drying options (not including carry-your-own hand towel) are favorable in terms of certain impacts: § Environmental Resources Management: http://www.getf.org/file/toolmanager/O16F20922.pdf

o Note that this uses a less energy-efficient and slower dryer than those available today (e.g., 1.5 kW draw & 15-second dry for one new model).

§ Sylvatica: http://www.buildinggreen.com/auth/article.cfm?fileName=110106a.xml (sidebar) o The folks behind this pointed out in personal communications that the importance of the electricity factor makes how the electricity is generated particularly important in weighing the analysis -- average generation mix for US or Europe still favors the drier (and it does seem that the mix is constantly improving!). This analysis does not include the manufacturer of the dryer; however, apparently this is less significant than the use impacts as the product is used thousands of times in its life.

§ NYC Department of Sanitation: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dsny/downloads/pdf/guides/recycling/wprr/wprr07.pdf (used for analysis in “Alternatives to Multi-Fold Paper Towels” at http://www.stopwaste.org/home/index.asp?page=225) Other useful sources: § Paper towel impacts and recommendations: http://www.greenseal.org/recommendations/CGR_tissuetowel.pdf

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§ Calculator for climate benefits of paper diversion: http://yosemite.epa.gov/oar/globalwarming.nsf/content/ActionsWasteWARM.html § Assumptions that may be used in converting tons of paper saved to “trees saved” for communications materials: http://www.conservatree.org/learn/EnviroIssues/TreeStats.shtml As far as the bacteria question, we have been collecting scientific journal articles on the subject, as well as calling the Centers for Disease Control, and the consensus I’ve understood is that this is a myth -- or at best, unproven because the published studies have not focused on this issue of bacteria inside the dryer directly. I’m going to prepare a summary of the research for our own use and would be happy to share it with you. (We don’t have permission to share some unpublished studies which are most helpful in discrediting the original research -- funded by paper tissue manufacturers -- that gave rise to this concern but can put you in touch with the study sponsors off-list if you’re interested.) Best, Emily Sadigh Resource Conservation Specialist County of Alameda, California [email protected] 02/07/02 12:37PM >>> FYI - from Resource Conservation Alliance's (RCA), Washington, DC monthly e-newsletter on wood consumption issues at: http://lists.essential.org/mailman/listinfo/rca-news WEB: http://www.rca-info.org "Drying Off Without Destroying Forests: A new electric hand dryer was recently introduced into the marketplace which may have an impact on the consumption of paper towels. Excel Dryer, Inc. is manufacturing the "XLerator" which greatly reduces the energy consumption of standard electric hand dryers, as well as the time it takes to dry hands, according to "XLerator -- The Electric Hand Dryer Reinvented" in Environmental Building News, January 2002. The dryer also consumes much less energy per use than virgin or even recycled paper towels and of course eliminates the need for this additional paper product. So architects and designers looking for the most environmentally preferable option for public rest rooms have a new, forest-friendly option." James Robb, Recycling Market Development Program NH Division of Economic Development 172 Pembroke Road - PO Box 1856 Concord, NH 03302 603-271-2591; fax 271-6784 [email protected] Sandra Cannon, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Technical Assistance for the U.S. Department of Energy Tel. 509-529-1535 From Susan Kinsella, Susan Kinsella & Associates, Novato, CA: When Nancy VandenBerg and I did a buy-recycled and source reduction procurement project in Alameda County in 1995-1996, Nancy researched the waste reduction opportunities involved in switching from single- or multi-fold towels to roll towels. Using calculation figures supplied by Scott and Wisconsin Tissue, she used packaging and sizes from the then-current Alameda County and Oakland paper towel specifications and developed a table that calculated the paper saved, plus packaging waste and labor cost savings.

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In her intro, she explains, "People use more folded towels than roll varieties because: They pull folded towels out of dispensers by the handful, they rarely unfold towels before using them and they take towels to their desks to mop up spills. Dispensers control the amount of paper for roll towels and they are not as wide as folded towels, so less paper is used per 'handwipe.' By changing from folded towels to roll towels, you can reduce waste 25% to 35% in toweling alone. There are packaging, cost and labor savings as well. . . . Dispensers that hold 800-feet rolls as well as stub rolls (partially used rolls) are the most cost-effective in maintenance terms." I can fax the table to people if they want it. The summary is: "In busy public restrooms, maintenance staff put 500 folded towels (single fold or multi-fold) into each dispenser every day. That is 2,500 towels per 5-day week or 130,000 towels (32.5 cases) per dispenser per year. In our example, 1,800 cases will serve 55.3 folded towel dispensers each year or 3,600,000 people who dry their hands once. If maintenance staff used 800-foot roll towels to serve the same number of people at the same rate, they would fill dispensers 2.4 times per week and use just under 1,256 rolls (20.8 cases) per year. With the factors in our example, one folded towel dispenser serves 65,000 pairs of hands per year while one roll towel dispenser serves 156,000 pairs of hands during the same time." Nancy found that roll towels saved 27-34% of the paper used for folded towels, saved 80% of the packaging, and saved 58% on labor costs. Roll towels were also less expensive (comparisons ran 24-39% less expensive, depending on roll size and vendor), required less maintenance, and were more compact, saving storage space. She noted that nearly all paper towel vendors have calculation models through which you can run stats based on your organization's own usage patterns. E-mail: [email protected] >From Beth Eckl, Alameda County General Services Agency, Oakland, CA: (Note from Tom: I believe the study Beth describes here is the same one that Susan describes above.) There are several sources for documented savings by switching from folded towels to roll paper towels. The first resource is the paper towel vendors themselves. They know these savings well. Our county also studied the savings in an in-house test at eleven locations over 8 months. Our numbers are higher than other reports so I'll give a summary of the ranges one might expect. Also, an Alameda County publication called "Resourceful Purchasing" has a chapter outlining the savings. If you would like more information, let me know. Weight of paper reduced: 25-78%. Cost of Paper reduced: 49-78%. Labor time reduced to replace towels: 80-90%. Our janitorial staff cannot wait for this switch! Our bid goes out next week. Our baseline data says we use about 200,000 pounds of towels annually so we will be able to measure results. E-mail: [email protected] Dear Mike: Four years ago we did a limited analysis of the cost and waste stream impacts of towels and dryers for one government building in New York City. The analysis considered towel dispenser and dryer procurement costs, maintenance, towel procurement, electricity use and waste management and disposal. For a facility with 27 restrooms using c-fold paper towels, savings were $239/year by converting to roll toweling and $235/year from converting to hot air drying. Roll towels also reduced disposal by 1,162 pounds of towel waste and hot air dryers avoided disposal of 2,182 pounds of towel waste per year.

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The study also showed that for high-use restrooms, dryers are most cost effective because their operational costs (electricity and even potential maintenance) are low compared to the purchasing and labor associated with refilling towel dispensers. Carole O. Bell, Senior Project Manager Science Applications International Corporation 221 Third Street Newport, Rhode Island 02840 phone: (401) 848-4756 fax: (401) 8474654 e-mail: [email protected] Hand-drying and bacteria Cloth, paper or electric hand dryer? When it comes to washing your hands and bacteria, the way you dry them has little impact on cleanliness, a new study indicates. Daniel R. Gustafson, a medical technologist, and colleagues at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., compared drying methods used by 100 volunteers whose hands were contaminated with bacteria. The researchers found that washing eliminated the same number of germs whether hands were dried with cloth toweling on a roller, paper towels stacked on the sink, an electric hand dryer, or evaporation. Although experts agree that hand washing reduces the risk of getting and passing along infection, earlier studies of drying methods have drawn conflicting conclusions. Some research supported electric hand dryers, while others favored paper or cloth towels. Co-author Franklin R. Cockerill, III, M.D., a microbiologist and infectious disease specialist at Mayo Clinic, noted that these earlier studies used different methods, sometimes exposing only fingertips to bacteria. In the Mayo study, the entire hand was contaminated with bacteria. The study is published in the July issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Link to an August, 2001, life cycle assessment study of air dryers vs. paper towels, commissioned by a British air dryer manufacturer and an air dryer supplier (forwarded by Kinley Deller from the GreenBiz.com website): http://www.getf.org/file/toolmanager/O16F20922.pdf >From David Cera, Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance, St. Paul, MN: What about good old fashioned rolls of cloth towels that are washed and reused? A few years back our building management tried to replace our cloth towels with paper. We complained, and within a short period of time, had our cloth towel rolls back. E-mail: [email protected] From Jeffrey Smedberg, County of Santa Cruz Public Works, Santa Cruz, CA, responding to the 3/22/99 posting asking about signs for dispensers of paper hand towels, to encourage people to minimize the number of towels they use: Ecology Action of Santa Cruz came up with a nice sticker: Graphic of a roll of towels with a picture of a tree on each sheet of paper. Text: "Yes... paper towels DO grow on trees. Thanks for using only what you need." Simple production: Black-and-white laser-printed on crack-n-peel paper, 4"x5". (We don't want to

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use up too many resources trying to save some, do we?) Contact: Victor Aguiar at [email protected] I'm sure they would be happy to share. Since I once lived near forests that were being clear-cut for tissue paper, I have a personal solution: I carry a handkerchief which I use for a variety of purposes, including drying my hands. (When the towel dispensers are out of paper, I'm the only one not complaining.) Not sure when this will become fashionable again. E-mail: [email protected] From Jesse White, Resource Management Group, Tallevast FL, clarifying his 3/24/99 posting about a U.S. Postal Service project (that he worked on) to switch to a high post-consumer content paper hand towel made in part from recycled mail. I would like to clarify to the list that it was NOT the MAIL that made the towel product of lower quality, it was the particular grade of towels, which includes its basis weight and the towel finish. Actually, mail is a decent fiber source for many paper-making applications. I think it's important to understand that the mill always has and continues to use mail in its recipe. Each towel product attempts to fill a market niche, and it turned out that the USPS could not satisfy several goals with this towel product. Which was really my point that we need to be mindful of why we are buying recycled, closing the loop, or seeking waste reduction alternatives, achieving a bottom line gain for the environment. Overall, I think this was an innovative and progressive move on the part of the USPS to close the loop, conserve resources, reduce waste, and be cost-effective. All of which help the organization move toward sustainability. E-mail: [email protected] Dear Mike: I can't resist a challenging topic. Did some searching and found the following references that may be helpful to you: http://www.hi-tm.com/Documents/handwash.html - Listing of articles on hand washing that is located on the Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management website. Use the "find on this page" function found on the Edit menu of either Navigator or Internet Explorer to look for the text string "paper towels." This will help you find all articles that discuss in some way the differences between paper towels and other hand drying methods such as electric dryers. http://suntzu.larc.calpoly.edu/ecs/courses/407/hygiene/had2.htm http://www.wmin.ac.uk/~redwayk/Research/had2.htm http://www.wmin.ac.uk/~redwayk/Research/WADsummary98.htm These links reference two University of Westminster studies comparing different hand drying methods. The findings of these studies are more favorable toward paper towels. It should be noted, however, that the 1998 study was supported by paper tissue manufacturers. (Some of the article abstracts listed on the HITM site, by contrast, are not as critical of paper towels). I don't know how well regarded these U. of W. studies are – it may be worthwhile to get an opinion from some public health professionals who are familiar with this literature. Sincerely, Roger M. Guttentag 610-584-8836 [email protected]

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Mike, If you're looking for comparisons in regard to health aspects see: "Comparison of cloth, paper, and warm air drying in eliminating viruses and bacteria from washed hands" from the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, and the Division of Biometrics, Laboratory Centre for Disease Control, Health and Welfare Canada. Reprint requests: Syed A. Sattar, PhD at(the above) 451 Smyth, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1h 8M5 You can also get this article from Volume 19, Number 5 of the American Journal of Infection Control, October 1991. The summary of the six page article with references is: "Irrespective of the hand-washing agent used, electric air drying produced the highest, and cloth drying the lowest, reduction in numbers of both test organisms." (human rotavirus and E. coli) There is a website that is not un-biased; but it addresses health and other issues: http://www.nova-intl.com/health.html We installed 153 dryers in 80 restrooms. We offer a limited paper alternative. Given the opportunity I will make my personal choice for air drying (with no buttons to push) over paper every time. Doug At the School of Natural Resources and Environment at the University of Michigan, a group of students this spring did a semester project in the Industrial Ecology class on this topic. Contact Greg Keoleian, Associate Research Scientist, at [email protected] to see if he can give you their results. The study was a life cycle assessment so it covers all aspects of the products. Good luck, Megan DeYoung Student Masters of Science, UM School of Natural Resources and Environment Masters of Business Administration, UM Business School NEW ELECTRIC HAND DRYER SAVES ENERGY, OUTPERFORMS PAPER TOWELS Excel Dryer, Inc.'s new XLerator hand dryer for public lavatories gets hands dry in one-third the time, and uses about one-third the energy of conventional dryers. By providing air at a higher temperature than that of standard dryers, the XLerator dries hands in 12 to 15 seconds. Conventional dryers take 30 to 45 seconds. In addition, the XLerator draws only 1,500 watts instead of the usual 2,200. And a life-cycle analysis performed by Sylvatica, Inc. and Franklin Associates, Ltd. shows that on the basis of energy use, electric hand dryers perform far better than paper towels. Drying one's hands with virgin paper towels consumes 743 kilojoules (kJ) per use, with recycled towels 460 kJ/use, with a standard electric dryer 222 kJ/use, and with the XLerator dryer 76 kJ/use. Environmental Building News, Jan 2002, p 6, by Nadav Malin. [Full text: http://www.buildinggreen.com/products/xlerator.html] Mike, I would like get some of the information you gather on the paper towel versus air dryer debate. I was going to email Greg at U.Mich., but figured you could forward any response you get from him. It almost seems like the jury has already delivered their verdict convicting air dryers. I know Cam Metcalf from the Kentucky Pollution Prevention Center has made comments in the past about preferring paper towels to air dryers. I assume that's based on life-cycle environmental impact, I don't know. thanks a lot, nato. Nate Sturm

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Northern Kentucky Solid Waste Management Coordinator [email protected] 859-283-1885 E-mail: [email protected] From Blair Pollock, Orange County Solid Waste Management Department, Chapel Hill, NC, responding to the recent postings about hand dryers vs. paper towels: Is there any discussion of the industrial cloth drying towel as an alternative here? We have them in our restroom at the office and they are well-accepted by all. Further, our local botanical garden at the University of North Carolina has incorporated the paper towels from their restrooms into their on-site composting with no apparent problems (that's almost always the only thing in their restroom waste cans).

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Attachment B – Hand Dryers Article, 2000 As bathrooms go, the facilities at the Environmental Protection Agency, Region III in Philadelphia are more than adequate. The janitorial technicians do a great job of keeping them clean, and you would be hard-pressed to find a mess left in the sinks or on the floor by employees. Even the color scheme of these fine facilities is just right. Only one thing could turn each bathroom into a mini environmental paradise - warm-air hand dryers! The hand dryer has a bad reputation, backed mostly by most paper towel die-hards. Their reasoning is that it wastes energy, promotes germs, and it takes too long to get a good, solid dry. While the first two reasons of the aforementioned statement are relevant, the third will not float in an intelligent discussion. An extra minute of inconvenience here or there is worth the amount of trash that we save from going into our already crowded landfills. According to the Coastal Rainforest Coalition, post-consumer paper products make up 40% of a landfill. And since modern landfills allow for less decomposition to protect groundwater from leachate, it takes quite a while for even paper products to decompose. Those who are afraid of having their hands decompose from bacteria should also look into the facts on hand dryers. One argument against hand dryers is the idea that paper towels are the only hygienically way to dry the hands. The notion that hand dryers increase germs or make them airborne is not an undisputed claim. A hygiene study in 1991 came to the conclusion that hand dryers are perfectly safe in drying the hands with germ free results.* The paper towel waste that goes into our landfills is full of germs. Just because they go from our hands to the towels does not mean they disappear. The out-of-sight out-of-mind mentality makes us ignorant to the fact of where our trash goes. Trucks, which use up plenty of energy, shuttle our refuse to a landfill (or New Jersey). The cost of operating a hand dryer also wastes energy, but does it use as much as the process of dealing with trash? It usually depends on the size of the company or agency, so it’s hard to generalize. The pros generally outweigh the cons concerning hand dryers. Source reduction is the most logical solution to our municipal waste problems. Unfortunately, most of our decisions have to consider the economic benefits and losses. Reduction in waste will only occur if the money to operate hand dryers is less than the funds needed to bring in the paper towels and ship them to a landfill when finished. The idea of a company with zero waste can be a reality, but the man-made rules that govern our lives throw a lot of factors into every decision that is made. One simple rule is constant though; if it doesn’t exist, you can’t throw it away. *Ansari, Shamin A., et al. “Comparison of cloth, paper, and warm air drying in eliminating viruses and bacteria from washed hands.” American Journal of Infection Control 19 (1991): 243-249.

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Attachment C – Paper Towel Composting Mike, The fancy hand dryers are shown in the link below. Scroll down a page and you will see them. I noticed the cost, which explains why they are not around much yet. http://www.handdryer.com/ tom Steve, You're welcome, the normal problem with paper towels is that they are already made with recycled paper and the fibers are very short so can't usually be recycled again but are good for composting because they break down so quickly. See http://www.ehow.com/about_5344123_can-recycle-paper-towels.html. I guess you could ask Blue Mountain, but I don't know if they'd want our paper towels and if they could recycle them. The cloth towel machines are the best option but don't know if the building would change. Mike Giuranna, Solid Waste Specialist -----Steven Donohue/R3/USEPA/US wrote: ----- To: Mike Giuranna/R3/USEPA/US@EPA From: Steven Donohue/R3/USEPA/US Date: 01/28/2011 07:46AM Cc: David Iacono/R3/USEPA/US@EPA, Nicholas Dinardo/R3/USEPA/US@EPA Subject: Re: Fw: Recycling Paper Towels from our Restrooms Thanks Mike for providing the history and background of this issue here as well as the research. I believe that the article indicates that Penn is recycling (not composting) their paper towels. I think the separation issue for either recycling or composting would not be that hard to overcome if we focused only on diverting waste paper towels from the rest rooms. Not much if anything else is disposed of in the rest rooms but these paper towels. I believe Penn switched to a different colored plastic bag in the rest rooms to differentiate this waste from other waste once it was picked up. I think we were looking at options of what can we do that will not involve infrastructure. The new hand air dryers are amazing but would be costly to install. I have been trying to get the building to get rid of the old incandescent above the sinks for years but we haven't been able to make that happen let alone running electric and buying and installing 28 air dryers in the rest rooms. Steven J. Donohue (3EA40) Environmental Scientist US Environmental Protection Agency Considering that we recycle most of the paper, cans, bottles, etc. and that we use the tri fold (as opposed to the roll) paper towels, they are probably more than 30% of our waste stream. Composting would be a good solution, but would be a major effort, separating them from the other trash and paying someone to haul them to a composting facility (Peninsula in Wilmington, DE or wherever Penn is taking theirs). If we can send them for composting we should meet with the proper people at Penn and see what they're doing and maybe we can work together or do the same thing. The thing we talked about years ago was replacing the trifold paper towels with the roll cloth towel dispenser.

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which was rated as the best environmentally or the hot air dryers, another good solution, although you need and use electricity, but have no waste.

The roll dispensers are next best as people only use as much towel as they need.

We couldn't get the building to agree to change the paper towels at that time so we stayed with the tri folds. Here's what we put together at that time: Dave: THANKS for sending this - it is very interesting and timely! On Friday I sent a concept paper to Nick, our EMS Coordinator, on options for increasing composting in our building. One of the options we looked at was to compost our paper towels from the restrooms (an idea Mike had mentioned to me awhile back). Our new EPA EMS Agencywide Objectives and Targets are out in draft and HQ would like us to increase composting and recycling (strive for 55 % recycling). Penn's experience is very interesting especially the fact that they think 30% of their building waste stream was paper towels. I copied Nick on this and we can certainly look into it with the building manager. Steve Donohue Mike/Steve: I have wondered if we could recycle our used bathroom paper towels. Apparently, Penn is now doing so. Can we do it here?

School of Medicine Expands Paper Towel Recycling In December 2010, the School of Medicine launched paper towel recycling in all of its public restrooms, an effort that the school anticipates will significantly increase the overall percentage of materials recycled on campus. The expansion is a result of several successful pilots across the campus. Huntsman Hall served as the first test location after data from a 2010 Earth Day waste audit revealed that paper products such as towels and napkins accounted for approximately 30 percent of the building’s waste stream. Clear trash bags in restrooms throughout the School of Medicine were simply switched out for blue recycling liners, making the transition to recycling seamless. Read more about Penn’s paper towel recycling initiative here. David Iacono

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EPA Mid-Atlantic Region [email protected] 215 814-3231

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Cities that have Eliminated Plastic Foam Packaging, October 2011 6 Posts Original Post: Hi all, I'm researching policies and programs that require vendors to eliminate plastic foam packaging (e.g. polystyrene) from deliveries (computers and IT equipment, office supplies, etc.). Can anyone point me to some good examples? I'm primarily interested in U.S. cities, but other examples would work as well. Thanks in advance for your help! Kelly Panciera Green Spectrum Consulting PO Box 29135 Portland, OR 97296-9135 503-208-3786 [email protected] Responses: 1. You may want to check out Burlington, VT. Last time I was there, nothing at the restaurants were packaged in foam. -Kathy Kathleen Kosciolek Business Manager New York State Pollution Prevention Institute Rochester Institute of Technology 111 Lomb Memorial Drive Rochester, NY 14623 Phone (585) 475-4325 Fax (585) 475-6610

2. My understanding here in Juneau, AK, some restaurants don't use foam. However, there are still some that do.

3. To clarify, I'm looking for examples of deliveries to office buildings rather than examples from the food service industry. But I appreciate the info and quick replies! Kelly Panciera Green Spectrum Consulting PO Box 29135 Portland, OR 97296-9135 503-208-3786 [email protected]

4. Food Service Packaging Requirements - City of Seattle www.seattle.gov/util/Services/.../PlasticFoamFoodwareBan/index.htm The City of Seattle is requiring all food service businesses to find packaging alternatives to throw-away food service ... The foam ban took effect January 1, 2009. ...

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5. Here is a great example of Styrofoam elimination done with partnership of the City of Seattle and Gateway computers. (sorry for sending the non-applicable response earlier on food packaging). "To help Seattle with its conservation efforts, Gateway recently worked with officials to develop a reusable cart for equipment deliveries and storage. A unique storage unit that can hold up to 24 PCs, the cart eliminates the need for excessive packing materials and reduces the amount of cardboard, Styrofoam and plastic wrap in the city's waste system. The cart is easy to use and helps the City of Seattle's IT organization save valuable storage space. In addition, the cart will enable the city to deliver PCs back to Gateway as part of its asset recovery efforts when the city refreshes its systems every four years" http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/making-paper-passe-city-of-seattle-selects-gateway-tablet-pcs-58918797.html Michelle Gaither 1402 Third Ave, Suite 1420 | Seattle, WA 98101 T 206.352.2050 | F 206.352.2049 | [email protected] | www.pprc.org Twitter: twitter.com/PacNW_PPRC LinkedIn Group: linkd.in/hjKoi3 Facebook Page: facebook.com/PacNW.PPRC

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Standardized Environmental Questions for Medical Products, October 2011 This might be of interest to county hospitals and others who are involved in health care.

NEWS RELEASE October 13, 2011 Practice Greenhealth Announces Release of 'Standardized Environmental Questions for Medical Products,' Version 1.0 Tool Presents Industry Standard for Medical Product Procurement October 13, 2011 (Reston, Virginia) Practice Greenhealth has announced the release of the Standardized Environmental Questions for Medical Products (Version 1.0), which can be used to guide the identification, selection and procurement of environmentally preferable medical products. This tool is a significant part of Practice Greenhealth’s Greening the Supply Chain™ Initiative, which was launched earlier this year in order to provide a common set of tools for purchasers, suppliers and manufacturers to ensure that environmentally preferable products (EPP) are indeed available, cost competitive, of comparable quality and generate a sector-wide market shift in the direction of sound EPP practices. The tool is intended to serve as a template with a common set of standardized questions on key environmentally preferable attributes of medical products that can be used by all stakeholders, including Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) and healthcare purchasers in their supply chain procurement process and manufacturers and suppliers in their entire product life cycle process. The questions were selected with input from dozens of organizations representing various sectors of the health care industry, including: hospitals, health systems and suppliers – participating as advisory members – and GPOs – as stakeholders. Practice Greenhealth also worked with nonprofit organizations and government agencies in developing questions for consideration. The initial endorsing GPOs, members of Practice Greenhealth, are committed to providing environmentally preferable products and services to their members. These include: Amerinet, Inc., HealthTrust Purchasing Group, MedAssets, Inc., Novation LLC, and Premier, Inc., each of whom already ask suppliers about the environmental attributes of their products. These organizations collectively represent over $135 billion in annual purchasing volume. The questions represent product attributes currently being asked by all five of these GPOs and gathered by Practice Greenhealth; and were informed by Kaiser Permanente’s Sustainability Scorecard, issued in 2011; and by input from suppliers, manufacturers, scientists, clinicians, and available research.

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The tool includes a number of environmental attributes for future consideration. These other attributes may be considered in updated versions. Over time, the questions will be continuously reviewed with stakeholders and advisory members, and published on an annual basis, to reflect the priorities of health care. “What we buy matters. By selectively choosing the medical products that enter hospital facilities, we can generate demand for inherently safer products and services for patients, workers and the environment. Products should have a reduced impact on our natural resources, contain safer chemicals, and drive reductions in energy use. We strive for a healthy environment and to do no harm. Environmentally preferable purchasing is an effective way for improving the environmental performance of health care products,” said Anna Gilmore Hall, Executive Director of Practice Greenhealth. “Greening the supply chain is an essential element for any health care facility embarking on a journey toward sustainable health care. Purchasing products and services with a reduced impact on human health and the environment takes into account one or more environmental attributes in products and services and applies them in the supply chain process.” HSCA (formerly HIGPA) endorses Standardized Environmental Questions for Medical Products In a related announcement, the Board of Directors of the Healthcare Supply Chain Association (HSCA—formerly the Health Industry Group Purchasing Association), has voted to endorse Practice Greenhealth’s Standardized Environmental Questions for Medical Products. HSCA President Curtis Rooney noted, “Product safety is a key issue within the healthcare supply chain and we are proud to work with Practice Greenhealth to address this issue. Our endorsement ensures that our members will commit to asking these important questions in the procurement process. We believe this will significantly contribute to the efforts of health care providers aimed at reducing their environmental footprint. It will also serve to educate the nation’s health care providers and create a more informed decision-making process when sourcing and purchasing products.” The Importance of Standardized Questions These standardized questions are key considerations in purchasing practices in order to meet several goals including, but not limited to, providing a supply chain tool identifying key environmental attributes of concern to the health care sector, utilizing a collaborative approach among the largest purchasers of medical products to accelerate demand for products with reduced environmental and human health impacts, inform and educate the health care community, and create a consistent platform to reduce the RFI/RFP burden on suppliers.

Download: “Standardized Environmental Questions for Medical Products,” Version 1.0

Organizations in the health care sector are invited to formally endorse the Standardized Questions

Beth Eckl Director, Environmental Purchasing Program Tel 866.598.2240 [email protected] www.practicegreenhealth.org