Meaningful Claims
Environmentally preferable or sustainable procurement can encompass a variety of product or service attributes – basically, any attribute that can demonstrate a reduced environmental or human health impact over the life-cycle of the product or service. That’s a lot of options! With all the potential EPP claims out there, how do you navigate what is meaningful? Ask vendors/manufacturers for proof. Do not take claims at face value. Proof can be a third-party certification, independent lab tests, or other detailed documentation.
Common Environmentally Preferable/Sustainable Procurement Product or Service Attributes
- Energy Efficient (Energy Star certified)
- Recycled Content (the higher the % post-consumer the better)
- Water Efficient (Water Sense labeled)
- Fuel Efficient
- Least-Toxic Ingredients (Green Seal, EcoLogo certified)
- Responsibly Harvested (FSC certified)
- Minimized Packaging
- Readily Recyclable (product & packaging)
- Rapidly Renewable (energy or materials)
- Responsible Recycling (e.g. ewaste recycling)
- LEED Certified Building Rating System (use for construction or A/E services)
- Sweatshop-Free Labor
- Supplier Diversity
- Locally-Owned Vendors Supplying “Green” Products/Services
- Reduced Emissions (Air, Water, Land)
Additional/Helpful Background Information
- EPA Environmentally Preferable Procurement Website
- FTC Guide to Environmental Marketing Claims and Consumer Information
- Language of Recycling
- Plastic Resin Recycling Symbols
- BioPlastics Fact Sheet (Portland Area)