Green Purchasing Protocols
Staff Guidelines
Plastic Water Bottles: City departments are prohibited from purchasing individual-serving plastic water bottles for use within City facilities, meetings, and other City-sponsored events (See Green Purchasing Policy for more details). Instead, departments are encouraged to buy pitchers and reusable cups whenever possible! Unable to use reusable cups because of the size of the event? Try sparkling water that comes in a can! Aluminum has a higher percentage of recyclable content versus plastic, making it a greener alternative. Interested in receiving funding to purchase reusable equipment? Contact the Sustainability Department!
Office Paper and Note Pads: City staff are encouraged to save as much paper as possible! Remember to think twice about printing. City department purchasers should also buy paper products with a minimum of 30% post-consumer content with no chlorine bleach. Also, ensure that the paper includes “post-consumer recycled content” or PCW certification to ensure that the products have recycled content This will be enforced through the SB 1383 mandate.
Composting: City facilities are getting composting bins! It is required by state mandate that all jurisdictions compost their green waste, both at work and at home. Need some help with what goes in the compost bin? Check out the attached file “Compost” to learn more. Please print it out and place it near your closest compost bin to help fellow staff. Would your department like more guidance? Contact the Sustainability Department to set up a compost training session for your department!
- The Green Purchasing Policy (Janitorial) provides guidelines to purchase janitorial chemicals, soaps and cleaning products that are Green Seal certified.
- The Green Purchasing Policy (Office Supplies) provides guidelines for staff to purchase products containing recycled content or re-manufactured products.
Please, contact the Sustainability Team if you have any questions or need help!