Green Purchasing Resources for Businesses

A project funded by USDA
August 2005

Introduction: This website is a quick reference to web-based information on purchasing green products and services. It is intended for businesses that are interested in reducing the environmental impact of their operations and for reducing the health and safety risks of their staff and clients. By using this site, businesses will be able to identify vendors that sell green products and services throughout the Northeast region, steps to developing a green purchasing program, as well as purchasing self-assessment tools, tools for quantifying the impact of a green purchasing program and other related resources.

Definition of Green Products and Services: Green products and services, also referred to as environmentally preferable products (EPP), 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. Green products or services may include, but are not limited to, those which contain recycled content, reduce waste, conserve energy or water, use less packaging, and reduce the amount of toxics disposed or consumed. ¹

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¹ Massachusetts Operational Services Division (MA OSD). "Definition of Environmentally Preferable Products." Available at http://www.mass.gov/epp/info/eppdefine.htm.