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Pollution Prevention Links

Pollution Prevention: Environmentally Preferable Purchasing

A Guide for TDEC Purchasing

This guide aims to help educate, encourage and assist TDEC employees in practicing environmentally preferable purchasing (EPP) as part of our effort to green TDEC procedures and to present TDEC as Tennessee?s green Department. The guide includes background information on EPP, a Central Stores EPP catalog, as well as resources for EPP through Tennessee On-line Purchasing System (TOPS) vendors. Notice that the EPP Guide is an EPP demonstration itself using: soy-based ink, duplex printing, and recycled content paper! Thank you for helping to make TDEC a green example for all of Tennessee State Government to follow.

Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP)

Acknowledging our role as a consumer in the marketplace, the Department of Environment and Conservation will strive to perform environmentally preferable purchasing (EPP) whenever and wherever possible. It shall be TDEC's aim to combine our environmental expertise with our purchasing power to create a strong movement toward environmentally preferable goods in State of Tennessee purchasing practices.

TDEC is committed to environmental operating policy that includes:

1. Reducing purchases
2. Reusing materials
3. Buying environmentally preferable products and services
4. Recycling waste materials

What is an Environmentally Preferable Product?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established environmentally preferable products guidance (https://www.epa.gov/chemicals-under-tsca) that states:

"Environmentally preferable products and services have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared to other products and services that serve the same purpose."

Is EPP Cost Effective?

To be considered an environmentally preferable product, a good or service must perform its function with high quality standards while being competitively priced. In determining preferability, a product's price is compared to its environmental attributes. Sometimes this trade-off favors the less environmentally friendly product. However, new technologies have yielded competitively priced and high quality environmental alternatives.

When Can You Practice EPP?

? Office supplies ? Lighting  ?  Electrical appliances

? Promotional items ? Cleaning supplies ? Maintenance needs

? Plumbing  ?  Mailing items  ?  Lawn & garden items

What Should be Considered When Evaluating Products?

1. Pollution Prevention - Consider the environmental impact of a product's use as well as the product's manufacturing process. Recognize up front reductions in potential risk to human health and the environment gained through pollution prevention. Remember that you make all the choices in purchasing.

2. Multiple Attributes - Consider the impacts a product or service has in both natural resource consumption and toxic effects to the environment. Examining only one attribute can obscure possibilities that are even more harmful to the environment.

3. Life-cycle Perspective - Realize that environmental impact can occur at many points in a product's or service's life-cycle. In addition to the direct effects of use, consider effects of manufacturing, packaging, storage, maintenance, distribution, and disposal.

4. Magnitude of Impact - Consider the possible impacts of a product both globally and locally. Investigate how long a damaging product's effect(s) will persist in the environment.

5. Local Conditions - Buy products designed to function well in Tennessee.

6. Product Attribute Claims - Pay close attention to claims made by product or service providers. Question and test environmental performance claims.

Environmentally Preferable Printing

Practice EPP when printing documents: use recycled content paper, print on both sides of the paper, and print with soy-based ink. All of these options can be requested when completing a Printing Requisition, form GS-0132. Simply request your environmentally preferable requirements on the form, using the Special Instructions section when necessary.

Use this EPP Guide as a reference when you request printing. The booklet, duplex- printed with soy-based ink on recycled content paper, was designed to be an environmentally preferable example to follow.

Environmentally Preferable Products
Available through Central Stores

The following list of environmentally preferable products is provided to you from Central Stores. This list is an excerpt from the Central Stores Catalog that follows their familiar style. Please use this quick-and-easy EPP guidance for your purchasing needs.

 

PRINTER SUPPLIES

DESCRIPTION

ITEM #

MC

UM

AVG $

EP?

           
Cartridge, ink, Lexmark laser printer, remanufactured, Optra LX Plus, Diamond Fine, MDL #1382150, 4039 10+, IBM 3112 & 3116, R+, RT+, LX+, LXI+ 000-00-00009737

OS

EA

81.12

remanufactured

 

CLEANING PRODUCTS

DESCRIPTION

ITEM #

MC

UM

AVG $

EP?

           
Air compressed cleans dust/dirt from computers and printers 000-00-00008256 CA EA 3.93 Ozone safe
Cleaner, heavy duty blue, concentrate, 16 gal drUM, non-toxic degreaser (grease, oil, dirt, gUM, inks, adhesives, etc.) 000-00-000010110

JN

DM

181.21

Non-toxic
Cleaner, heavy duty blue, concentrate, 30 gal drUM, non-toxic degreaser (grease, oil, dirt, gUM, inks, adhesives, etc.) 000-00-000010111

JN

DM

339.77

Non-toxic
Cleaner, heavy duty blue, concentrate, 55 gal drUM, non-toxic degreaser (grease, oil, dirt, gUM, inks, adhesives, etc.) 000-00-000010112

JN

DM

514.80

Non-toxic
Cleaner, Razor Green, stainless steel cleaner, 1 qt, cleans & polishes in one easy step, removes adhesives 000-00-000010036

JN

EA

5.45

Non-toxic
Cleaner, heavy duty blue, concentrate, 1 qt, non-aerosol, non-toxic degreaser, for all surfaces, carpet cleaner (grease, oil, dirt, gUM, inks, adhesives, etc.) 000-00-000010001

JN

EA

4.16

Non-toxic

Non-aerosol

Cleaner, window, Sparkle Plus, 1 qt, premixed, non toxic, non-aerosol 000-00-00010005

JN

EA

3.36

Non-toxic

Non-aerosol

DESK SUPPLIES

DESCRIPTION

ITEM #

MC

UM

AVG $

EP?

           
Pencil, #2 Sandford EarthWrite; TDEC monogrammed in silver, green 6 dz/pk 000-00-00008281 PK DZ 0.95 100% recycled cardboard
Box file 13" x 9 11/16" x 10 1/4" plastic w/handle 000-00-00009921 OS EA 10.59 Reusable
Calendar, Monthly Planner 8.5" x 11" 000-00-0002001E CL EA 2.09 50% Recycled
Calendar, Weekly Planner 8.5" x 11" 000-00-0002001C CL EA 3.93 50% Recycled
Correction Fluid, 0.6 oz. Bottle, blue, multi-purpose, non-toxic 000-00-00009722

MS

BT

0.48

Non-toxic
Correction Fluid, 0.6 oz. Bottle, white, non-toxic, water base (12 bottles per box) 000-00-00009724

MS

BX

4.73

Non-toxic

Water base

Correction Fluid, 0.6 oz. Bottle, goldenrod, multi-purpose, non-toxic 000-00-00009723

MS

BT

0.48

Non-toxic
Correction Fluid, 0.6 oz. Bottle, green, multi-purpose, non-toxic 000-00-00009725

MS

BT

0.48

Non-toxic
Correction Fluid, 0.6 oz. Bottle, pink, non-toxic, water base 000-00-00009726

MS

BT

0.44

Non-toxic

Water base

Correction Fluid, 0.6 oz. Bottle, yellow, multi-purpose, non-toxic 000-00-00009728

MS

BT

0.44

Non-toxic
Envelope, Bubble Mailer cushioned 14.5" x 20" self closure 100/cs 000-00-00008125 E4 CS 64.82 Recycled content
Glue, liquid pen washable 1oz dual tip wide spreader/fine point 000-00-00009132 OS EA 1.66 Non-toxic
Glue, stick washable 1.41oz twist base 000-00-00009136 OS EA 1.08 Non-toxic
Mailer, coating antistatic coating holds 3 diskettes 25/box; Recyclable paperboard 000-00-00008045 CA BX 9.43 100% Recycled
Marker asst colors washable water base will not bleed through 12/st 000-00-00009038 OS ST 3.84 Non-toxic
Marker dry erase bullet 4/set (blue, green, black, red) 000-00-00009098 OS ST 2.93 Non-toxic
Marker felt tip broad point permanent ink black 12/bx 000-00-00009090 OS DZ 1.91 Non-toxic
Marker felt tip broad point permanent ink blue12/bx 000-00-00009091 OS DZ 1.93 Non-toxic
Marker felt tip broad point permanent ink brown 12/bx 000-00-00009092 OS DZ 1.91 Non-toxic
Marker felt tip broad point permanent ink green 12/bx 000-00-00009093 OS DZ 1.93 Non-toxic
Marker felt tip broad point permanent ink orange 12/bx 000-00-00009094 OS DZ 2.11 Non-toxic
Marker felt tip broad point permanent ink purple 12/bx 000-00-00009095 OS DZ 1.92 Non-toxic
Marker felt tip broad point permanent ink red 12/bx 000-00-00009096 OS DZ 2.16 Non-toxic
Marker felt tip broad point permanent ink yellow 12/bx 000-00-00009097 OS DZ 1.94 Non-toxic
Moistener, fingertip 1.5oz greaseless antibacteria 000-00-00008252 OS EA 1.34 Non-toxic
Moistener, fingertip 1oz greaseless 000-00-00008252 OS EA 0.82 Non-toxic
Note fax transmittal post-it 4"x1&15/32" printed 12 pds/pk 100%; recycled fiber 000-00-00009019 OS PK 6.12 100% Recycled; 20% PC
Note Post-It 1.5"x2" yellow 12 pds/pk; 100% recycled fiber 000-00-00009368 OS PK 2.24 100% Recycled
Note Post-It 2"x#'" yellow 12 pds/pk; 100% recycled fiber 000-00-00009374 OS PK 9.02 100% Recycled; 20% PC
Note Post-It 3"x3" asst colors 12 pds/pk; 100% recycled fiber 000-00-00009384 OS PK 8.59 100% Recycled; 20% PC
Note Post-It 3"x3" yellow 12 pds/pk; 100% recycled fiber 000-00-00009370 OS PK 6.42 100% Recycled
Note Post-It 3"x5" yellow 12 pds/pk; 100% recycled fiber 000-00-00009373 OS PK 8.22 100% Recycled; 20% PC
Note self stick 4"x6" pad lined yellow 12 pds/pk; 100% recycled paper 000-00-00009383 OS PK 25.41 100% Recycled; 20% PC
Organizer, drawer 14"W x9&3/8"D x 1/4"H smoke colored recycled plastic 000-00-00008036 OS EA 2.25 25% Post ConsUMer
Pen transparency fine point wet erase 4pk (red, blue, green, black) 000-00-00009049 OS DZ 2.21 Non-toxic
Pen, ink gel black fine retractable rubber grip 12pk 000-00-00008003 OS DZ 11.53 Refillable
Pen, ink gel blue fine retractable rubber grip 12pk 000-00-00008005 OS DZ 11.61 Refillable
Pen, ink gel blue x-fine retractable rubber grip 12pk 000-00-00008002 OS DZ 12.22 Refillable
Pen, ink gel red fine retractable rubber grip 12pk 000-00-00008004 OS DZ 11.66 Refillable
Pen, ink gel red x-fine retractable rubber grip 12pk 000-00-00008001 OS DZ 12.22 Refillable
Pencil mechanical 0.5mm lead 12pk 000-00-00009032 OS DZ 6.79 Refillable
Pencil mechanical 0.5mm metal 12pk 000-00-00008020 OS DZ 18.15 Refillable

 

BINDERS & FOLDERS

DESCRIPTION

ITEM #

MC

UM

AVG $

EP?

           
Binder 8.5" x 11" black pressboard metal prong fastener 25/bx 000-00-00009303 OS BX 23.44 30% Recycled
Binder 8.5" x 11" red pressboard metal prong fastner 25/bx 000-00-00009306 OS BX 23.11 30% Recycled
Binder Data printout 12" x 8.5" w/ 6" cap, blue 25/bx 000-00-00009314 OS EA 1.64 50% Recycled
Binder Data printout 14&7/8" x 11" w/ 6" cap, suspension file hooks Dk/blue 10/bx 000-00-00009323 OS EA 1.74 50% Recycled
Binder Data printout 14&7/8" x 11" w/ 6" cap, blue 25/cs 000-00-00009312 OS EA 1.74 50% Recycled
Cover, Binder punchless style w/spring clip black side load 8.5" x 11" 10/bx 000-00-00008107 OS EA 19.93 Recycled content
Cover, Binder punchless style w/spring clip black top load 8.5" x 11" 10/bx 000-00-00008108 OS EA 25.59 Recycled content
Cover, Binder punchless style w/spring clip black top load 8.5" x 14" legal 10/bx 000-00-00008109 OS EA 25.59 Recycled content
Folder, Classification w/two dividers 2/5 cut inside fasteners 10/bx 2" cap 000-00-0000224 OS BX 22.99 10% Recycled paper
Folder, end tab, straight cut tabs, legal size, gray (100/box) 000-00-00008089

OS

BX

24.60

10% recycled paper
Folder, end tab, straight cut tabs, legal size, lavendar (100/box) 000-00-00008090

OS

BX

22.62

10% PC recycled paper
Folder, expanding pressboard w/fasteners 2" cap 1/3 cut assort 25/bx 000-00-00008228 OS BX 27.00 Recycled content
Folder, file, box bottom, hanging with interior pockets, letter size, 2" cap (25/box) 000-00-00008037

OS

BX

17.07

10% recycled paper
Folder, file, letter size red, straight cut, (100/box) 2-ply top 000-00-00009411

OS

BX

16.85

10% recycled paper
Folder, file, hanging, legal size, 1/5 cut tabs included w/blank labels (25/box) 000-00-00009426

OS

BX

5.98

10% recycled paper
Folder, file, hanging, letter size, 1/5 cut tabs included w/blank labels (25/box) 000-00-00009428

OS

BX

4.48

10% recycled paper
Folder, file, letter size, manila, full cut end tab (100/box) 000-00-00009421

OS

BX

18.83

10% recycled paper
Folder, file, letter size, manila, open shelf, 1/3 cut side tab, bottom position (100/box) 000-00-00009424

OS

BX

9.97

10% recycled paper
Folder, file, letter size, 3.5" expanding pocket, straight cut tab (25/box) 000-00-00009460

OS

BX

16.05

10% recycled paper
Folder, file hanging legal size 3.5" 25/bx 000-00-00008122 OS BX 6.34 10% Recycled
Folder, file letter size manila 1/2 cut top tab 100/bx 000-00-00009418 OS BX 5.99 10% Post cosUMer recycled paper
Folder, file letter size manila 1/5 cut top tab assorted 100/bx 000-00-00009419 OS BX 4.79 10% PC Recycled
Folder, file pocket legal expanding 3.5" redrope gussett 25/bx 000-00-00008233 OS BX 19.70 20% Recycled
Folder, file, classification letter size red with 2 dividers 10/bx 000-00-00009410 OS BX 14.10 10% Recycled
Folder, Heavy duty drop front redrope file pocket 3.5" expansion letter 10/bx 000-00-00008099 OS BX 21.20 10% PC Recycled
Folder, side tab reinforced legal size blue 100/bx 000-00-00008083 OS BX 25.40 10% PC Recycled
Folder, side tab reinforced legal size orange 100/bx 000-00-00008091 OS BX 23.20 10% PC Recycled
Folder, side tab reinforced legal size pink 100/bx 000-00-00008088 OS BX 25.40 10% PC Recycled
Folder, side tab reinforced legal size red 100/bx 000-00-00008086 OS BX 19.90 10% PC Recycled
Folder, side tab reinforced legal size white 100/bx 000-00-00008084 OS BX 23.80 10% PC Recycled
Folder, side tab reinforced legal size yellow 100/bx 000-00-00008087 OS BX 25.40 10% PC Recycled
Folder, w/prong fasterners front & back 2" cap letter size straight cut top tab 50/bx 000-00-00008043 OS BX 15.10 10% PC Recycled
Folder, w/prong fasterners front & back 3/4" cap letter size straight cut top tab 50/bx 000-00-00008042 OS BX 13.80 10% PC Recycled

 

PAPERS - BOND, PRINTER, WRITING, COPIER

DESCRIPTION

ITEM #

MC

UM

AVG $

EP?

           
Paper pad, Jr. legal, 5" x 8", white, 50 sheets/pad (12/pkg) 000-00-00009365

OS

PK

3.78

50% recycled paper
Paper, bond, 8.5" x 14", pink, 500 sheets/pkg (10 pkg/case) 000-00-00009625

OS

PK

4.59

30% recycled paper
Paper, bond, 20# 8.5" x 11", canary, 500 sheets/pkg (10 pkg/case) 000-00-00009683

OS

PK

3.56

30% recycled paper
Paper, computer, 15#, 1 part, 14 7/8" x 11", greenbar, continuous no vertical perforations 3500/cs 000-00-00009667

OS

CS

27.63

20% recycled paper; Soy ink
Paper, computer, 15#, 2 part, carbon interleaf, 14 7/8" x 11", greenbar, continuous, no vertical perforations, 1400/cs 000-00-00009666

OS

CS

33.78

20% recycled paper
Paper, computer, 18#, 1 part, 14 7/8" x 11", greenbar, continuous, no vertical perforations, 2800/cs 000-00-00009668

OS

CS

19.02

20% recycled paper; Soy ink
Paper, bond, copier, 20#, 8.5" x 11", white, 500 sheets/pkg (10 pkg/case) 000-00-00009648

OS

PK

2.27

30% recycled paper
Paper, bond, 20#, 8.5" x 14", white, 500 sheets/pkg (10 pkg/case) 000-00-00009651

OS

PK

3.24

30% recycled paper
Paper, bond, 20#, 8.5" x 11", white, state seal watermark, 500 sheets/pkg (10 pkg/case) 000-00-00009603

OS

PK

7.61

50% recycled paper; 30% PC
Paper, bond, 20#, 8.5" x 11", blue, 500 sheets/pkg (10 pkg/case) 000-00-00009682

OS

PK

3.56

30% recycled paper
Paper, bond, 20#, 8.5" x 11", buff, 500 sheets/pkg (10 pkg/case) 000-00-00009684

OS

PK

3.56

30% recycled paper
Paper, bond, 20#, 8.5" x 11", green, 500 sheets/pkg (10 pkg/case) 000-00-00009688

OS

PK

3.56

30% recycled paper
Paper, bond, 20#, 8.5" x 11", pink, 500 sheets/pkg (10 pkg/case) 000-00-00009690

OS

PK

3.56

30% recycled paper
Paper, bond, 20#, 8.5" x 14", blue, 500 sheets/pkg (10 pkg/case) 000-00-00009624

OS

PK

4.59

20% recycled paper
Paper, bond, 20#, 8.5" x 14", green, 500 sheets/pkg (10 pkg/case) 000-00-00009630

OS

PK

4.59

30% recycled paper
Paper, bond, 20#, 8.5" x 14", canary, 500 sheets/pkg (10 pkg/case) 000-00-00009642

OS

PK

4.59

30% recycled paper
Paper, computer, 1 part, 18#, 14 7/8" x 11", white, continuous blank, non perforated, 2800/cs 000-00-00009672

OS

CS

22.50

25% recycled paper
Paper, computer, 20#, 1 part, 9.5" x 11" micro perforated edges, 2500/cs 000-00-0009659

OS

CS

13.61

25% recycled paper
Paper, copier, 20# bond, 11" x 17" white, 500 sheets/pkg (5pkgs/case) 000-00-00009681

OS

PK

5.13

20% recycled paper
Pad, legal 8.5" x 11" white 12pds/pk 000-00-00009375 OS PK 5.25 30% Recycled
Paper, notebook filler 3 hole 8.5" x 11" narrow ruled 000-00-00009363 OS PK 1.02 15% recycled

 

PAPER - SANITARY SUPPLIES

DESCRIPTION

ITEM #

MC

UM

AVG $

EP?

           
Cover, Toilet Seat, white 5000/cs 000-00-00008126 FO CS 40.93 100% recycled
Tissue, facial, 2 ply, 100 tissues/box (30 box/case) 000-00-00010085

JN

CS

11.62

100% recycled paper
Tissue, toilet, 2 ply, white, biodegradable, 500 sheets/roll (96 rolls/case) 000-00-00010091

JN

CS

28.46

100% recycled paper
Tissue, toilet, 3.9" x 1000', jUMbo janitor, 2 ply biodegradable, (12 rolls/case) 000-00-00010092

JN

CS

21.51

100% recycled paper
Towel, paper, 10.25" x 13.25", C fold, natural, 250 towels/pkg (10 pkg/case) 000-00-00010087

JN

CS

13.25

100% recycled paper; 80% PC
Towel, paper, 8" x 350' roll, kraft, (16 rolls/case) 000-00-00010090

JN

CS

19.81

Recycled paper

Biodegradable

Towel, paper, 9.25" x 9.5", unbleached, multifold, 250 towels/pkg (16 pkg/case) 000-00-00010088

JN

CS

12.20

100% recycled paper; 80% PC
Towel, paper, 9.75" x 10.25", kraft, single fold, 250 sheets/pkg (16 pkg/case) 000-00-00010086

JN

CS

12.20

100% recycled paper; 80% PC

 

ELECTRONICS ETC.

DESCRIPTION

ITEM #

MC

UM

AVG $

EP?

           
Light bulb, compact fluorescent 15W CFL (60W eqv) w/mediUM base, screw in, indoor/enclosed outdoor 000-00-00008294 BX EA $16.15 Energy efficient; long life


EPP CLUES

When shopping for environmentally preferable alternatives look for these clues:

? Recycled content ? Reusable ? Biodegradable ? Non-toxic

? Soy-based inks ? Non-aerosol ? Recyclable ? Refillable

? Water-based ? Remanufactured

EPP & TOPS

Environmentally preferable purchasing is possible even if Central Stores does not stock the item your agency requires. In this event, consider EPP through the Tennessee On-line Purchasing System (TOPS). Many vendors that sell environmentally preferable goods are already registered with TOPS. TDEC, through the Office of Environmental Assistance (OEA), will continue to solicit additional vendors of environmentally preferable products for your purchasing needs. For additional TOPS vendor information or to suggest additional vendors, please contact DCA at (615) 532-0445.

The following list of vendors are already known to provide environmentally preferable products and services. This list is not complete and should not be used as anything other than a reference. Tell your current suppliers that TDEC is practicing EPP. Most will provide you with the information you require to make well-informed purchasing decisions through their business.

Ambrose Recycled office products 615-244-6940 - TN!
Innovative Marketing Recycled promotional products 615-797-2377 - TN!
BNB Systems Recycled promotional products 901-424-7100 - TN!
Recycled Trash Company Recycled cotton apparel 800-53-TRASH
Clothes Made From Scrap Recycled apparel 407-291-9191
GreenLine Paper Co. Recycled paper products 800-641-1117
Recycled Office Products Recycled office products 800-814-1100
John Rossi Co. Recycled stationary products 800-984-9317
Signature Marketing Recycled promotional products 860-651-8376
Stan Miller & Associates Recycled promotional products 800-211-5850
Weisenbach Recycled promotional products 800-778-5420
Rainbow Environmental Recycled promotional products 800-842-0527

* * * Please ask your established suppliers for environmentally preferable products! * * *


For more information about the Tennessee Pollution Prevention Partnership, please contact Karen Grubbs at 615-532-0463 or by email at [email protected].