Public Health and Environment
Green Purchasing Resources
General Information
Minnesota Recycled Products Directory
A searchable directory of recycled-content products made in Minnesota.
The Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Guide
Covering over 30 product categories, this locally produced guide for government purchasers covers the most common questions asked about "green" products: How do they perform? What do they cost? What are the environmental benefits? Local vendors?
United States Environmental Protection Agency – Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program
A number of web-based tools have been developed by the EPA to assist purchasers in putting EPP into practice. Website also includes product information and additional links.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency – Environmentally Preferable Purchasing
Minnesota Great Printers
Printing companies that have voluntarily committed to reduce waste, reuse or recycle waste that cannot be eliminated, and maximize energy efficiency of their printing processes.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency – Buying Green Newsletter
MPCA's quarterly newsletter on environmental purchasing.
Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT)
Tool designed to help purchasers evaluate, compare, and select computers and monitors based on environmental features.
Green Meetings
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Green Meetings
One-stop information source for green meetings, developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The Green Meeting Industry Council
Additional resources for planning green meetings.
Blue Green Meetings
Additional tips and tools for green meetings.
Certification Agencies for Products
Green Seal
Green Seal is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to safeguarding the environment and transforming the marketplace by promoting the manufacture, purchase, and use of environmentally responsible products and services.
Environmental Choice – EcoLogo Program
North America's most widely recognized and respected multi-attribute environmental certification mark.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Design for the Environment (DfE)
The (DfE) program is one of EPA's premier partnership programs, working with individual industry sectors to compare and improve the performance and human health and environmental risks and costs of existing and alternative products, processes, and practices.
Cities/Townships
US Department of Energy – Clean Cities Program
Provides information on reducing petroleum consumption, including extensive information on alternative fuel vehicles.
State of Minnesota Material Management Division – Environmentally Responsible Purchasing Program
Includes information on products available through state contracts, and Minnesota Legislative and Executive Order Requirements.
Minnesota's Materials Management Division - Cooperative Purchasing Venture Opportunities for Governmental Entities
The Cooperative Purchasing Venture is a members-only program that enables participants to purchase goods and services under contract terms established by the state of Minnesota.
Schools
Green Schools Initiative
Details the elements of four pillars for sustainable, healthy schools, advises on how to take action to create them, and provides a list of related online resources for additional guidance.
High-Performance Schools: Affordable Green Design for K-12 Schools
Plympton, Patricia; Brown, John; Stevens, Kara (U.S. Dept. of Energy, National Renewal Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO , Aug 2004). Describes high performance schools from each of the nine climate zones associated with the U.S. Dept. of Energy's Energy Design Guidelines for High Performance Schools. The nine case studies focus on the high performance design strategies implemented in each school, as well as the cost savings and benefits realized by students, faculty, the community, and the environment. 13p.
Businesses
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Provides a variety of information on Environmentally Preferable Practices for business.
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