Eco-Businesses

Every time we make a purchase, we are voting. When we buy something, we are demonstrating to the economic market what kinds of products are in demand. If we make a conscious decision to buy more efficient electronics, goods made from post-consumer products and other items that cause less harm to the earth and people, we are increasing demand for these products. In turn, this increases the viability of a “green market” and brings the price down!

Electronics: EPEAT

Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool or EPEAT, is a system that helps purchasers evaluate, compare and select electronic products based on their environmental attributes. The system currently covers desktop and laptop computers, thin clients (devices with only an operating system and browser), workstations and computer monitors.

www.epeat.net
EcoProducts Store

Eco-Products carries a complete selection of plates and bowls. All of their paper plates are made from 99.9% recycled paper and are completely biodegradable and compostable. Eco-Products also have a selection of tree-free biodegradable plates made from bagasse, a sugarcane byproduct. These premium strength plates can be disposed of in compost bins and are priced better than their paper counterparts.

www.ecoproductsstore.com
NatureWorks LLC

Ever wonder about the plant-based plastic everyone is talking about? NatureWorks LLC is an independent company wholly owned by Cargill. Dedicated to meeting the world’s needs today without compromising the earth’s ability to meet the needs of tomorrow, NatureWorks LLC is the first company to offer a family of commercially available low carbon footprint polymers derived from 100-percent annually renewable resources with cost and performance that compete with oil-based plastics and fibers. The production of these biopolymers uses less fossil fuel and emits fewer greenhouse gases than conventional polymers.

www.natureworksllc.com
EPA Environmentally Preferable Purchasing

Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) helps businesses and organizations “buy green,” and by doing so, stimulates market demand for green products and services. This site can help businesses find and evaluate information about green products and services, calculate the costs and benefits of purchasing choices, and identify federal green buying requirements.

www.epa.gov/greenerproducts/
Green Seal

Green Seal provides science-based environmental certification standards that are credible, transparent, and essential in an increasingly educated and competitive marketplace. Our industry knowledge and standards help manufacturers, purchasers, and end users alike make responsible choices that positively impact business behavior and improve quality of life. Green Seal certifies everything from coffee filters to air chillers.

www.greenseal.org
Recycled Products Cooperative

Use this site to find post-consumer paper and other office essentials! The Recycled Products Co-op was created in 1999 with two goals in mind: (1) To leverage purchasing power of members to reduce pricing, and (2) To educate buyers on the importance of using recycled paper and other products. The Co-op is all about saving natural resources!

www.lessismore.org
Energy Star Products

Energy Star products are designed to high efficiency standards set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. A product with an Energy Star rating uses less energy, saves you money and helps protect the environment. Use this handy guide to find your next energy star product.

www.energystar.gov/products
Rebinder

ReBinder is a zero-waste office supply manufacturer and the brand of choice for customers looking for sustainable, quality office supplies. Assembled by a local, AbilityOne certified disabled workforce, all reBinder product materials are sourced from responsibly managed forests and verified FSC and SFI certified sources. With each purchase of ReBinder products, solid waste, greenhouse gas, energy, tree and water consumption are reduced!

GreenLine Paper Company

A company dedicated to the sale of environmentally sound, quality products. They sell a variety of products–from toilet paper to envelopes to cleaning products. Many contain post-consumer materials and are made using environmentally sound practices.

www.greenlinepaper.com
Environmental Awareness Ideas

This is a great website to find stickers, signs and other products that can help your business cut costs, increase profits and improve efficiency. Use visual media to raise awareness in your organization and remind employees, students & community what they can do to make a difference.