University of Michigan Green Purchasing Initiatives
Type: Policy
Status: In Effect
Source File: http://www.procurement.umich.edu/greenpurchasing.html
Description:
GREEN PURCHASING INITIATIVES
"Green" Procurement
Procurement Services encourages University of Michigan departments to buy products that are made from recycled or remanufactured materials.
Strategic Suppliers Offer Recycled (“Green”) Products
Products from recycled or remanufactured materials are available through Strategic Suppliers, and campus wide vendors that support the University's Environmental Stewardship initiatives. The University Contracts page lists vendors that offer green products.
Mercury-Free Alternative Thermometer Program
In an effort to reduce the risk of environmental contamination, human exposure, and costly clean-up activities associated with accidental thermometer breakage, the Department of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health (OSEH) has established a Mercury Thermometer Elimination Program.
The mercury-free alternative thermometers are available through the University's Fisher Scientific Strategic Supplier Laboratory Supplies Contract. Special Discount Pricing has been negotiated with Fisher Scientific in an effort to assist departments in meeting Mercury Elimination goals.
Buy Remanufactured Toner Cartridges
Departments can lower supply costs and reduce solid waste by using remanufactured cartridges. Toner cartridges and print cartridges can be recycled through an exchange program with several local vendors. Vendors disassemble, clean and refill used cartridges with new toner or ink. Remanufactured cartridges can be purchased for almost half the cost of an OEM (original) cartridge and are 100% guaranteed.
Contact information for vendors who have been selected to provide remanufactured toner and print cartridges to the University community can found on the University Contracts page.
Reuse Campus Envelopes
The University supports a program to assist departments in reusing campus mail envelopes. Large campus envelopes can be reused up to 40 times. Remember, RE-USE is better than recycling.