Smarter Purchasing Reduces Toxins, Presents Opportunity for Oregon Businesses

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SMARTER PURCHASING REDUCES TOXINS, PRESENTS OPPORTUNITY FOR OREGON BUSINESSES

News Release from State of Oregon
Posted on FlashAlert: September 10th, 2014 1:34 PM

Salem, Ore., Oregon state agencies will now use their collective buying power to purchase less-toxic products - making Oregon safer and providing opportunities for Oregon businesses. Today, State COO Michael Jordan approved new purchasing guidelines for state agencies to support the purchase of less-toxic products without compromising effectiveness or best-value.

"Oregonians are growing more mindful of what's in the products they use," said Jordan. "State government should too." He added, "We're in a unique position to not only reduce the amount of toxins used across our state, but also to drive the market to supply safer options."

Today's action was prompted by Governor Kitzhaber's 2012 executive order directing state agencies to increase the number of people- and planet-friendly products they purchase- reducing the use of toxic chemicals and building market pressure for improved offerings. The guidelines will enable the state to expand its green purchasing beyond the janitorial supply price agreement adopted in 2013. Under the agreement, state agencies have purchased effective cleaning supplies while reducing the amount of toxic chemicals used.

Over the past year, a green chemistry steering committee, led by the Governor's Office, developed general guidelines agencies will use to ask that vendors provide safer goods. The committee engaged state agencies, conservation groups and Oregon businesses to refine the guidelines prior to approval. From pest control, to office supplies to furniture and more, the guidelines offer a procurement path that often will lead to a safer alternative.

Some early adopting agencies have already realized the benefits of using the guidelines. For example:

• Instead of using poison to control a rat population, the Department of Corrections purchased nests and owls - quite effective, without the toxins.
• The Oregon State Hospital has gone from using six different chemicals to clean their buildings to two that are third party certified to be less-toxic, and easier for their staff to manage.
• The Oregon Department of Human Services recently worked with a vendor to eliminate paper billing, replace toxic cleaners with safer alternatives and train staff on proper usage, all while reducing their cost by more than 12%.

And it's not just state agencies realizing benefits. The state's collective buying power has the ability to shift the market towards less-toxic alternatives. "With a committed customer such as Oregon State Government, it's easier for us and our suppliers to invest in the development of safer products," noted Staples Chief Scientist Roger McFadden.

Most importantly, smarter purchasing supports a cleaner state for all Oregonians. "Oregon state government is providing sound leadership by bringing together product purchasers and suppliers to find solutions that are safer for people and the environment, while also being effective and affordable" noted Colin Price from the Oregon Environmental Council.

Link to guidelines: http://www.oregon.gov/DAS/EGS/ps/docs/GreenChemPol.doc

Contact Info:
Matthew Shelby
Communications Strategist
503-378-3118
Matthew.Shelby@das.state.or.us