Purchasing

  • Establish purchasing guidelines to encourage waste prevention (durable, concentrated, reusable, high quality).
  • Consider length of warranty and availability of repair services when purchasing equipment.
  • Substitute less toxic materials for toxic materials (e.g., vegetable-based inks, water-based glue, markers and paints).
  • Order merchandise with minimal packaging or layers of packaging.
  • Request that deliveries be shipped in returnable containers.
  • Order supplies by voice mail or electronic mail.
  • Use optical scanners, which give more details about inventory, allowing more precise ordering.