State - Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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Executive Office of Environmental Affairs: The State agency primarily responsible for protecting and conserving natural resources in Massachusetts. Leading by Example Program: The Leading by Example Program was formed by Executive Order No. 484 in April of 2007 to help state agencies minimize the environmental impacts of their operations and activities, and to promote innovative sustainable practices in Massachusetts. Department of Environmental Protection: The State agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment by ensuring clean air and water, the safe management and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes, the timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills, and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources. Department of Public Health: The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth. Office of Technical Assistance and Technology: OTA is the Commonwealth's center for technical information and assistance. It help businesses and other organizations improve their environmental performance and promotes implementation of management strategies, systems and technologies that enable entities to reduce use of toxic chemicals, prevent pollution, conserve resources, and ensure worker health and safety. Toxics Use Reduction Institute: The Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) at the University of Massachusetts Lowell provides resources and tools to help make the Commonwealth a safer and more sustainable place to live and work. Established by the Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Act (TURA) of 1989, TURI collaborates with businesses, community organizations and government agencies to reduce the use of toxic chemicals, protect public health and the environment, and increase competitiveness of Massachusetts businesses. Toxics Reduction Task Force : To facilitate implementation of the Executive Order, an interagency Toxics Reduction Task Force was established with oversight and leadership by OSD and OTA, and consisting of staff from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Department of Public Health (DPH), the Division of Labor Standards (DLS), and the Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI). An Advisory Board to the Task Force is also comprised of individuals from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, the Department of Energy Resources and the Department of Environmental Protection to oversee the establishment of the group’s annual goals and to work with the Task Force when needed to provide assistance in implementing the directives of the Executive Order. |
Federal Programs
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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Encourages and assists Federal agencies in the purchasing of environmentally preferred products and services. Federal ENERGY STAR® Programs: A voluntary partnership between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the private sector that promotes the manufacture and use of energy efficient equipment (e.g., computers, printers, copiers, fax machines, exit signs etc.) Federal Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines: Provides information on Federal standards for recycled products. EPA's WaterSense: WaterSense identifies and promotes water efficient products and services. |
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Department of Agriculture (USDA) BioPreferred: The USDA BioPreferred program designates preferred bio-based products and provides guidance to vendors and federal purchasers. |
National & Local Non-Profit Organizations
Northeast Recycling Council (NERC): Established by the Eastern Regional Conference of the Council of State Governments to ensure the long-term viability of recycling in the Northeast while maximizing its full environmental and economic benefits.
Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council: A non-profit organization whose mission is to support and recognize purchasing leadership that accelerates the transition to a prosperous and sustainable future.
Responsible Purchasing Network: A diverse network of stakeholders that promotes and practices responsible purchasing by identifying best practices, developing effective purchasing tools, educating the market and utilizing its collective purchasing power to maximize environmental stewardship, protect human health and support local and global sustainability.
The U.S. Green Building Council: A coalition promoting the understanding, development and accelerated implementation of "Green Building" policies, programs, technologies, standards and design practices. Runs the LEED program and accreditation process.
ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability: An international association of local governments and national and regional local government organizations committed to sustainable development.
Environmental Defense: Environmental advocacy group targeting policy and research on climate change, oceans, biodiversity, and human health issues.
Inform, Inc.: A variety of environmental information on extended producer responsibility, waste prevention and cleaner transportation.
Center for EcoTechnology(CET): ET works with residents, business and communities in the areas of Energy Efficiency and Green Building, Green Homes and Businesses, and through our retail store – EcoBuilding Bargains.
MassRecycle: Massachusetts coalition dedicated to promoting and realizing the economic, social and environmental benefits resulting from reducing, reusing and recycling, and to increasing the utilization of recycled products.
National Recycling Coalition (NRC): The NRC was created to increase awareness of recycling in the US and to relay the positive impact of recycling to members, partners, associates, affiliates, and the general public.
Other
EPA’s Greener Products Website: This website is designed to help navigate the increasingly important and complex world of greener products. Search for EPA programs related to greener products in addition to links to other third party certification programs.
Trade Associations: This document includes some links to national trade associations that represent EPPs.