Carpeting, desks, chairs and paper towels may seem like harmless items, but the production of these and other everyday goods can take a serious toll on environmental resources.
The Buy Recycle Showcase, held today from 8 a.m. to noon in the EMU Fir Room, will feature presentations on how the University and individual consumers can reduce negative environmental impact by making conscious purchasing decisions.
Karyn Kaplan, manager of the University Campus Recycling Program, will give a presentation at 8:30 a.m. on environmentally preferable purchasing.
Consumers can make a difference by considering factors such as the lifespan of the product, whether it’s made from non-toxic materials and whether it can be recycled.
“As purchasers, consumers and purchasing managers, we have a lot of input into the marketplace,” Kaplan said.
Many companies are now responding to the growing demand for “green products” — environmentally preferable products — by offering consumers the option of buying goods made from recycled materials.
“Recycling is only successful if consumers demand products made from recycled goods,” Kaplan said.
Abby Mages, co-owner of Environmental Building Supplies, will be giving a presentation at 11 a.m. on sustainable building supplies. Her presentation will focus on low-toxic carpet, linoleum and paint.
Choosing a low-toxic product does not mean sacrificing quality.
“Comparing apples to apples, we work with products that are the equivalent or better,” Mages said.
The demand for “green” products is continuing to grow.
“People are very concerned about the quality of their indoor environment,” Mages said.
At 9:30 a.m., Bill Kasper, purchasing manager for Facilities Services, will talk about the University’s policies on vendor and service contracts.
“We try our best to use products which are not harmful to the environment, not harmful to people and will save money,” Kasper said.