INDICATOR

 STATUS

The City of Santa Monica has exhibited leadership in sustainable procurement or what is commonly referred to as environmentally preferable purchasing.  Ever since the US Environmental Protection Agency published “The City of Santa Monica’s Environmental Purchasing – A Case Study” in 1998, the city has made constant progress. The city continues to be a leader in purchasing products which are energy and water efficient, reusable, recyclable, compostable, durable, biodegradable, remanufactured, less polluting, less harmful to humans and animals, and made from recyclable, biobased and recovered materials.

The target for this indicator is that by 2010, 20 purchased product categories will be converted from conventional to environmentally preferred products.  Each year staff will target an average of five product categories per year converted.

As the detailed description below indicates, to date, 7 out of 20 of product categories have been made more sustainable.  

Food packaging – the city has eliminated the use of non-recyclable, disposable food service containers used in city facilities and operations, city managed concessions, and city sponsored and permitted events.

Computers – the city has partnered with a company that will provide desktop computers that are EPEAT Gold rated.  EPEAT stands for EPA’s Electronic Products Environmental Assessment Tool rating program and a gold rating represents the most environmentally preferable computers produced.

Copy and printing paper – the city purchases copy paper that contains 100% post-consumer recycled content and is processed chlorine free. Additionally the manufacturer is Green-E certified and the paper supply is FSC certified.

Janitorial paper supplies – 100% of paper towels and toilet tissue purchased by the city meets California EPA’s minimum requirements for post-consumer content.  Furthermore the city uses Green Seal certified paper towels and toilet tissue for its heavily used public facilities, including City Hall, the 3rd Street Promenade and Beach restrooms.

Office Electronics – since 1998 the city has only purchased or leased office electronics, such as copiers, printers, and multi-function devices, which meet the energy efficiency standards established by the U.S. EPA’s Energy Star program.

Rubberized Asphalt Concrete – in 2007/08 the city used 30,000 tons of rubberized asphalt concrete to surface city streets. By doing so the city recycled 60,000 tires all of which came from California.

Letterhead, business cards stock, and City labeled envelopes – the City’s Warehouse and Print Shop purchase only 100% post-consumer recycled content letterhead, business card stock and city labeled envelopes.