Green Purchasing Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I buy “green” products?
Green products provide a variety of benefits in addition to the positive environmental impacts, which include: protecting natural resources, minimizing waste, and reducing toxic chemicals. Contrary to the common belief that environmentally sustainable products cost more than traditional products, green products can actually lead to a reduction in operating and maintenance costs and direct and/or indirect cost savings. Some green products such as biodegradable cleaners also improve worker health and safety resulting in reduced liabilities. Additionally, your green purchases contribute to the overall demand for such products and services, leading to an increase in these goods and making it easier and more affordable to purchase green products. Potentially the most important benefit of green products is your increased sense of pride as you put your purchasing power to work to benefit human health and the environment.
Do recycled and refilled toner cartridges produce quality copies?
Today’s recycled and refilled toner cartridges provide equal if not improved quality as compared to new cartridges. Additionally, their advantages over new cartridges in cost and waste reduction make recycled cartridges an economically and environmentally sound choice. Corporate Express offers recycled toner cartridges for many office machines that are frequently used around the University. A list of available recycled cartridges can be found on the Green Purchasing website at www.yale.edu/greenpurchasing.
Are recycled toner cartridges more expensive than regular cartridges?
By purchasing recycled toner cartridges, you can save money while helping the environment. Terrific savings are available on recycled toner cartridges through Corporate Express, our Strategic Vendor for Office Supplies. Corporate Express offers recycled toner cartridges for many office machines that are frequently used around the University and a list of available recycled cartridges can be found on the Green Purchasing website at www.yale.edu/greenpurchasing.
Do recycled toner cartridges void the warranty on some printers?
For most printers and copiers the use of refilled cartridges alone does not affect the warranty or maintenance contract. In some cases if failure or damage is found to be attributed directly to the use of the cartridge, then the repair will not be covered under warranty and will be charged. We suggest you check your specific warranty for details.
Where can I recycle my used toner cartridges?
Corporate Express drivers will pick up all types of toner cartridges from printers, copiers, and fax machines regardless of manufacturer and whether or not they were purchased from Corporate Express. If you are purchasing your supplies from Corporate Express, these cartridges can be left in the area where your office supplies are delivered. If you do not use Corporate Express already, please contact Glen Campbell at (800) 852-4659 X6472 at Corporate Express to arrange for pick up. All used cartridges must be in a cardboard box. We recommend using an empty copy paper box because you might as well recycle that, too! You can print out a sign at the green purchasing website (www.yale.edu/greenpurchasing) and hang it on the wall to indicate where faculty, staff and students can leave their cartridges.
Does recycled paper jam copy machines and printers?
Today's recycled copier paper is high quality and technically perfected for use in copiers and printers. Many of the concerns people have about recycled paper "not working in copiers" are caused by using inappropriate papers, not the recycled content. In particular, make sure you're using a paper specifically designed to be used in copiers for copying purposes. The Procurement Department suggests purchasing at least 30% post-consumer recycled content paper #CEB8511RCY from Corporate Express. Corporate Express also offers excellent, affordable choices for 100% post-consumer recycled copy paper. The School of Forestry and Environmental Studies uses 100% recycled paper with no problems what so ever.
Can you buy recycled paper that is the same quality as virgin paper?
Recycled papers are virtually indistinguishable from their non-recycled counterparts, with similar performance, color, and cost.
What is the easiest way to find “green” products through Corporate Express online?
Look in the “Best Buy” list in Corporate Express for green products which the Procurement Department has negotiated excellent prices. You can also browse all environmental friendly products in the Corporate Express main menu. Additionally, when searching for products, look for the icons that indicate which products are environmentally friendly. Here's how.
What “green” products does the Procurement Department suggest purchasing?
- The Procurement Department suggests that offices purchase 30-100% post-consumer recycled content paper for all everyday business use.
- Recycled toner cartridges are both an environmentally and economically sound purchasing choice.
- When shopping for new office equipment look for the Energy Star label on these products that will help to save you money and reduce wasted energy.
- Many other office products are available with recycled content including: manila folders, notepads, note cards, labels, binders, pens and pencils, paperclips, and more!
How can I find out more about “green” purchasing?
Information about green purchasing is available on Yale’s Green Purchasing website at www.yale.edu/greenpurchasing. The EPA also offers extensive information about their Environmental Preferable Purchasing program, including an interactive training tool at http://www.epa.gov/oppt/epp/.
Besides purchasing choices, what else can offices do to become more sustainable?
Reduce product use and waste
- Minimize use of disposable cups or cutlery. Instead use glasses, crockery, Tupperware and silverware.
- When possible, produced literature and reports electronically and make available on websites
- Set all computers to “toner save mode” or “fast draft” and to print “double-sided” in order to reduce paper usage and toner cartridge usage
- Produce newsletter electronically
Reuse
- Reuse envelopes with new address labels where possible
- Save carrier bags and boxes to be reused when needed.
- Save and reuse folders and dividers
- Reuse draft prints and internal documents as scrap paper
Recycle the following items:
- White paper, mixed paper and cardboard
- Plastic bottles
- Glass bottles
- Aluminum and steel cans
- Printer cartridges
- CD’s
Reduce energy consumption
- Turn off all computers and monitors when not in use.
- Use low energy monitors and activate low energy screen savers when the computer is not in use for longer than 5 minutes throughout the day
- Use energy-saver mode on copiers and printers when not in use
- Switch off all electronic equipment including printers, photocopiers, lights, machinery and kitchen equipment over night
- Keep all windows and internal doors closed to maintain the temperature
- Switch off air conditioning between 6pm and 9am
|
