Environmentally preferable or sustainable purchasing is generally defined as the purchasing of goods that have a reduced negative impact or an increased positive effect on the environment when compared with competing products that serve the same purpose.

The purpose of an EPP is to provide clear and consistent instructions to employees on how to consider and purchase environmentally friendly products.

An EPP helps to engrain the culture of sustainable practices in the workplace. Policies and procedures inform employees about stewardship in their organization.

• Provides a market for environmentally preferable products.
• Encourages industries to produce technologies and products that are environmentally sustainable.
• Improves the viability of recycling and “closes the loop” on the recycling circular economy.
• Provides two points on the ReWorksSA recycling certification application.

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The Sustainable Marketplace provides recommendations and education on the standards and labeling for green purchasing.
• Texas commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ): Provides tools for citizens and businesses to find and purchase products with recycled content.
• Recycled Products Purchasing Cooperative: Provides high-quality recycled office copy paper at competitive prices through public and private cooperative purchasing.
• The Green Electronics Council - EPEAT: Resources for identifying environmentally preferable electronics.