*Integrated Resources & Solid Waste Management Plan Update (with Appendices) - Dec 2009

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3.0 SOURCE REDUCTION opportunities for increased source reduction. All County employees could be provided with documents providing information about the County's commitment to zero waste, and ideas of how each employee and department can reduce their waste. Specific policies and activities that the County could adopt include the following: • Adopt and implement an environmentally preferable purchasing policy and additional environmentally preferable procurement guidelines. Set environmentally preferable purchasing and recycled content as "defaults" for departments to use in departmental purchases of supplies and equipment not centrally procured. • Establish a Zero Waste Purchasing Committee with a mandate to develop the County's purchasing policy. • Include measurable zero waste goals in job descriptions and annual performance evaluations. • Establish a Green Building Policy and evaluate the extent to which those policies can be encouraged or required for new private construction and major renovation projects. • Use electronic mail, document storage and retrieval systems to achieve a "paperless office." • Accept electronic submittal of all applications and required submittals. • Provide incentives for staff members who develop and implement new initiatives that reduce waste. • Promote and encourage in -house composting programs. • Encourage or mandate the use of re- usable mugs, plates, and silverware and install dishwashers in County facilities where feasible. • Publish major accomplishments and progress of each department on the County Web site. The federal government has undertaken various initiatives to include the environment in its purchasing decisions. The County could consider EPA's Comprehensive Procurement Guideline program as a model for helping its employees purchase products that use materials recovered through recycling.2 The EPA has already designated or is proposing to develop recycled- content recommendations for a series of products. Estimated Cost: There are many County actions that could be accomplished at little or no cost. The initial review of purchasing policies would require staff resources throughout many departments but should not require additional staff. Green - building policies will increase the cost of construction somewhat: estimates on the extent of likely increases differ, but many jurisdictions have successfully implemented such policies. Purchasing policies can increase the cost of materials somewhat. The net result would probably be a small percentage increase in costs for many County activities and material purchases. 2 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines. Available at: www.epa.gov /cpg. 3 -8 December 2009