Statement from the Town Manager regarding the established Sustainable Purchasing Policy.
The Town of Abington recognizes that procurement decisions of our employees and contractors have significant impacts on the environment. By including environmental, public health, and waste reduction considerations in our purchasing decisions, along with price, performance, and product availability, we can remain fiscally responsible while promoting practices that minimize waste and environmental impacts. The purpose of this document is to establish the framework for a sustainability-based purchasing program for the Town of Abington.
Objectives of this policy include making purchasing decisions that:
Minimize waste and prioritize reuse by identifying alternative options to new and single-use products and equipment.
Support recycling markets by purchasing products with post-consumer recycled content, and that are recyclable after use.
Conserve natural resources such as energy and water, and
Minimize environmental impacts from pollution, greenhouse gases and toxins/hazardous products.
To meet the above goals, the Town of Abington will, whenever feasible:
Purchase products and services offered through the Operational Services Division’s Environmentally Preferable Products and Services Guide.
Prioritize donation and reuse before disposal of goods or equipment; and whenever possible, utilize the State Surplus Property Program.
Adhere to Federal Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines, or other established criteria, for minimum recycled content levels when purchasing office supplies.
Prioritize purchasing products that are durable, long lasting, reusable or refillable, and avoid purchasing single use products.
The Town of Abington is committed to sustainable purchasing and empowers employees to be innovative and demonstrate leadership by considering environmental and public health benefits when making purchasing decisions.