Sustainable procurement digest

Description

This digest provides resources for purchasing sustainable products. Use the resources to identify environmental considerations for products and services, where to obtain more information, and the rationale for purchasing sustainably.

Please contact the procurement team with any questions. 

Sustainable procurement directory

This resource provides Practice Greenhealth members with guidance on more than 120 products and services health care organizations can target for sustainable procurement.

Learn more

Resources
Member Content

Medical products

When purchasing medical products, identify the sustainability criteria through either the directory above or through resources listed in this digest. Product criteria may identify opportunities to use less, avoid chemicals of concern, increase waste reduction opportunities, or advance energy and water efficiency, providing the best value to health care organizations.

  • Anesthetic gas: Use the resource to identify how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by using less or eliminating the use of desflurane anesthetic gas.
  • Blood pressure devices: Find resources on purchasing reusable blood pressure devices.
  • Breast pumps and accessories: Use the resource to specify devices that are PVC/DEHP-free. 
  • Compression therapy sleeves: Use the resource to specify compression therapy sleeves that are reprocessed. Meet the goal to collect and purchase 20% reprocessed non-invasive devices compare to total.
  • Endotracheal tubes: Use the resource to specify devices that are PVC/DEHP-free.
  • Exam gloves: Use the resource to specify gloves that are PVC/DEHP-free. 
  • Face and oxygen masks: Use the resource to specify masks that are PVC/DEHP-free.
  • Gastrointestinal tubes: Use the resource to specify gastrointestinal tubes that are PVC/DEHP-free.
  • Laryngeal mask airways: Use the resource to specify laryngeal mask airway devices that are free of PVC/DEHP.
  • Nasal cannulas: Use the resource to specify nasal cannulas that are free of PVC and DEHP. 
  • Nasogastric tubes: Use the resource to specify nasogastric tubes that are free of PVC and DEHP.
  • Non-rebreather face masks: Use the resource to specify face masks that are free of PVC and DEHP.
  • Tracheostomy tubes: Use the resource to specify tracheostomy tubes that are free of PVC and DEHP.
  • Parenteral infusion devices and sets: Use the resource to specify infusion devices and sets that are free of PVC and DEHP.
  • Pulse oximetry: Find resources on purchasing reusable pulse oximeter sensors. 
  • Respiratory tubes: Use the resource to specify and purchase respiratory tubes that are free of PVC and DEHP. 
  • Sterilization and disinfection: Use the resource to find out the pros and cons of various cleaning chemicals to inform purchasing decisions.
  • Thermometers: Use the resource to specify and purchase mercury-free thermometers.
  • Urological, general: Use the resource to specify and purchase general urological devices that are free of PVC and DEHP.
  • Vascular catheters: Use this resource to specify vascular catheters that are free of PVC and DEHP.
Member Content

Non-medical products

Member Content

Professional services

When purchasing professional services, identify the sustainability criteria for RFIs/RFPs or value analysis through the resources below. Criteria for services may identify chemicals of concern, waste reduction strategies, or corporate sustainability opportunities the service must meet to provide value to your health care organization.

  • Construction and demolition recycling: Use the resource to specify recycling services for construction and demolition debris.
  • Integrated pest management services: Use the available resources to specify integrated pest management services to reduce public health risks to staff, patients, and visitors from the use of pesticides.
  • Landscape services: Specify landscape maintenance services that supports a healthy environment.
  • Laundry cleaning services: Specify more sustainable laundry services to reduce impacts to water quality in the community.
  • Vending: Specify environmental considerations for vending machines to provide healthy food for staff, patients, and visitors.
Member Content

Food

Practice Greenhealth offers comprehensive sustainable purchasing guidance and environmental criteria for product categories including but not limited to: 

  • Bakery/baked goods 
  • Beverages 
  • Dairy
  • Dry goods
  • Eggs
  • Meat
  • Oils and shortenings
  • Poultry
  • Produce
  • Seafood

For a complete list see "Accepted certifications and label claims by product category."

Member Content

Food service products and services

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