The Department of General Services recently provided new resources on green purchasing through the “Buy Green” tab on its website.  Established to highlight the work of the Green Purchasing Committee, which MACo serves on as an AD HOC member, the site now includes a “best practices” manual, purchasing guidelines for selecting environmentally preferable products, a listing of acceptable recycled products, and resources and training information.  The site will be updated as new training opportunities and information becomes available.

The purpose of the Green Purchasing Committee is to continually seek ways to conserve energy and preserve the environment, which can also result in substantial cost savings.  The Maryland Green Purchasing Guidelines provide best practices for energy management and for obtaining, utilizing, and disposing of commodities necessary to carry out the function of state government.  Local governments have been asked to participate as AD HOC members of the committee to share resources and expertise.  Local governments can also benefit from many of the procurement contracts that the State may already have in place.