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CnGCKMSt ^^-' Environmentally Beneficial Landscaping
Rebuying means re-thinking your purchasing habits. Look for products that meet your needs but
have a better environmental profile than your current product purchases. Consider biobased,
recycled content, and other environmentally preferable aspects in your purchasing decisions.
Recycled products, for example, are often more durable than those made with virgin materials,
saving money and raw materials over time.
From simple to extensive, consider some of these rebuy opportunities when available. This is just
a short list of possible options to help improve your environmental profile and bottom linethe
opportunities are virtually limitless.
Waste
Select plastic lumber made from recycled bottles and bags for benches and other outdoor structures.
Incorporate rubberized asphalt (made from recycled tires) for parking lots, walking, running, bike, or
cart paths.
Purchase patio blocks and lawn edging containing recovered plastic or postconsumer rubber.
Amend soils and turf with high quality compost.
Use recycled glass for golf course bunker sand, beach sand, or filter media.
Specify high performance concrete, which can contain fly ash and/or other recycled materials to
double the life of conventional pavement, wall, and bridge applications. Visit the Coal Combustion
Products Partnership site for more information.
Restructure waste disposal contracts to pay only for waste actually disposed - weight-based versus
fixed rate; if a weight-based rate is not possible and yourdumpster is only half-full each time - switch
to less frequent pickups.
Install composting toilets in remote locations such as parks and golf courses to save on waste
disposal costs.
& Water
Buy hoses, tubing, trickle irrigation systems made from recovered plastic and old tires.
Use biobased cleaners and solvents for equipment.
Install a green vegetated roof to reduce or eliminate stormwater and "heat island" effect. See EPA's
Stormwater Management page for more information.
Purchase and incorporate plants that require minimal or no supplemental watering.
Air & Energy
Purchase biodiesel and biobased lubricants for your equipment.
Compost makes an excellent air filter media for volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Specify Green Buildings requirements for building structures.
Plant trees to replace those removed or damaged during construction.
Buy locally produced goods and services whenever possible to reduce transportation emissions and
costs.
Purchase or rent fuel efficient vehicles for your fleet.
Use high efficiency lighting for roadways, parking lots, security, and landscaping.
Use solar powered lighting and signage wherever possible.
Utilize solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources. Purchase "green power" from renewable
energy sources if available.
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Fertilizers and Pesticidess
Purchase organic, biobased, or slow-release fertilizers.
Use biopesticides instead of conventional pesticides.
Also check out the extensive list of products from the Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines (CPG) at
http://www.epa.gov/cpg/ and Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) program at
http://www.epa.gov/epp/.
www.epa.gov/qreenscapes
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EPA530-F-07-033
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