Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) or Green Purchasing, means to purchase a product that has a lesser or reduced negative effect or increased positive effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products that serve the same purpose.
Incorporating EPP in the procurement process considers raw materials acquisition, production, fabrication, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, reuse, operation, maintenance, and disposal of the product. The EPP Policy was created in compliance with Executive Order D2015-013 to reduce consumption, waste, and possible environmental impacts by considering life cycle when making purchasing decisions.
EPA Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines, Paper Products