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Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has extended the 45-Day Public Comment Period on the Safer Consumer Product proposed regulations (published in the California Regulatory Notice Register (Z-2012-0717-04)). The public comment period will now close on October 11, 2012 at 5:00 PM; however, the public hearing will proceed as scheduled on September 10, 2012.
Please direct any inquiries concerning this notice to:
Krysia Von Burg
Regulations Coordinator
Department of Toxic Substances Control
P.O. Box 806
Sacramento, CA 95812-0806
Tel: (916)324-2810
Fax: (916)324-1808
Sustainable Packaging Coalition releases "How2Recycle" Label
Published: June 11, 2012
Buyers can assist in meeting CalRecycle 75% recycling goals by choosing products that identify best practices for managing packaging waste. “The Sustainable Packaging Coalition has released a new ‘How2Recycle’ label that is designed to provide consumers with transparent on-package recycling information. The label details allow consumers to quickly identify components, materials, or special recycling instructions of the packaging.
California Sets Goals to Add Electric Vehicles to State's Fleet
Published: April 24, 2012
The State plans to increase its purchase of zero emission vehicles. The Governor’s Executive Order B-16-2012 sets goals to increase the State’s electric vehicle fleet by 10 percent in 2015 and by 25 percent in 2020.
Solar Reflective Colors for State Vehicles Published: April 19, 2012 The State of California is progressing further towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions through procuring light-duty passenger vehicles with solar reflective colors (white, silver metallic, and gold metallic). Studies have shown darker colors can raise a vehicle’s cabin temperature. Minimizing the use of air conditioning reduces the vehicle’s fuel consumption and thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Painting a New Picture Published: September 30, 2010 More than one waste management option will soon be available for architectural paint with the passing of California AB 1343 (2010 legislative session, PRC §48700). The law was enacted to reduce waste and conserve natural resources through a paint recovery program. Beginning April 1, 2012, California paint suppliers must supply a stewardship plan to CalRecycle. Government buyers can create an environmentally preferable purchase by checking suppliers for compliance and placing paint take-back language in contracts.
The Environmentally Preferable Purchasing program is proud to introduce the Buying Green website as a green procurement resource for buyers and suppliers. This online guide will encompass up-to-date buying tips, technical specifications, and statewide contracts. The Buying Green website will be replacing the Green California Best Practices Manual that was published in 2005. The Green California Best Practices Manual (PDF) will remain a viable resources in the archives section of the Buying Green Website.
Mercury Reduced in Lamps Published: October 7, 2009 The statewide, mandatory California Lamp Contract (contract # 1-10-62-31) was recently awarded and will become effective on May 20, 2010. Seeking improved environmental standards, the State reduced its allowable mercury content for compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), =25 watts, from 5.0 mg to 3.5 mg. While the mercury level has been reduced, agencies are reminded that these lamps are a universal waste and must be disposed of appropriately. It is unlawful to dispose of fluorescent lamps in the trash. An optional take-back program is available on the lamp contract for state agencies to safely remove used lamps.
Open Office Panel System Contract Greened Published: October 1, 2009 The Open Office Panel System Contract was awarded on October 2009 to Allsteel Incorporated. The California Statewide Office Furniture Contract (Open Office Panel Systems) represents one of the State’s most highly sustainable commodity products. The contract includes state of the art environmental specifications that encompass lighting energy efficiency, recycle content, reduced indoor air quality impacts including formaldehyde emissions and take-back recycle program. Purchase options are available for local government.. Non-Lead Rounds Available on Ammunition Contract Published: September 15, 2009 Non-lead, non-tactical ammunition is now available for agencies to use in firing ranges and reduce their lead exposure. Lead is a known toxin in the environment and in human health. In 2008 lead ammunition has been prohibited in zones inhabited by the California Condor. (See the Department of Fish and Game.) Many shooting ranges have also prohibited the use of lead ammunition due to the associated monitoring and cleanup requirements.
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