Every day, local and state governments purchase thousands of products for agencies, departments, and institutions. Millions of dollars are  spent on everything from paper products to building materials. Some products, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, chlorine-bleached paper, and electronics with toxic flame retardants result in persistent toxic pollution.

From buying chlorine-free paper to seeking alternatives to PVC pipes, flooring, and traffic cones, governments can help shift the market toward cleaner, safer alternatives.

Washington Toxics Coalition works with local and state governments to implement purchasing policies to end the purchase of products that result in persistent toxic pollution.

Hot Topics

City of Seattle Purchasing Resolution

On July 1, 2002, the City of Seattle adopted a first-in-the-nation resolution to reduce the purchase of products that result in persistent toxic pollution. The resolution seeks to eliminate the purchase of chlorine bleached paper, PVC building materials and
office supplies, utility poles treated with pentachlorophenol, and mercury auto switches.

• Seattle PBT Resolution (Word document)

In March 2004, Washington Toxics Coalition and local residents in Olympia started the Healthy Olympia Task Force. The task force is working to pass an ordinance that would end the purchase of products by the city government that result in persistent toxic pollution. It would also ban the use of high hazard pesticides by the city.

• Statement of Support (Word document)

Key Resources

• City of Seattle Office of Sustainability Inventory and Implementation Plan (PDF file)