EPP Vendor Fair and Conference

Last year's event specifically addressed the budget woes of many state and local governments by focusing on ways to save money through green purchasing. The slate of workshops featured such topics as, "Cutting Costs with Cutting Edge Products", "Gain Without Pain - Money and Energy", "Cleaning for Health with EPPs", "Best Management Practices - Sustainability in Action", and "Green Renovations without Demolishing your Budget". Several electric and alternative fuel vehicles models were on hand for a test drive, including a waterless street sweeper already in use by one MA community.

Awards were given to government agencies and private companies. The Sustainable Purchasing/Practices Award was presented to the City of Waltham. Arlington received the Municipal Award for its exceptional approach to EPP purchasing and comprehensive program of sustainable community planning and growth. The Bureau of State Office Buildings (BSOB) and Department of Corrections (DOC) both received Agency Awards - BSOB for their expanded recycling program and recent introduction of EPP cleaning products to four state buildings, and DOC for their unparalleled commitment to recycling and multi-facility retrofit project that saved nearly $1.5 million in less than one year.

Business awards were presented to Diversified Business Systems, a Haverhill-based printing company, and Agresource Inc. for their leadership efforts in waste reduction and for offering value-added services aimed at saving money for their customers.