The Santa Clarita City Council approved the adoption of a new Environmental Preferable Purchasing (EPP) program at the August 23 City Council Meeting. The new purchasing program is considered a cornerstone by the California Integrated Waste Management Board and is aimed at helping to reduce waste and pollution.

California State law requires that all State agencies and public entities purchase recycled, repairable, and durable goods to reduce the quantity and toxicity of waste in California. The newly adopted EPP program will help improve the City’s waste diversion rate and its compliance with State law.

It encourages source reduction strategies, such as using electronic media rather than paper, and using reusable and refillable materials and containers whenever possible. The new EPP program also encourages water and energy conservation through the use of efficient landscaping, lighting, and air-conditioning technologies.

In keeping with the new environmentally sound program, the City has committed to purchasing cleaning products that don’t create harmful emissions and all new paints will be low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The green building aspects of the new program will result in more efficient and healthier City buildings.

“The City is dedicated to adhering to the most environmentally sound programs available,” says Mayor Cameron Smyth. “We hope to set an example for other local businesses. Ultimately the goal is to create a healthier, more efficient system with very little waste or emissions.”

For more information on the new Environmentally Preferable Purchasing program, please contact the City’s Purchasing Department at 661/286-4184. For questions regarding the environmental impacts of the program, please contact the City’s Environmental Services Division at 661/286-4098.