Procurement

What are some procurement strategies MIT community members can use to make a difference?
 

• select reusable goods in place of single-use items such as disposable foodservice ware, bulk coffee and consumables, and event supplies.
• utilize Rheaply, a free-to-use marketplace that provides a platform for the MIT community to share available resources for reuse across different departments on campus. Through MIT’s contract with Rheaply, community members can find available on-campus resources—from lab supplies to letterhead—to help you save money and protect the environment.
• seek partnerships with our suppliers who promote environmentally preferred products and alternatives
• follow MIT’s guidelines for purchasing goods that are made from recycled materials; check out these tips from Working Green at MIT
• purchase materials that are less toxic and made from renewable resources, contributing to a safer workplace
• collaborate across departments to purchase in bulk, reducing energy use in the delivery of goods
• to extend a products’ useful life, consider durability and multi-use functionality when procuring furnishing and other large items
• before replacing damaged items, check for complimentary repair and replacement options with warranties
• begin planning for donation or placement of replacement products at the time of purchasing new items (i.e. post on Rheaply in advance)
• support local economies and women- and minority-owned businesses
• to reduce the impacts of chemical procurement, contact Patrick O’Donnell from MIT Environment, Health and Safety Office to request access to the chemical swap email or 617-715-2476
• learn about the benefits and attributes of safer chemicals with MIT’s Environmental, Health and Safety Assistant 

How can MIT community members ensure they host sustainable events?

On-campus events are an excellent way to make an impact on sustainability efforts at MIT. From eliminating food waste to working with green caterers to using paperless invitations, find out about how you can make good purchasing decisions with our Sustainable Event Self-Certification.

How can MIT community members make more sustainable business travel choices?

While avoiding travel remains one of the most effective strategies for carbon emissions reduction, we recognize that such an approach may not always be practical. Therefore, MIT has contracted with Climate Vault, a non-profit organization, to facilitate the purchase of government-regulated carbon credits for MIT travel. Learn how to participate and other sustainable travel practices.