ABSTRACT
The community’s quality of health is, in part, dependent on keeping the environment free of toxic chemicals.194 Waste management and chemical management both touch on this subject. They are downstream mitigation methods once toxic substances have already been used and have the
potential to create negative impacts. Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) is the front door to sustainability because it prevents toxic substances from entering healthcare facilities in the fi rst place. The healthcare industry has the opportunity to act as an agent for change in environmentally sustainable market trends by employing its large purchasing power. Across the country and the world, hospitals are partnering with group purchasing organizations (GPO) and manufacturers to eliminate toxic chemicals from healthcare products and facilities. This chapter is a resource for leaders to explore why and how EPP opportunities are a means of achieving quality goals.
