Testimony
of Thomas Ibsen
To Whom It May
Concern,
I am writing to
voice my support to the Senate Environment and Publics Works Committee proposal
to strengthen the use of federal procurement practices as a means of
strengthening markets for recycled goods.
The federal
government certainly is the largest employer and purchaser in the country.
Practices undertaken by the GSA and other federal agencies can play a big part
in helping to guide product development towards sustainability and reuse. Helping to close the cycle of recycling by
purchasing products with a higher post‑consumer recycled content is only
one mechanism that the government can use to help stimulate product development
in these areas.
The federal
government might also consider restricting the purchase of certain resource
intensive products such as those made of plastics when products of equal
quality and durability already are constructed out of biodegradable materials.
For example, packing peanuts are readily found in a cellulose‑based form
that dissolves in water and is made of plant cellulose produced by American
farmers. Styrofoam packing peanuts
produced from oil‑based plastics are a landfill filler and litter the
streets, parks and waters of our cities after blowing out of the trash.
Similarly, the
government should consider the life of the product when making purchases. A $5 plastic stapler that breaks after a
year and ends up in a land‑fill is not a good choice when a sturdy metal
stapler that will last 10 or more years is currently available for $15.
Our nation's
government has the wonderful opportunity to set an example for state, county
and municipal governments within the United States and nations across the world
by adopting purchasing practices that benefit both the environment AND the tax‑payers
of this country. This is clearly a win‑win situation.
Please investigate
and continue strengthening our government's purchasing power in shaping the
future of our nation and the world. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Thomas Ibsen
1788 Palace Ave.
Saint Paul, MN 55105