A good purchasing practice will have a long-term benefit for your property. A good purchasing practice will directly and conspicuously reduce the volume and toxicity of wastes. Like any other office, hotel offices also deal with paper products, stationery, and office equipment like printers, copiers, and fax machines.

A well-defined waste management system alone may not be effective if your hotel ignores the purchasing issue. More often the volume of wastes depends upon what, where, when and how to purchase. The purchasing policy itself must be both economically and environmentally sound.

You might want to consider Eco-Purchasing programs which can successfully assist hotel purchasing managers reduce and control the volume and toxicity of wastes generated in offices.  The program can help reduce the hotel operational costs and support recycling.

Here are some simple Eco-Purchasing management ideas for your hotel office :

• Purchase :
  Recycled and recyclable office products
  Locally made products
  Minimal packaged office supplied to reduce waste.
  In bulk specifically what and when you really need.
  Non-toxic inks & correction fluid for reducing hazardous waste & protecting employees.
  Remanufactured toner cartridges for laser printers, copy machines, typewriters & fax machines.
  Office appliances that don't require batters or use rechargeable batteries.
  Office furniture and supplies made from recycled materials.
  Energy efficient equipment: lights or lamps, computers, printers, copiers and fax machines ( look for the Energy Start label).

• Avoid products containing environmentally harmful materials
• Avoid unnecessary purchasing
• Be aware of the international recycling symbol on purchased paper products
• Do not order or purchase for only one office at one time which may cost more on delivery
• Keep all purchasing records in file
• Inform your suppliers about your Eco-Purchasing program
• Communicate and recommend the importance of the effective purchasing program hotel managers and employees