Purchasing

NOLS purchases environmentally preferable products wherever possible. Post-consumer recycled paper fiber, local and organic foods, non-toxic cleaners and more are all priorities when it comes to making purchasing decisions.

NOLS also purchases a significant amount of outdoor gear, and we support companies with strong environmental practices. We are developing protocols that our staff can use to make sustainable purchasing decisions, no matter where in the world they are or what department they are working in.

Paper

• NOLS Pacific Northwest purchases recycled toner cartridges and office paper that is 100% acid-free and made from 100% post consumer waste fiber.
• Wherever economically feasible, NOLS Headquarters strives to purchase bathroom, kitchen, and office paper with a minimum of 50% post consumer content and as much recycled content as possible. Paper from endangered forests or that is processed using chlorine and bleach are avoided. One-sided paper is reused or turned into notepads.

Green Cleaning and Gardening

• NOLS Australasia follows the NOLS Green Cleaning protocol, making natural cleaners from ingredients such as vinegar and baking powder whenever possible. Purchasing poison-free cleaning products is the best option for all of our bases.
• NOLS Rocky Mountain uses only natural products for weed control and fertilizer, such as corn gluten for weed prevention, a product called Revive for increased water retention, and a fatty acids spray for broadleaf weed control in the parking lots and along sidewalks.

Food

• NOLS Rocky Mountain continues to research healthier and organic products for field rations. In conjunction with the sustainability department, the rations department is working to lessen costs and source better and more local food products.
• NOLS Alaska has a unique food program. They raise pigs that are fed partly from kitchen waste. These pigs were used not only for pork in the summer but to help prepare the ground to enlarge the garden project. In 2008 NOLS Alaska raised about 100 meat chickens that were used for feeding students in the summer. The chickens are used in a chicken tractor that helps to naturally fertilize the fields.

Want to know more about how we make sustainable purchasing decisions? Click here to see our protocols for food, green cleaners, paper, and more!