Maryland Department of General Services Celebrates Earth Day

Maryland Green Purchasing Committee Showcases Vendors Providing Environmentally Preferable Products to the State 

BALTIMORE, MD-The Maryland Department of General Services (DGS) along with the Maryland Green Purchasing Committee (MD GPC) is hosting an Earth Day Celebration on April 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the lobby of 301 W. Preston St. Baltimore, MD. The celebration will include a vendor fair, showcasing vendors that provide environmentally preferable products and services to the State.

“Earth Day is a wonderful opportunity to educate state agencies about the importance of green procurement strategies,” said Secretary Ellington E. Churchill, Jr., who also serves as the Green Purchasing Committee Chair for the state. “When we make the choice to ‘buy green,’ we protect our environment and the health of our communities.”

Participating vendors offer green products and services including office supplies, technology, janitorial products and services, recycling, and more. These products and services are available through existing State contracts and offer less adverse impact to the environment and human health.

Earth Day is an annual event that raises awareness about the importance of protecting our environment. The Maryland Department of General Services, which chairs the Green Purchasing Committee, will be joining over 200 countries celebrating Earth Day.

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About DGS: The Department of General Services is responsible for essential services and programs administered on behalf of the state, including procuring goods and services; designing, building, leasing, managing and maintaining facilities; leading energy conservation efforts; and providing essential services such as fuel management, disposition of surplus property and records management. The Department of General Services Maryland Capitol Police maintains safety and security at state buildings.

About MD GPC:  The Maryland Green Purchasing Committee, is an interagency committee created by the Green Maryland Act of 2010 and tasked with providing the State with education and training promoting environmentally preferable purchasing. The Committee develops and implements statewide green purchasing policies, guidelines, programs, best practices, and regulations which will provide benefits to the health and well‐being of Maryland citizens and environment. The Committee meets quarterly and meetings are open to non-members.