Buy Green & Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Achieve net-zero waste and sustainable procurement

Sustainable material management in NPS operations, from using locally sourced and environmentally friendly construction materials to diverting solid waste from landflls, signifcantly benefts the environment. Material production, transportation, and disposal results in broad environmental impacts.

The NPS, together with its partners, will strive to reduce its impact on the environment, human health, and the waste-stream across the product lifecycle by adhering to sustainable procurement practices and principles while pursuing waste generation and reduction opportunities in national parks.

Objectives:

1. Comply with federal sustainable acquisition regulations and demonstrate annual improvement in the percentage of sustainable contract actions.
2. Include sustainable procurement requirements in 100 percent of applicable construction and service contracts.
3. Divert 50 percent of municipal solid waste including construction and demolition debris by 2025 and 75 percent by 2030.
4. Reduce waste generation annually on a per-visitor basis.
5. Phase out single-use plastic products by the end of 2032.

The NPS is committed to preserving and safeguarding our country’s natural wonders. We accomplish this many ways, including continuing our committment to reducing and eliminating the use of single use plastics. This formal strategy reflects our unwavering dedication to creating a more sustainable future for generations to come. We warmly invite you to join us in this mission as we actively involve visitors, partners, and stakeholders in embracing the principles outlined in this plan.

To learn more, view the NPS Plastics Elimination and Reduction Plan (2KB).