Some products contain substances that break down the protective ozone layer that shields our planet from harmful ultraviolet rays. While these products are being phased out in many countries, you should check to make sure that the products you are using are not damaging the ozone layer.

Consider consulting your suppliers about the ozone depleting potential of the products they provide. The product specifications listed below should serve as a useful guide on how to avoid these chemicals.

Green Seal’s preferable product list contains several less harmful options for a range of product categories. You may also want to consult EPA’s Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Database, which contains product specifications and contract language for a wide variety of additional products. The Oikos Green Product Database is another resource.

Many products contain chemicals that can destroy the protective layer of ozone that surrounds our planet. You should try to avoid products with the following kinds of chemicals:

• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
• Halons
• Carbon tetrachloride
• Methyl chloroform
• Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)
• Methyl bromide

Dear _______,

The Washington Nationals have initiated an effort to improve our environmental performance in all aspects of our operations. We would like to meet with you to discuss these objectives in more detail. We would also like to discuss ways to cost-effectively switch to products within the next few years that do not contribute to the depletion the ozone layer.

We would like to reduce as much as possible the harmful effects associated with our operations, and we would like to speak with you to ensure that the products we are purchasing do not contribute to this problem.

Please call me as soon as you can so that we can set a time for a meeting to pursue this discussion.

Very Truly Yours,

Beneficial atmospheric ozone – as opposed to harmful ground-level ozone – filters out ultraviolet radiation from the sun that can cause cancer. Many products, such as refrigerants and aerosols, were once made with compounds that destroyed ozone when they were released into the atmosphere. In 1985, scientists discovered that concentrations of ozone in the atmosphere were falling rapidly, especially near the poles. This drop has since been attributed to ozone depleting substances such as CFCs and HCFCs. Although the Montreal Protocol treaty has greatly reduced the use of CFCs, some products in some countries are still made with these harmful chemicals.

EPA ozone depletion home
Class I ozone depleting substances
Class II ozone depleting substances
NOAA - Ozone home
NASA’s Ozone Hole Watch
EPA – Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines: Suppliers Database
Environmental Benefits and Cost Savings Calculator for Purchasers
Green Seal Less-Toxic Products