Sonya J. Capek, Pacific West Region, National Park Service, Tools to Promote Environmental Purchasing (Environmental Preferability):

Sonya Capek developed Environmental Purchasing in the National Park Service: A How-To Guide that includes federal requirements, principles, an Affirmative Procurement Plan, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) considerations, reporting, resources, tips, examples, and Comprehensive Procurement Guideline (CPG) tracking spreadsheets. In conjunction with the "how-to-guide," she developed Environmental Contracting training for 40 Pacific West Region (PWR) procurement/contracting officers and project managers. Sonya also developed two exceptionally user-friendly guides: The Green Janitorial Products and Practices Guide identifies non-toxic products, vendor sources, General Services Administration (GSA) availability and Green Seal standards; and The 100+ Best Management Practices Guide recommends a variety of practices defining "what a green park looks like" and supports the Strategic Plan for Greening the DOI. As a result of Sonya's efforts, seventeen PWR parks initiated or completed Integrated Solid Waste Alternative Programs (ISWAP) in 2002. All PWR parks are using at least CPG compliant recycled content paper. Sonya revised the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) Construction Waste Management master specifications section, and encouraged its inclusion in all PWR construction specifications. She maintains a "help line" for inquiries from both within and outside the NPS. The effect of Sonya's outreach is measured by the large number of park staff, contracting and procurement personnel, educators, and concessions staff who are now familiar with and consider environmentally preferable and CPG products.