– use clear, unambiguous language that is consistent across jurisdictions. Avoid terms such as endangered forests, ancient forests, intact forests or old growth forests that have a variety of meanings and often reflect different values.

– base decisions on life cycle assessment rather than a single environmental attribute. This provides an impartial comparison based on quantifiable indicators of environmental effects through the life of a product – from resource extraction, manufacturing, on-site construction, occupancy, to eventual demolition and disposal or reuse.

– third-party forest certification is proof that products come from a forest managed to comprehensive environmental, social and economic standards. Three respected independent certification programs are used in Canada – Canadian Standards Association (CSA), Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI).

– companies and governments can use their buying power to encourage suppliers to take actions such as certifying forest lands, implementing voluntary pollution control actions, or working with local or Aboriginal communities, governments and conservation interests.

– the most effective procurement policies are as objective and inclusive as possible. They focus on preferences that yield the greatest benefits without being too restrictive. This allows a choice of products and prices, and avoids potential trade barriers and anti-competitive practices.