Downtown Surplus Store Offers Gently Used University Inventory

In 2014, Grand Valley opened a surplus store on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus that provides the general public with the chance to purchase university inventory that’s no longer in use.

When items have reached the end of their lifecycle or are no longer needed, Procurement Services collects them from the GVSU community and makes them available for sale at the retail store. The goal of the store is to reduce the amount of university materials that goes to a landfill. When items cannot be reused, they are recycled. Some items, such as electronics or hazardous materials, require specialized handling. 

Local procurement GVSU strives to raise awareness of Michigan-based companies and support locally produced items through spending on construction, renovation, and campus operations. Part of this is done through group procurement in collaboration with the West Michigan Sustainable Purchasing Consortium. Visit wmspc.org for more information.

Recycled paper As a result of purchasing recycled papers and envelopes, Grand Valley contributes to the conservation of natural resources.

Surplus Store The GVSU Surplus Store was created to reduce environmental impact by engaging in sustainable practices by providing items that have reached the end of their shelf life for sale to the general public, as well as providing an avenue for educating students in the field of business. Its goal is to reduce the amount of university materials that go to a landfill. In its first year, the Surplus Store recycled nearly 120,000 pounds of metal and over 5.5 tons of e-waste.

Diversity Grand Valley consciously partners with a diverse network of qualified vendors. Through our supplier diversity program, GVSU is affiliated with organizations like the Alliance of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), the Michigan Minority Business Enterprise Center (MMBEC), and the Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC). 

Buy fair trade certified products The Fair Trade CertifiedTM label guarantees consumers that strict economic, social, and environmental criteria were met in the production and trade of an agricultural product. Fair trade certification is currently available in the U.S. for coffee, tea and herbs, cocoa and chocolate, fresh fruit, flowers, sugar, rice, vanilla, and more. For more information, visit fairtradeusa.org/. 

Buy sustainable products Look for products with a high post-consumer recycled content that are Green Seal or Forest Stewardship Council certified; that are biodegradable, non-chlorine bleached, and do not use harsh chemicals in their processing; and that can replace disposable goods (such as cloth napkins).

Shop locally Buy from locally owned stores and manufacturers.
This helps support a strong local economy because local businesses tend to use other local businesses for their services and supplies, and they give more back to the community through philanthropy. Learn more at localfirst.com/.