Ohio is a national leader in requiring state entities, colleges and universities to give purchasing preference to bio-based products when the products are comparable in price, performance and availability.

A law to encourage use of bio-based products was passed about a year ago and a new website, From the Earth, was launched in February to help state agencies source these products. No other state has a program similar to From the Earth.

“Bio-based products have less impact on the environment than petroleum-based counterparts because they are biodegradable, comprised of renewable resources and have decreased disposal and cleanup costs,” says Tadd Nicholson, head of government and industry affairs for the Ohio Corn Marketing Program and Ohio Small Grains Marketing Program.

The website helps purchasing agents find products made from corn, wheat and soybeans by Ohio companies. For more information, visit www.FromTheEarth-Bioproducts.com.