Boston Mayor Thomas A. Menino signed the "Green BuildingMaintenance Order," his second major executive order on greeninitiatives. Aimed at increasing the purchase of environmentallypreferred cleaning supplies, expanding recycling programs in cityfacilities and advancing green policies around the city, the newpolicy will cover approximately 400 buildings and facilities inBoston.

"This is yet another step in which the city is working towardreducing waste and creating more innovative strategies to improvethe efficiency and sustainability of our operations. We haveseveral strategies that are already working and I am committed totaking these best practices citywide," Menino said in theannouncement.

Several city agencies have implemented green initiatives,including programming computers to shut off automaticallyovernight, converting public schools from oil to natural gas, andthe use of energy-efficient lighting.