Your purchasing policy can encourage green purchasing and clarify the budgetary commitment to procuring products that have a more positive impact on our health and our natural environment.

Tips:

  • Establish purchasing that prioritizes toxin-free, low-packaging supplies or materials — reusable or recyclable when possible.
  • You can create your own list of approved items (example: Conscious Consumption Policy) or use a pre-made list, e.g., Green Seal, Safer Choice or other lists.
  • A cross-departmental employee task force can create the list of preferred products or brands; the list should be updated annually to accommodate discontinued, changed or new products.
  • Buying local supports local jobs and reduces carbon emissions from long distance delivery and transportation.
  • Giving preference to vendors who are also purchasing green can multiply your greening effect.
  • Your purchasing policy needs to clarify your budgetary commitment to green purchasing (e.g., purchasing locally or products with high post-consumer or organic content can be more environmentally friendly — what extra percent are you able to pay if the price is higher?).
  • Educating new employees (and re-educating long-time employees) ensures that the purchasing priorities will be used continuously.