Green Purchasing Networks
Local purchasing networks allow cities and towns to reduce transportation costs and reduce greenhouse gases by pooling their resources to reduce prices and provide opportunities for local vendors.
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Purchasing networks generally have more power to purchase "environmentally preferable" products and services – those that have a reduced negative impact on the environment and human health. Many municipalities have found that environmentally preferable products actually work as well or better than traditional products, and in many cases, can be more cost-effective.
Resources
The Green Purchasing Network at Green America represents a community of environmentally-ethical and socially-responsible small businesses.
The Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) has established the Kansas City Regional Purchasing Cooperative (KCRPC) to help local governments increase their purchasing power and decrease administrative costs.
International Green Purchasing Network is dedicated to promoting the spread of environmentally friendly product and service development and Green Purchasing activities.
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References
[1] Seyfang, G. (2006). Ecological citizenship and sustainable consumption: Examining local organic food networks. Journal or Rural Studies, 22(4), 383-395.
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[2] Ottman, J. A., et al. (2006). Avoiding Green Marketing Myopia: Ways to Improve Consumer Appeal for Environmentally Preferable Products. Environment: Science and Policy for Sustainable Development, 48(5), 22-36.
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[3] Gloria, T. P., et al. (2007). Life Cycle Impact Assessment Weights to Support Environmentally Preferable Purchasing in the United States. Environmental Science & Technology, 41(21), 7551-7557.