Sustainable Purchasing

Whether you are new to sustainable purchasing or not, the world of 'eco friendly' or 'green' products is hard to navigate.  While there is much really good information out there, there is a lot of "green washing", deliberate mis-information and partial information.  Naked Binder is putting together some pages that may help you navigate more easily to your goal.

Steps to sustainable purchasing in your company

RETHINK YOUR PURCHASE

• Consider whether you have used the existing product to the end of its useful life.
• Be creative. Ask whether you can meet your needs in another way.
• If the product is a consumable item, try to reduce your rate of consumption.

RENT, LEASE OR BUY IT SECOND HAND

• For products you use infrequently, ask your supplier if they rent or lease the product, otherwise check
with rental companies to see if they offer the product or service.
• Ask your supplier if they offer refurbished or second hand products, or check classifi eds and second
hand stores for gently used products.

CHOOSE A DURABLE OR LONGER-LIFE PRODUCT

• Before buying a disposable product, ask your supplier or vendor for non-disposable alternatives.
• Compare the cost of a less durable or disposable product (e.g. estimate cost per use to compare) with
a non-disposable version to determine whether you can save money.

CHOOSE PRODUCTS OR SERVICES DESIGNED TO ADDRESS SPECIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL OR SOCIAL CONCERNS

• Ask your supplier for products with environmental or social attributes that reduce impacts over its life cycle.
• Use an eco-labelling website to search for the products you need.
• State specifi c performance levels in your contracts and requests for bid.
• Visit the SmartSteps Products and Services Directory to fi nd suppliers of sustainable products and services.

CHOOSE SUPPLIERS COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABILITY

• Look for an environmental or sustainability policy on the supplier’s website.
• Ask the supplier questions that will clearly demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
• Check to see if the supplier is a member of Canadian Business for Social Responsibility (CBSR)
at www.cbsr.ca

CALCULATE THE TOTAL COST

• List the activities associated with owning the product (storage, maintenance, buy additional equipment,
energy use, waste disposal, administration).
• Estimate the costs of these activities.
• Calculate and compare the ‘total cost’ for each option.

REDUCE TRANSPORTATION IMPACTS

• Source products and services that minimize the use of natural resources and embodied energy.