As we celebrate world environment day, and reflect on the environmental state of the planet and our efforts to improve it, it’s a good time to remind ourselves of the underlying cause of the environmental problems we face: our unsustainable patterns of production and consumption.

 

Every product or service has an impact on the environment, from the extraction of raw materials and its manufacture or production, to its distribution, packaging, use, and ultimate disposal.

 

All the way around this cycle, resources, energy and water are consumed, and pollution, waste and carbon emissions are produced, contributing to environmental problems at local, national and global levels.

 

The combined impact of all the purchasing decisions made by individuals, governments and businesses around the world is not only the underlying driver of our environmental problems, it also a key lever for us to make significant positive change.

 

Research shows that most of the carbon footprint of households is embedded in the goods and services they buy, and the story is similar for organisations - depending on the sector, 40% to 80% of an organisation’s carbon footprint resides in its supply chain.

 

Buying less, and then buying products and services that are less damaging to human health and the environment, not only reduces your own environmental footprint, but sends a message to businesses throughout the economy that if they can supply us with more sustainable options they will be rewarded with our business.

 

Our purchasing decisions are the vital lever for improving the way we design, source, manufacture, distribute, use and dispose of the myriad of goods and services that are a part of our economies and societies.

 

Buying greener is about reducing how much you buy, and then buying smarter when you do.

 

By the way, making greener choices doesn’t have to mean making more expensive choices. If what you’re buying uses less resources, reduces waste or improves water and energy efficiency, then it will ultimately save you money.

 

The question to ask is what does it really cost me or my organisation to own this?

 

In other words, you need to think beyond just the purchase price, take a broader cost of ownership approach and include areas such as operating, maintenance and disposal costs.

 

Do this, and you’ll be surprised at how many green options there are that also save you money.

 

So when you’re wondering what you or your organisation can do on world environment day, start by thinking about the purchasing decisions you make or influence. Select one and make a greener choice next time it’s purchased, and you’ll be reducing your environmental impact on the planet.

 

And remember, you’re not green if you’re not buying green! 

 

Happy World Environment Day from the ECO-Buy team.