Buying environmentally friendly products can make a real difference to the impact we have on our environment and at the same time save money and resources.

We should be aiming to make sure that all purchasing decisions take the environment into account, that they consider the full life cycle of the product and that a vibrant market of green suppliers exists to meet our purchasing needs.

The Victorian Government has clearly signalled its commitment to this area through its Sustainability Action Statement and by using our purchasing power to send strong market signals for sustainable products and services.

We need to explore ways to make it easy for organisations to be environmentally aware by providing the expertise, tools and assistance to enable sustainable purchasing choices.

ECO-Buy is recognised as a leading green purchasing organisation in Australia putting Victoria in the forefront of this exciting area.

I am happy to support this exciting organisation. All Victorians can look forward to its increasing impact as it expands its services and membership across Victoria. I hope that this includes developing sustainable purchasing programs within State Government Departments and Authorities.