SUSTAINABLE PURCHASING
Today’s Standards for Buying Green
Implementing sustainable purchasing practices for your home, office and business will save money, time, and improve the health and safety for all concerned.
Driven by scientific research, governments and businesses are working hard to reduce impact and invent cost effective solutions for a happier, healthier planet.
“Sustainable purchasing is a growing global trend. Increasingly businesses, governments, non-profits and other organizations are integrating social and environmental objectives into the purchasing process as a means to reduce their environmental footprint, leverage social benefits and foster a sustainable economy.” (source: www.ic.gc.ca - Purchasing for Sustainability)
Many studies have concluded that our planet is greatly impacted by toxic waste runoff from chemical compounds found in industrial chemicals, such as cleaning products. (1)
The effects of improper disposal have caused great concern over the last decade. (2)
SUPPORT LOCAL ECOSYSTEMS
General hand cleaners and industrial cleaning products can make a large impact on local ecosystems. Many of these products have harmful ingredients which enter into the environment through the air and water systems.
While considering the health and safety of employees, their families, their neighbourhoods as well as the surrounding natural habitats, many producers are implementing sustainable purchasing methods. Besides this being an incredible investment opportunity, the process also supports future generations of consumers.
Over the last few years, an international “eco” trend has surfaced. The use of toxic ingredients like Triclosan, and harmful additives like microbeads, are prohibited due to their negative impact on the environment.
Read more about micro beads and banned toxic ingredients on our WORX© NEWS page.
HEALTH, SAFETY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Governments and educational institutions around the globe are implementing “Sustainable Procurement” policies to off-set years of improper chemical use and unsustainable toxic waste disposal.
“Procurement is considered sustainable when organizations broadens this framework by meeting their needs for goods, services, works, and utilities in a way that achieves value for money and promotes positive outcomes not only for the organization itself but for the economy, environment, and society.” (3)
Leading nations are encouraging everyone to take big steps towards eco-friendly business solutions. (4)
Further, these countries are supporting and funding major “environmental impact” research facilities.
EDUCATION AND APPLICATION
Harvard University and other top educational institutions are paving the way towards a healthier planet. They have developed solution based guidelines, determined by observational research results for industry sustainability.
Their research teams are influencing governmental laws and waste policies through environmental education. (5) As a benefit, employers and employees are empowered to confidently bridge the gap between sustainability and environmental impact.
Switching to environmentally friendly certified products that meet research based standards, is highly regarded by governments and consumers whom are eager to follow sustainable purchasing guidelines too.
International standards set by third party research companies encourage all industry leaders and consumers to avoid and replace toxic products when available.
SUSTAINABLE CERTIFICATIONS
Identifying sustainable suppliers and products (ie. hand cleaners) can seem like a daunting task.
With the assistance of third party certified companies like GreenSeal (USA) and EcoLogo (CANADA); it is easier than ever to identify the best green chemistry cleaning products that meet or exceed environmentally supportive standards.
WORX© Environmental Products have been extensively reviewed and approved under both environmentally friendly labels, GreenSeal USA & EcoLogo Canada.
Our biodegradable hand cleaner, for example, is top rated for environmentally conscious ingredients and limited in toxic chemicals (ie. volatile organic compounds*) found in standard industrial cleaners.
“Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects.” (6)
TRANSITION TO CLEAN AND GREEN
Dematerialization and substitution are two sustainable strategies that assist large scale companies, as well as the average consumer, to make the transition from just clean, to clean and green.
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DEMATERIALIZATION This is a gradual process over time, where businesses and individuals focus on reducing materials and products where possible, and aim to use 100% recycled materials. |
SUBSTITUTION When a product is necessary, like hand cleaners, companies and individuals are encouraged to source eco-friendly alternatives. SOURCE: (Smart Purchases Big Impact) |
WHAT YOUR TEAM CAN DO TO HELP
Changing our world through education
To lead your team, community and family into a healthy, thriving future, choose products that align with science and have researched based certifications, as aforementioned.
May our children's grand children enjoy the natural wonders of the world for centuries to come, all because we worked together to make a difference today.
Your team, and your family, can help the future, one purchase at a time.
Choose to be environmentally clean, choose green!
• KNOW YOUR SUPPLIERS
• TRUST YOUR SALES REPRESENTATIVES
• CHOOSE THIRD-PARTY CERTIFIED PRODUCTS
From industrial job sites, suppliers and family run businesses; we make it easy for consumers to do the right thing for the planet and the people.
Performance, Safe for the User, Environmentally Responsible and Cost Effective
Sources & References:
- http://www.encyclopedia.com/earth-and-environment/ecology-and-environmentalism/environmental-studies/hazardous-waste
- http://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/toxic-waste/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_procurement
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_environmenta...
- http://internal.procurement.harvard.edu/files/procurement/files/sustainable_purchasing_guidelines.pdf?m=1435290912
- https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality
Additional Information:
GOV CANADA WEBSITE (Purchasing for Sustainability)
TRIPLE PUNDIT (People Planet Profit)
WIKIPEDIA (Sustainable Procurement)
CITY OF VANCOUVER (Sustainable Purchasing)
THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Sustainable Purchasing Guide)
THE UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN (Smart Purchases Big Impact)