Green Purchasing Makes Slight Gains

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OAKLAND, Calif. -- Slightly more companies than last year are using green procurement policies, says TerraChoice's latest Ecomarkets report, but the bigger change is in what environmental issues are most important.

The "Ecomarkets 2008 Summary Report" compiles responses from 336 U.S. and Canadian procurement professionals about environmentally preferable purchasing.

The list of environmental issues organizations take into account, in order of importance, stayed mostly the same, with a few standout exceptions. Energy conservation went from third to second place, staying below human health, but above toxics. Recycled content rose from ninth place to fifth. Reduced packaging moved to above greenhouse gas emissions, climate change and biodegradability.

The number of organizations with green purchasing polices rose from 60 percent to 62 percent, and slightly more companies reported that environmental factors influence at least some aspect of their spending.

In both 2007 and 2008, about one-third of the companies surveyed said 40 percent or more of their spending is influenced by purchasing policies or environmental factors. About half said one-40 percent of their spending is affected the same way.

In looking to the future, 16 percent of companies said they do not have, but plan to make, green purchasing plans, and 91 percent believe they will increase their green purchases in the next two years.

Education about green issues was highlighted as a key skill in two areas. The majority of organizations feel greenwashing needs to be addressed, and the solution with the most support is better education of buyers, followed by better enforcement of existing policies. Educating buyers was also recognized as the best way to stimulate green purchasing, along with more competitive pricing of green products.

Labels also have heavy support, with 72 percent of organizations say that eco-labels lead to better purchasing decisions. Energy Star, EcoLogo and Green Seal are the logos relied on the most for green purchases.

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