One of the best ways to reduce the amount of waste you produce is not to buy it in the first place. As well as helping the environment and reducing the need for landfill this also lowers the cost of disposing of waste. Green (or sustainable) procurement plays part in developing an Environmental Management System and can have wider social and environmental benefits.
What businesses can do
Look at current procurement and consider where environmental costs can be reduced. Look at Biothinking and Envirowise.
Look for the energy saving recommended logo. Appliances that are energy efficient will help save you money and help the environment too. Visit the Energy Saving Trust for more information and look out for the EU Energy Label.
This helps to limit the over-use of resources, Wrap provide a directory of recycled products.
Examples of what Wealden is doing
The corporate procurement strategy includes sustainability in all procurement processes, you can find out more about procurement here and the corporate procurement guide is available as a pdf
Our green purchasing guide aims to help reduce waste by ensuring sustainability is considered by the Council when purchasing. This includes making eco-friendly purchases, looking at durability and the life of products, and encouraging suppliers to use less packaging. In 2006/07 this is being updated.