Green Purchasing
For a product or service to be environmentally sustainable or “green” it needs to have a reduced negative effect on human health and the environment compared with other products and services that meet the same purpose. Choosing a “green” product or service does not necessarily mean that you will be paying more. Issues that should be considered in the purchasing decision include:
- the raw materials source;
- packaging;
- manufacturing;
- distribution;
- potential for reuse;
- potential for recycling;
- operation;
- maintenance;
- disposal;
- inclusion of recycled content;
- products that minimise waste, conserve energy or water; and
- products that reduce the amount of toxics disposed of or consumed.
The Northern Territory Government has demonstrated its commitment to green purchasing through the procurement principles outlined in Direction F2 of the Framework Series.
There are a number of useful websites that can help everyone “green up” their purchasing. The Australian Greenhouse Office provides a guide to choosing energy efficient appliances and the Northern Territory’s PowerWater provides a series of fact sheets on choosing energy efficient appliances.
ENERGY STAR is an international standard for energy efficient electronic equipment. The Australian Government and State and Territory Governments are cooperating through the national ENERGY STAR programme to encourage the use of energy efficient equipment at home and in business.
Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) Scheme can assist purchasers of household water-using products to compare the relative water efficiency of the available models.
Smart Approved WaterMark is Australia's water saving labelling program for products and services which are helping to reduce outdoor water use.
Shop Smart Buy Green is a consumers’ guide to purchasing to save money and reduce environmental impact, issued by the Australian Government.
The Australian Government has also established Voluntary tools to assist with environmentally sensitive purchasing.
The Good Environmental Choice Label scheme developed by the Australian Environmental Labelling Association, Inc.(AELA) isan environmental labelling program which indicates the environmental performance of a product from a whole of product life perspective for consumer goods. AELA also coordinates the Australian Green Procurement Data base
Ecobuy is a Victorian based program; however, searches may assist with sourcing companies that provide environmentally friendly products that also supply to the Northern Territory.
The views expressed in the linked websites should not be considered to be the views of the Northern Territory Government.
