The idea is not only to reduce purchases of toxic materials but also to promote more efficient use of resources and to cut waste by encouraging the purchase of best-in-class products and services.

For a “buy green” policy to work, purchasing departments need easy access to up-to-date, reliable information on product specifications and performance. With support from the Grand Victoria Foundation and Chicago Community Trust, the Delta Institute is working in Chicago on a green purchasing ordinance and pilot study with a few city departments to determine what type of technical assistance is most useful. Delta is investigating the most effective ways to provide continually updated best-in-class information and data about high-volume commodity products, as well as specialty needs related to construction and other projects. Delta will also explore training and consulting services and the potential to create a Chicago-region green purchasing network.

The Grand Rapids initiative grew out of a workshop with city officials, local industry and community organizations to analyze and address ecosystem impairments to the local watershed. Stakeholders asked Delta to help design a regional program to guide purchasing decisions by business and industry as well as local government. Promoting the purchase of locally produced green products will not only help address ecosystem impairments to air and water quality but will also conserve resources and foster economic development. With support from the Herman Miller Foundation, the Delta Institute is working with key stakeholders to identify categories of products with which to kick off the regional purchasing initiative. (more)...