Prioritize Climate-smart Purchasing and Contracting

The power of the marketplace in promoting sustainability is huge, and growing, and more and more suppliers offer sustainable options. Local governments, like their counterparts in business, can improve their sustainability simply by choosing to purchase and use safe, energy efficient and non-polluting products, like non-toxic cleaners, energy saving lighting and equipment, alternative fuel fleet vehicles and recycled paper products. Local governments can also help improve the entire supply chain by insisting on sustainable goods and practices in contracts with vendors and companies with which they do business. As more local governments and businesses request sustainable goods and practices within procurement and contracting agreements, the more those suppliers and service providers will pass those demands up the supply chain. Learn about responsible purchasing options through the resources below.