ECO-Buy Program

In July 2003, the City of Stonnington enhanced its commitment to sustainable resource management through the implementation of the ECO-buy green purchasing program.

The program aims to encourage government and other large organisations to incorporate environmental considerations into their purchasing decisions. Currently, 65 per cent of Victorian local Council's are members of ECO-buy. The program is a joint initiative of the Municipal Association of Victoria, Sustainability Victoria, and the Victorian Greenhouse Strategy

What is green purchasing?

Purchasing products that are made from an existing 'waste' material or product, or that is environmentally friendly is green purchasing. E.g. Council purchases mobile garbage bins that are made from used plastic milk bottles. Council also purchases rainwater tanks to reuse stormwater for toilet flushing and irrigation in some locations. By preferring to buy green, Council is reducing its impact on our natural resources.

Why is green purchasing important?

The long-term success of kerb-side recycling depends on developing markets for recyclable materials. Materials collected from kerbside are not truly recycled until they are manufactured into new products and sold. This is referred to as 'closing the loop'.

For further information on the ECO-buy program or to find products containing recycled materials or that are environmentally friendly, visit the ECO-buy website.

Council's Progress

Council has developed Environmental Purchasing Guidelines that provides a framework to encourage the sustainable use of resources, where the product is preferably made locally at a reasonable cost.