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, go to www.mav.asn.au/ecobuy
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.
This year Council spent over 1 million dollars on green products and will continue to try and increase the green expenditure total so it is a greater percentage of Council's total expenditure each financial year.
Why buy green?
Buying 'Green' helps to:
- Reduce waste to landfill
- Reduce greenhouse emissions
- Reduce energy consumption
- Reduce water use
- Reduce the use of toxic chemicals
- Create a healthier environment
- Minimise damage to human health
- Demonstrate environmental leadership to your community
- Demonstrate clear corporate responsibility
- Save money
- Increase staff satisfaction
- Assist in creating a sustainable future
- Demonstrate clearly your commitment to sustainability
- Stimulate demand for recyclable materials collected at kerbside
- Support and encourage new clean green industries
You Can Buy Green Too
You too can support green purchasing everyday and support environmentally sustainable markets just by following the three principles of;
Reduce - be sure to examine the products you are buying and do not purchase products with excess packaging and avoid plastic bags.
Reuse - Use the same item more than once, therefore extending the useful life of products before replacing an item. Ensure that new purchases are durable, have a long service life and are easy to maintain and up grade.
Recycle - Purchase products that contain recycled materials or those that have been remanufactured. Buy products that are recyclable at the end of their useful life.
Green Suppliers
Visit the ECO-Buy website to view a list of suppliers of green products in a range of categories from energy and water saving products to building and construction materials.
Ecologically Sustainable Design
Ecologically Sustainable Design (ESD) is endorsed by Australian Governments as "Using, conserving and enhancing the community's resources so that ecological processes, on which life depends, are maintained, and the total quality of life, now and in the future, can be increased".
The City of Stonnington's Sustainble Environment Plan recognises sustainability as improving the environmental, social, cultural and economic quality of life for our community without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same.
Council is increasing its focus on Ecologically Sustainble Design through its involvement with Municipal Associations of Victoria's Local Government ESD Advocacy Group. This is a group of Victorian Councils working together and exchanging knowledge regarding sustainability in the planning and building sectors of Local Government.