Green procurement

Green procurement is rooted in the principle of pollution prevention which strives to eliminate or to reduce risks to human health and the environment. It means evaluating purchases based on a variety of criteria, ranging from the necessity of the purchase in the first place to the options available for its eventual disposal. "Green" or "environmentally friendly or sound" products are generally produced in a manner that consume less natural resources or uses them in a more sustainable way, as with sustainable forestry. They may involve less energy in their manufacture and may consume less energy when being used, and they generally contain fewer hazardous or toxic materials. Green products are also generally designed with the intention of reducing the amount of waste created. For example, they may contain recycled material or use less packaging, and the supplier may operate a 'take-back' program. Local governments may stimulate green production by embarking upon green procurement schemes themselves, buying environmentally friendly goods for their own consumption.

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