Green Purchasing

What does it mean to buy green?

Green purchasing places a preference on products that have a lesser, or reduced impact on the environment and human health. Many green products are made from recycled materials, have less packaging, are nontoxic, and can be reused, refilled, or repaired. Green purchasing minimizes our need to consume additional resources, often saves money, reduces energy use, and saves landfill space.

Close the loop

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rebuy. The final step in this process is green purchasing. While it is best to reduce and reuse before you buy a new product, it is also important to buy green. Purchasing recycled products closes the loop, creating a market for the goods you send to the recycling facility. Through green purchasing, we have the opportunity to improve the environment and community in which we live.

What to look for. . . 

• Recycled content
• Minimal or recycled packaging
• The ability to reuse an item
• Chlorine free
• AP certified nontoxic
• Low odor/odorless
• Remanufactured products
• The ability to recycle an item
• Durability and quality
• Produced locally
• Renewable resources

Finger Lakes Buy Green

In order to assist you in buying green, Tompkins County Solid Waste and Sustainable Tompkins created the Finger Lakes Buy Green website. This site is designed to offer examples of green products that are available locally, as well as provide explanations of how and why to buy green. For more information, please visit the Finger Lakes Buy Green website (www.fingerlakesbuygreen.org).