Sustainable consumption and production patterns are pertinent for any individual or business to be socially responsible. According to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 2018 Progress and Information Report, 93% of the world’s 250 largest companies are now reporting on sustainability. While it is one thing to report on sustainability, it is another to have implemented policies to help make positive leaps towards becoming a more sustainable business. A sustainable purchasing policy can assist companies in becoming more aware of where they purchase products from, and the type of companies they are supporting.
What We’re Doing
3R has implemented a sustainable purchasing policy company-wide. We have asked the different divisions throughout 3R and our parent company SRI, to consider this checklist when purchasing materials for office, cleaning, or food needs. A few of the identified qualifications for a sustainable product include, consisting of bio-based materials, being reusable, and using the least amount of packaging as possible. In addition, any product from a local, woman or minority owned company is highly encouraged. At 3R we pride ourselves in being a transparent and sustainable company and choose to support other companies who do the same. See the full checklist that we use to compare products, below.
✓ Economically Practical (cost/benefit analysis)
✓ Women/ Minority Owned
✓ Company Transparency of Product Sourcing
✓ Bio-Based Product (e.g. bio-based inks)
✓ Reusable/Not Single-Use (or compostable)
✓ Locally Produced/Sourced (within 100 miles)
✓ Extended Warranty on Product
✓ Energy Star/Water Efficient
✓ No Red List Materials (e.g. BPA in plastics, lead, mercury, etc.)
✓ Reduced Packaging
✓ Reports Green Certifications (e.g. FSC paper products)
✓ No or Low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) (e.g. paints)
✓ Producer Meets Environmental Regulations
As a consumer you can make a difference, too, by driving markets towards more sustainable products with your purchasing habits.