Archive for the ‘Green eProcurement Practices’ Category

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Part II of II. Sustainable Packaging is an Attractive Option for More Companies.

Wednesday, February 1st, 2012

Today’s post is by Ryan Melowic Director of Customer Services at SafeSourcing.

One potential concern that companies may have when deciding to go the sustainable route with packaging is whether or not it’s an economically viable decision for their company. Companies who choose to focus on the monetary rewards of packaging may find themselves sorely disappointed. Companies don’t want to sacrifice the quality of their products. They also want to ensure their packaging is modern and in step with growing environmental concerns.
It isn’t just the packaging itself that causes concern in some companies. The way the packaging is made also makes a difference in its ability to be labeled sustainable. Companies interested in eco-friendly packaging will aim for packaging that is not only designed responsibly but is also made using an environmentally friendly approach. For example, the best packaging would be created using renewable energy. Recycling is also important, and biodegradable packages or packages made from recyclable materials provide the greatest benefit to the environment and world.

Fortunately not every sustainable packaging material is expensive or difficult to procure. There are still many packaging materials that do an excellent job, but are not as costly to the environment. The right materials are also not too costly to businesses and their customers.

Contact a representative at SafeSourcing and we can provide more information on a solution and an approach to a cost effective process for sustainable packaging.

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Part I of II. Sustainable Packaging is an Attractive Option for More Companies.

Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

Today’s post is by Ryan Melowic Director of Customer Services at SafeSourcing.

More and more companies are discovering that a growing segment of their customers are interested in environmental issues and would prefer to buy from companies that take global environmental threats seriously. This has caused a new generation of graphic designers and company designers to re-envision packaging design.

Companies are learning that packaging doesn’t have to be environmentally destructive. There are various techniques and methodologies that companies can employ to create sustainable packaging. More packaging companies are starting to realize that it’s worth the effort to build their packaging based on ecologically sound principles. Of course, not every company is deciding to apply ecological principles because they feel morally compelled. Some companies are simply under more pressure to create packaging because of government organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency.

New developments in sustainable packaging are pushing the idea of environmental responsibility combined with packaging to the forefront. Some environmental companies are working on new technologies to make environmentally responsible packaging the norm. For example, the company Ecovatice, recently began to create packaging made from materials that come from agricultural byproducts. It isn’t just Ecovatice that is using the power of agriculture to bring eco-friendly packaging to the world. Another company called NatureWorks LLC is working on generating plant-based plastics. Sustainable plastics are derived from plants and would have a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Contact a representative at SafeSourcing and we can provide more information on a solution and an approach to a cost effective process for sustainable packaging.

Check back tomorrow to learn more about Sustainable Packaging in Part II

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It?s more than just being ?green?

Friday, January 13th, 2012

Today?s post is by Mark Davis; Vice President of Operations and CTO at SafeSourcing. Mark asks

For many companies the first steps to becoming greener companies begins with the desire to be doing more than just making a dollar in this world.? Their initiatives are the type of trailblazing that publications and ?Bloggers? love to read and write about.? That all being said, there was nobody that ever said becoming green didn?t have to be a good business decision as well.

In today?s blog we will briefly look at some ways companies can leverage some financial incentives for their organization while they are saving the planet.

Reduced expenses ? One of the most import of the 4 R?s (see series from last July?s SafeSourcing Blog) is Reduce?? By its very nature the concept of getting greener by reducing waste will allow companies to reap financial rewards in the reduction of expenses.? These can come in the form a reduction in printer costs by using more online publications, or they can come in the way of reduced utility expenses by changing the way lights, heating and electricity are managed within the organization.

Rebates & Incentives? ? During a time when there is such a push to protect our environment, incentives are piling up for companies to take their first steps toward becoming a greener company.? Government organizations from the Federal level all the way to the local level are offering thousands of different incentives for taking steps.? Some of these are tax breaks which translate straight to the bottom line and some are outright cash incentives.? Other companies such as insurance companies are providing additional discounts off of their rates to companies who choose greener ways to heat their buildings or that purchase environmentally safer vehicles for their internal fleet.

Increased revenue ? The fact of the matter is that along with price and value, people ?like? to buy products from companies who are trying to do the right thing in their business practices (i.e. Getting greener).?? In the mind of the consumers, companies that invest in the future of our planet are the types of companies who are more likely to produce items they want to buy.? In 2010 Clorox invested millions towards the process of moving away from chlorine gas transportation.? In the end the move was a breakeven one in terms of expense but it has generated an overwhelming perception that Clorox is a company that is ?committed to doing the right thing.?? Clorox sales as a result are ?up.?

Regardless of why your company takes its first step to becoming greener, one thing is for sure, it doesn?t have to be without benefits.? For more information on becoming a greener company or in sourcing from companies who do, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service Representative.??

We look forward to your comments.

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It’s more than just being “green”

Friday, January 13th, 2012

Today’s post is by Mark Davis; Vice President of Operations and CTO at SafeSourcing. Mark asks

For many companies the first steps to becoming greener companies begins with the desire to be doing more than just making a dollar in this world.  Their initiatives are the type of trailblazing that publications and “Bloggers” love to read and write about.  That all being said, there was nobody that ever said becoming green didn’t have to be a good business decision as well.

In today’s blog we will briefly look at some ways companies can leverage some financial incentives for their organization while they are saving the planet.

Reduced expenses – One of the most import of the 4 R’s (see series from last July’s SafeSourcing Blog) is Reduce   By its very nature the concept of getting greener by reducing waste will allow companies to reap financial rewards in the reduction of expenses.  These can come in the form a reduction in printer costs by using more online publications, or they can come in the way of reduced utility expenses by changing the way lights, heating and electricity are managed within the organization.

Rebates & Incentives  – During a time when there is such a push to protect our environment, incentives are piling up for companies to take their first steps toward becoming a greener company.  Government organizations from the Federal level all the way to the local level are offering thousands of different incentives for taking steps.  Some of these are tax breaks which translate straight to the bottom line and some are outright cash incentives.  Other companies such as insurance companies are providing additional discounts off of their rates to companies who choose greener ways to heat their buildings or that purchase environmentally safer vehicles for their internal fleet.

Increased revenue – The fact of the matter is that along with price and value, people “like” to buy products from companies who are trying to do the right thing in their business practices (i.e. Getting greener).   In the mind of the consumers, companies that invest in the future of our planet are the types of companies who are more likely to produce items they want to buy.  In 2010 Clorox invested millions towards the process of moving away from chlorine gas transportation.  In the end the move was a breakeven one in terms of expense but it has generated an overwhelming perception that Clorox is a company that is “committed to doing the right thing.”  Clorox sales as a result are “up.”

Regardless of why your company takes its first step to becoming greener, one thing is for sure, it doesn’t have to be without benefits.  For more information on becoming a greener company or in sourcing from companies who do, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service Representative.  

We look forward to your comments.

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Are all of your construction projects GREEN?

Thursday, January 5th, 2012

We have held many construction events for numbers of companies, and I have to tell you that the primary driving factor for most of these projects has not been a green focus. Unfortunately it may not even have been a focus at all if we did not bring it up to them.

We understand that finding construction companies that are not struggling or at least are suffering compressed revenue during these tough economic times may be a challenge. We understand that getting projects completed on time is important. With that said, if a company has any environmental focus on nay project, then all of their projects should be environmentally focused. That’s right, ALL not SOME.

You don’t need to look far in order to get examples of the long term savings associated with green focused construction. In this mornings issue of USA TODAY there was a great article titled Habitat keeps an eye on energy by Anne Paine and Bob Smietana. In the article one new Habitat for Humanity resident claimed that their highest electric bill was eighty dollars during a hot summer and that at their previous residence the lowest was two hundred dollars. It does not take a math major to figure out that this represents a 60% savings. I’m sue if folks were offered a small pay raise or a 60% reduction in their utility bills they would pick the latter.

Companies can benefit from these types of savings as well.

If you want to learn more about sourcing construction projects or energy reduction cost opportunities please contact a SafeSourcing representative.

We look forward to and appreciate your comments.

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Here’s a Light bulb Christmas Gift from congress. Or not.

Tuesday, December 20th, 2011

If you were to base your business decisions on what congress told you to do, you could make some big mistakes. Mistakes like carrying to much of one inventory item versus not enough of another. Mistakes like moving your CSR focused green initiatives up based on legislation even though they will cost you more money this year as opposed to spreading your transition out over a couple of years.

Well congress as usual is at it again with another hide and seek item within a huge spending bill.

According to a Washington Post article by Stephen Dinan titled Congress overturns incandescent light bulb ban, Congressional negotiators struck a deal Thursday that overturns the new rules that were to have banned sales of traditional incandescent light bulbs beginning next year.

That agreement is tucked inside the massive 1,200-page spending bill that funds the government through the rest of this fiscal year, and which both houses of Congress will vote on Friday. Mr. Obama is expected to sign the bill, which heads off a looming government shutdown.

Congressional Republicans dropped almost all of the policy restrictions they tried to attach to the bill, but won inclusion of the light bulb provision, which prevents the Obama administration from carrying through a 2007 law that would have set energy efficiency standards that effectively made the traditional light bulb obsolete.

Any thoughts as to what lobby caused this action to happen? Will it protect jobs? Will it slow growth? Do what you do because it’s good for you.

All of your opinions are welcome and appreciated

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Here?s a Light bulb Christmas Gift from congress. Or not.

Tuesday, December 20th, 2011

If you were to base your business decisions on what congress told you to do, you could make some big mistakes. Mistakes like carrying to much of one inventory item versus not enough of another. Mistakes like moving your CSR focused green initiatives up based on legislation even though they will cost you more money this year as opposed to spreading your transition out over a couple of years.

Well congress as usual is at it again with another hide and seek item within a huge spending bill.

According to a Washington Post article by Stephen Dinan titled Congress overturns incandescent light bulb ban, Congressional negotiators struck a deal Thursday that overturns the new rules that were to have banned sales of traditional incandescent light bulbs beginning next year.

That agreement is tucked inside the massive 1,200-page spending bill that funds the government through the rest of this fiscal year, and which both houses of Congress will vote on Friday. Mr. Obama is expected to sign the bill, which heads off a looming government shutdown.

Congressional Republicans dropped almost all of the policy restrictions they tried to attach to the bill, but won inclusion of the light bulb provision, which prevents the Obama administration from carrying through a 2007 law that would have set energy efficiency standards that effectively made the traditional light bulb obsolete.

Any thoughts as to what lobby caused this action to happen? Will it protect jobs? Will it slow growth? Do what you do because it?s good for you.

All of your opinions are welcome and appreciated

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Do you support the Forest Stewardship Council or FSC?

Tuesday, November 8th, 2011

Unfortunately as we discussed in more detail this companies environmental programs or support there of, that was pretty much it. To be fair, there was a little bit more to the conversation which was centered on how the company could do more in their purchasing programs.

Although we support a large number of environmentally focused programs at SafeSourcing as part of our supplier due diligence we try to insure that they are also supporting programs and certifications that pay forward our customers CSR and environmental programs.

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is just such an organization that deserves support. Our paper products come from our forests. The Forest Stewardship Council certifies wood and wood products and promotes responsible forest management. Its certification ensures wood is harvested sustainably and then tracks the wood through manufacturing to the store. Considered the leading standard for responsible forestry management.

To learn more please visit their website at www.fsc.org.

We look forward to and appreciate your comments.

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What is Sustainable Procurement and Why You Should Care About It?

Wednesday, September 14th, 2011

In general, procurement refers to two different factors, price and quality.  For a company these factors are obviously important to the bottom line, but there are other factors that should apply for the bigger global picture.  Sustainable Procurement has a wider agenda by looking at a company’s “triple bottom line” which includes the impact the company has on the environment, the economy, and the social implications.  This indicates that a supplier will be evaluated on many more levels than just the product they are selling.

Environmental concerns are the dominant issue for sustainable procurement since humanity is currently putting such excessive demands on the available resources the environment offers.  A company that focuses on purchasing their goods and services from environmentally friendly companies is considered a “green procurement” company.

Economic concerns are another area that companies can focus on for a more sustainable procurement process.  In many situations a company that engages in sustainable procurement has the opportunity to offer assistance for smaller and/or ethnic minority-owned businesses.  By focusing on economic concerns a company may be more likely to purchase fair trade certified products which allows extra investments to be channeled towards developing countries.

Sustainable procurement can also be addressed through social policy and responsibilities.  In the United States, most companies are already conscious of the social responsibilities that influence the global supply chain.  The social implications include whether or not a company promotes equality and diversity among its work force. 

The overall goal for sustainable procurement is to ensure that goods and services purchased for a company are designed, manufactured, delivered, and used in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.  Why is this so important for you?  The answer is simple;  the more environmentally and socially responsible each of us is individually, and within our company or organization, the better off we will all be in the long haul.  In a global marketplace where people are becoming more and more concerned with the legacy their company can build and leave, it is becoming increasingly important that we leave positive footprints to be filled by future generations.

For more information on SafeSourcing and how your company can become more of a Sustainable Procurement partner, please contact a Customer Service representative.

We look forward to and appreciate your comments.

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What are the key points of sustainable procurement?

Thursday, September 1st, 2011

Today?s post is by Danielle Begley an Account Manager at SafeSourcing.

Due to the effects of globalization, sustainable procurement practices remain an important and necessary process for business professionals.? When sustainability is mentioned, most think immediately of the environmental impacts such as climate change and biodiversity.? However, sustainability should consider not only environmental impacts but also the economic and social impacts of sustainability.? Social impacts of sustainability in the procurement world are those at times most neglected and those that can help developing countries continue to grow.

The International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) provides key points of social sustainability, which should adhere to international labor standards and policies.? Healthy work environments, minimum wage payments and a fair price for socially and environmentally sound work are a few points that are most important in developing countries that provide goods and services for developed countries.?? Social impacts create more environmentally friendly trade and production practices, as well as strengthen the global economy.? Sustainable procurement must therefore encompass the environmental, economic and social impacts to be effective.

The procurement professional most importantly has a direct influence on how goods and services are purchased and as such impacts the social impacts of sustainability through free trade.?? Globalization has made our world much smaller, and therefore more intertwined and reliant on shared resources.? Sustainability is a pivotal process in negating any potential negative environmental, economic or social impacts globalization may have caused.? Sustainable Procurement will create more socially and environmentally aware suppliers and customers which will allow the rest of the world to enjoy the benefits of globalization.?

For more information on SafeSourcing and how we can assist with finding suppliers that operate under sustainable principals, please contact a Customer Service Representative for more information.

We look forward to and appreciate your comments.

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