Green Procurement: The Impact on the Environment

Over the years, much damage has been done to the environment and planet through human activities like manufacturing, mining, refining, and even simple activities like driving and cooking.

In recent times, environmental experts have been re-directing the public's consciousness towards these damages done to the environment and their adverse effects on the environment.

At the top of these effects is the depletion of the ozone layer, which has resulted in significant environmental disasters like floods, extreme temperatures, and global warming. 

Green procurement is one way the procurement industry contributes to combating climate change. 

Also known as eco-procurement, green procurement enables purchasing goods with minimal negative environmental impact. Here, the entire life cycle of a product or service is considered, from the extraction of raw materials to manufacturing, packaging, transportation, use, and disposal.

Human health and environmental concerns are top priorities when we talk of green procurement as buyers search for high-quality products and services whose manufacturing and usage are not detrimental to the environment. 

So, what factors facilitate a green procurement system?

One critical factor that can help effectively implement green procurement practices is creating awareness of what it is and how it can be achieved. People must understand how their actions or procurement decisions can affect the environment and the consequences of environmental degradation.

Sometimes, non-governmental organisations clamore for green procurement and environmental sustainability. However, the process will be redundant if the government at all levels is uncooperative. Government participation in green procurement will increase motivation for collaboration as an essential requirement for supply network coordination.

Every stakeholder involved in the procurement process must be transparent about their operations, from sourcing for raw materials to manufacturing, distribution, transportation, and even consumption. Transparency also demonstrates honesty and will help build trust among the stakeholders and the public.

When companies, businesses, manufacturers, and the public are held accountable for their poor actions toward the environment, they will take the proper measures. Therefore, there should be a place for the right policies, law enforcement agencies, and other regulatory bodies to ensure businesses adhere to strict environmental laws.  

Implementing standards across the board contributes to establishing green and sustainable procurement processes. Regular inspections and monitoring of the procurement process from start to finish will ensure that standards are maintained.

One significant benefit of green procurement is that it reduces the adverse effects of human and procurement activities on the environment. By purchasing environmentally friendly products and services, companies can help reduce their carbon footprint. 

Green procurement may seem expensive at the beginning; however, it can save millions of dollars for businesses over time and make them more financially secure in the long run as spending a bit more on green items can mean saving money over time because they often last longer and cost less to use.

Green procurement reduces the amount of toxins and harmful wastes released into the environment. Many diseases are caused by environmental pollution, so when pollution is minimized through green procurement, people will live healthier lives.

Customers want to do business and identify with companies that make responsible choices about their environment. This applies to both private and public sector customers. Green procurement practices can help build an organization's positive reputation. 

When businesses choose environmentally friendly practices, they are likely to have less employee turnover or ill-health, which will help them achieve greater efficiency in their operations–resulting in lower operating costs. 

As the global economic landscape becomes increasingly competitive, corporations are looking for ways to remain relevant and competitive in their respective industries and regional and international economies.

Green procurement practices are an easy way to achieve this. SARA PROCUREMENT SERVICES LIMITED is committed to green procurement and ethical practices. 

Visit our physical office space at 3 Fatai Irawo Street, Ajao Estate, Airport Road, Lagos, Nigeria, or any of our warehouse touch point locations worldwide to learn more about us and utilize our services. 

Our 247-email correspondence is hello@chinatolagos.com. Contact us today.

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