Buying Green: Harnessing Large-Scale Procurement Power

Large purchasers have incredible power to push markets in socially beneficial directions. Yet harnessing this purchasing power often isn’t easy. By Jim Motavalli and Josh Harkinson Read More

The Struggle to Sell a 'Green' Wrapper

Simon K. Hodson, chief executive of EarthShell, is not the first entrepreneur to come up with an environmentally friendly alternative to the paper and plastic foam used in food packaging. But because of the steadfast backing of EarthShell's chairman and largest shareholder, Essam Khashoggi, Mr. Hodson looks as if he has pulled off a rare achievement: staying solvent long enough to gain a realistic shot at breaking into this $12 billion market. Read More

Starbucks Asks Industry to Support Fair Trade Initiatives; Critics Say Starbucks Could Do More

While accepting a humanitarian award from Coffee Quality Institute on May 5, Starbucks Coffee Co. president and CEO Orin Smith challenged coffee industry leaders to help facilitate a coffee economy based on sustainable principles. Read More

Starbucks Presses Suppliers for Greener Bean

Starbucks Coffee Company is heating up more than your daily Arabian Mocha Java or Yukon Blend -- it's also putting more kick into its procurement philosophy and supplier guidelines. By Kelley Kreitz. Read More

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City of Santa Monica’s Environmental Purchasing: A Case Study

Setting up an environmental purchasing program? See how the city of Santa Monica did it. Read More

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Air Dryers vs. Paper Towels: Streamlined Life Cycle Assessment Study

Air dryers are more environmentally-friendly than paper towels, says a new life-cycle study. Read More

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EcoPurchasing Guide for Hotels and Motels

How hotels and motels can lower costs, reduce waste, and conserve energy. Read More

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Private Sector Pioneers

Describes how several large companies purchase environmentally preferable products. Read More

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Food Production and Environmental Stewardship: Examples of How Food Companies Work with Growers

How some food companies worked to improve the environmental performance of their agricultural suppliers. Read More

Starbucks Announces Coffee Sourcing Guidelines

In a first for the coffee industry, Starbucks has teamed with Conservation International in developing purchasing guidelines requiring that suppliers meet more rigorous sustainability standards. Read More