Sustainable Purchasing
Ready to make more informed, sustainable purchasing decisions for your office? Contact rachel_martinez@harvard.edu to request the Sustainable Office Worksheet, a resource designed by the Harvard Office for Sustainability to help purchasers follow best practices.
GENERAL TIPS
Practice Patience
Be mindful about the harms of an immediacy economy (e.g., next-day deliveries may have a higher emissions footprint than a 2-day order).
Right-Size Orders
Avoid excess by right-sizing orders of office materials and food for events.
Choose Reusable & Compostable
Choose BPI-certified compostable products when reusables are not a viable option.
Consider health in the supply chain
Give preference to companies that have healthier and safer labor practices.
Prioritize durability
Purchase for quality and long-term durability, not quantity.
Reduce unnecessary packaging
Buy in bulk when needed to reduce unnecessary packaging.
Stop Before Your Shop!
Do you need the product?
Can you share or borrow the product instead of purchasing it? Check with your department administrator if this resource already exists.
What will happen to the product when you are done using it?
Can you reuse this product? Donate it? If not, what is the proper and most sustainable way to recycle this product? Learn more about zero waste.
What are the impacts of the product?
What are the upstream resources necessary to create the product (Scope 3 emissions)? What are the supply chain impacts on climate, health, and wellbeing for all?
