Sustainable Procurement Guide

The Sustainable Procurement Guide is full of information about what to ask for when trying to find environmentally friendly products at home or at work. It also provides information on which environmental certifications to look for and includes products in a number of categories, including cleaning products, furniture, office supplies, landscaping and food. These actions support the principles of a circular economy. 

By following the Sustainable Procurement Guide, individuals and organizations can:

  • Choose products with longer life spans and repairable components
  • Support recycled and upcycled materials
  • Reduce reliance on single-use or disposable items
  • Encourage supplier accountability and innovation

What is a Circular Economy?

Imagine a world where nothing goes to waste. That's the vision behind a circular economy: a smarter, more sustainable way of living that keeps materials in use for as long as possible. 

Instead of a linear, "take, make and dispose" model, the circular economy is all about rethinking how we design, use and reuse the things we rely on every day. It is a loop, not a line, where all products are made to last, repaired when broken, reused creatively and recycled responsibly. 

The 7 Rs of a Circular Economy

A circular economy is built on seven powerful principles that help us reduce waste, conserve resources and live more sustainably. Here is how you can take part:

  1. Rethink: Reflect on the kind of consumer you want to be. Consider how your choices impact the environment (what you buy, how you use it, and how you dispose of it).
  2. Refuse: Pause before making a purchase. Ask yourself if you really need it. Conscious consumers often choose not to buy at all or select products that are environmentally responsible.
  3. Reduce: Cut down on consumption by choosing long-lasting, low-waste products. Opt for items with minimal packaging, borrow instead of buying, and compost organic waste. Donate or sell items you no longer use. 
  4. Reuse: Give items a second life instead of throwing them away. For example, glass jars can store dry goods; old calendar pages can become envelopes; and worn toothbrushes can clean hard-to-reach places. 
  5. Repair: Fix broken items before replacing them. Disposing of items that could be repaired leads to unnecessary waste and increased use of natural resources. By repairing, we conserve materials and support the growing Repair Movement. 
  6. Recycle: Return materials to the production cycle. Glass can be used in road construction; plastic can be re-manufactured; and composting organic waste enriches soil for gardens.
  7. Recover: When reusing or recycling isn't possible, recover energy or materials from waste through composting or waste-to-energy systems. This helps reduce landfill use and supports resource efficiency.

For more information on environmental initiatives

For general information, call 311. For detailed inquiries, contact emp@citywindsor.ca by email.