Set up a local green purchasing alliance

 

Purchasing alliances are somewhat powerful simply because the pooled resources mean a much bigger purchase and more bargaining power. Purchasing alliances are nothing new to the global economy but are only recently emerging as a great way for local community members to buy green in bulk. They allow for greater cost-effectiveness as well as certainty that you are getting what you paid for. 

Before you start, ensure that you have 10 or more committed households from your apartment block, street or neighbourhood block; the closer together, the better.

Practical things that local green purchasing alliances can do include:

Buy 100% accredited GreenPower. There are an increasing number of cost-competitive electricity retailers of 100% accredited GreenPower. Check the Green Electricity Watch website

Purchase and have locally grown fresh organic produce delivered to your door. There are a number of small organic farmers' collectives that offer this service. For as little as around $30, you can get a weekly or fortnightly box of locally grown, in-season, organic vegetables and fruit delivered, with occasional farm fresh honey, eggs and herbs when they are available. Check local listings or ask SKOF (St Kilda Organic Food Coop). 

Bulk buy. Pool resources, save time and money and bulk buy eco-alternatives to regularly used sundries such as recycled toilet paper, biodegradable dishwashing and laundry detergents, muesli, rice, pasta and oil. Depending on the size of the group and negotiations with wholesalers, you may even be able to bulk buy at wholesale prices.

Group retrofit eco-products. Organise group installation of water tanks, solar panels, solar hot water or efficient energy and water retrofits so you can negotiate a bulk purchase and installation discount from the supplier and contractor.

Share a car. If you only need a car occasionally, consider getting together with others who have similar needs and purchasing a smart car with pooled resources. The group will also need a plan for sharing costs and use.

Share a green cleaning or green nappy wash service. Many service agents will provide a 10-25% discount if they are guaranteed of 10 or more customers in the same street/block/apartment because it saves them time, money and spruiking for more customers.