ART - Economics of Green 2010

The document discusses the concept of green purchasing and its economic benefits. It explains that going green can actually save money in the long run, as there are now more affordable and high-quality environmentally friendly products available on the market. The growth of the green economy is seen as a critical component of economic recovery, with government purchasers playing a significant role. Lower product costs, long-term cost savings, and lower information costs are identified as factors contributing to the rapid growth of the green economy. The document provides examples of cost-saving opportunities, such as remanufactured toner and ink cartridges, greener cleaning chemicals, energy-efficient lighting and office equipment, and recycled-content copy paper. It also highlights the importance of considering total-cost pricing, which takes into account operational and disposal costs, when making purchasing decisions. The document mentions the growth of environmental standard-setting and certification programs, which further support the green economy. These programs help consumers and businesses identify and choose environmentally responsible products. The document concludes by mentioning the lower information costs associated with green purchasing, as it has become easier to find information on environmentally responsible products.