The concept of the Green Supply Chain is probably a new concept for most business people.  It is, however, the next logical step in the growth of the Green business economy.  The Green Supply Chain refers to the buying practices of purportedly Green businesses.  While most companies are ramping up to chase the newly-formed Green market, there has been a near total neglect of acting as a Green consumer as well as a Green vendor.

Green has become a marketing concept as well as an imporant environmental issue.  Therefore, we now find a variety of businesses selling Green believing that they are environmentally conscious as well as reaching out to a growing market of buyers.  The obvious missing ingredient is the commitment about Green purchasing. 

The fervor to Go Green has made converts of nearly all businesses, and new businesses are forming that are "Totally Green."  Too often the Green quality of most businesses is superficial though passionate.  It only takes a few questions about the products and services they purchase to reveal an unrealized and embarassing truth.  The failure to buy from and hire other Green companies may be partially excused by a lack of providers, but this will not hold water for long.  Green companies are out there, and the lowest price should not be the sole criteria for your purchasing practices.

 The Green Supply Chain concept is a very important part of the larger sustainable issue.   Sustainability seeks to create a deeper and more complete cycle of Green actions with a larger impact on all society.  The Supply and Demand principles mandate that every seller needs buyers.  It also requires that every buyer needs sellers.   Consumerism is the figurative yang of the vendor's ying.   

Green Supply Chain expects more than a business representing its business or product as Green.  It requires your business to also prioritizes Green purchasing when possible.  It won't happen in a single decision, but it will happen in a progressive series of Green decisions.   The Green Business League is a national association of Green businesses who have the fundamental commitment to "Buy Green, Hire Green."   This mentality will drive the businesses who wish to sell Green because the buying piece is being promoted.

The Green Business League also certifies Green Businesses through a point-earning system that requires more than paying for a membership in a name-sake-only listing.  To Green the Green Business certification, a business must earn points through Green improvements to their business and by purchasing from other Green Businesses.  This is certainly a step in the right direction.   This program also allows a kind of Green networking to occur where it is easier to find a certified Green Business by providing a league of Green businesses that are ready to sell and buy with other Green businesses.

Beware of the Green hype, also known as Greenwashing, as many businesses try to add a Green branding of their own creation to their marketing efforts.  The word "Green" is an unregulated word that can be appropriated by any eager marketing-minded person.  The validity of their claims and hype may not be honest, and many consumers will one day have a bad taste in their mouth having been fooled by this practice.  The Green Business League acts as an independent third party to encourage fair play and fair business among Green businesses.  Ask the businesses that you do business with if they are Green Business Certified, and if not, ask them to start the certification process because your company intends to follow the sustainable practices of the "Green Supply Chain" program.

Want some help earning your Green Business certification?  Contact a certified Green Consultant for an affordable and effective solution to your Green business status.