With apologies to Kermit the Frog, "It ain't easy buying green." But "green procurement" (the practice of procuring environmentally responsible goods) is increasingly important in today's world-especially in campus cafeterias, where almost everything is purchased and thrown away in bulk.

To "buy green," you must be conscious of a number of issues, such as packaging, waste disposal, resource use, transportation, durability and more. In return, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that you're effectively increasing energy efficiency, conserving water, preventing pollution and heightening public awareness of the need to protect natural resources. More and more manufacturers are lending their support by providing environmentally sound products.

Here's just one example of what you can do: try and source as much local produce as possible. Not only does buying local cut down on transport miles, thus reducing carbon dioxide and other emissions. it also helps the local economy.

This section of the EVC shows you how you can follow the lead of responsible manufacturers, by being proactive-and "buying green." In addition, for useful links on green procurement, including step by step guidance on how to implement a green purchasing program, click here: