We encourage companies to purchase products that have less impact on the environment and that support local economies. This may include: eco-friendly cleaning products, organics, Fairtrade products (ensures a fair price is passed on to Third World farmers), locally grown fruit and vegetables, locally sourced meat and locally made crafts such as furniture and pottery. Businesses may also be able to find inexpensive and nearby local produce by looking on websites like www.bigbarn.co.uk that publishes a list of food and drink producers in the Blackpool area and www.farmersmarkets.net that contains details of local farmers markets. Other websites for local food include: http://www.country-markets.co.uk and http://www.nwfantasticfoods.co.uk/madeinlancashire.asp

We recommend that businesses purchase recycled paper products such as business stationary, photocopy paper, paper towels, toilet roles and serviettes; and use printer refills or recycled cartridges where compatible with company’s printer.

Another green purchasing option is to buy electricity from a supplier that sells electricity from renewable green energy sources such as wind and biomass. Suppliers of 100% green energy include Ecotricity (www.ecotricity.co.uk Tel: 08000 326 100), Good Energy (www.unit-e.co.uk Tel: 0845 456 1640) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (www.rspb.org.uk/supporting/shopping/energy/index.asp Tel: 0800 0288 552).