Selective Purchasing Policy Guide

Eco-Travel Selective Purchasing Policy

Issue Description: Many organizations are adding ecological considerations to their travel decisions as they evaluate their greenhouse gas footprints. Lutherans are “on the road” often. Options exist and guide when and how to travel and when teleconferencing might be advisable. In some cases the only way to accomplish the work is to spend extended, focused time face-to-face together. In other cases, it is hard to justify the environmental impact of a trip.

Sample wording: “XXX (synod/congregation/organization) is part of a global community and our ministry includes global stewardship. 

     XXX (synod/congregation/organization) is concerned about our planet’s sustainability and therefore adopts the following travel guidelines:

     XXX (synod/congregation/organization) will look toward methods of implementing technology to replace x% of our face-to-face meetings during the next year.

     XXX (synod/congregation/organization) will plan travel to address a variety of issues in one location at one time rather than make separate trips.

     XXX (synod/congregation/organization) will be mindful of our impact on God’s creation when we travel and therefore make every effort to use the most ecologically efficient means of transportation)."

Resources:
Comparison of travel modes- http://www.transportdirect.info/web2/JourneyPlanning/JourneyEmissionsCompare.aspx?repeatingloop=Y

     or

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel_efficiency_in_transportation#US_Passenger_transportation

Examples:
International Ecotourism Society - www.ecotourism.org

Eco-Justice Notes: Worthwhile travel - http://www.eco-justice.org/E-080111.asp

Audubon society - http://audubonmagazine.org/features0009/ethics.html

Sierra Club - http://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/200901/destination.aspx