Recent world-wide polls show that consumers are
increasingly in favor of green products.10 For example,
a survey of 400 Midwestern consumers in the
United States indicated that 312 of the respondents
would be very likely or likely to switch to more
environmentally friendly food brands.11 Many firms
have viewed this heightened environmental consciousness
among consumers as a great marketing
opportunity. Because purchasing is at the beginning
of the green supply chain, green marketing efforts
cannot be successful without integrating the company’s
environmental goals with purchasing activities.
Accordingly, purchasing professionals need to
address the relationship between environmental
factors and supplier selection.