Sustainability hearing brings request for green task force

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Philadelphia City council members talked about a more sustainable purchasing policy during a hearing Wednesday. 

Trevor Day, the acting procurement commissioner, said the city is still moving toward a goal of more environmentally friendly purchases, including everything from replacing streetlights with LED lamps to selling off surplus equipment.”Our inventory control unit has successfully sold end-of-life vehicles, EKG machines, soap, street poles, furniture and heavy construction equipment, just to name a few items,” he told Council members at a hearing.Jamie Gauthier, who leads the Sustainable Business Network, said the issue goes beyond just considering the environment.”A sustainable procurement policy would encourage the growth and development of the local economy,” Gauthier said. “An effective preference for commerce with local businesses will stimulate and promote economic activity within the city, providing more money and jobs to Philadelphians.”Activists are seeking establishment of a task force to help grow and expand the city’s sustainable economy.

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