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City’s sustainable purchasing policy prompts questions from Middleton tourism staff
Summary
Middleton tourism staff told commissioners the city’s proposed sustainable purchasing policy will affect department buying and asked the commission to provide feedback before year end, raising concerns about cost thresholds and enforcement.
The Middleton tourism staff told the commission on Nov. 19 that a proposed citywide sustainable purchasing policy will apply to every department and that the mayor asked for committee feedback before the policy is finalized.
Staff said the sustainability committee and volunteers have worked extensively on the policy and "they really, really were listening to us," but also raised practical questions: when two comparable items are offered by different sellers and the more sustainable option is significantly more expensive, where should the line be drawn for affordability and enforcement, and what would compliance look like for departments that regularly purchase branded items for events.
"We order a lot tchotchkes for our events," staff said, and pointed to items that are recyclable, biodegradable or reusable versus items that attendees toss. The presenter asked commissioners to read the lengthy proposed policy and to send feedback by the deadline staff will provide via email.
The commission did not vote on the policy; staff will collate comments and forward them to the city sustainability committee for consideration.
