I’m writing to you at a moment not unlike many others of the past 3 months – there is economic uncertainty, an on-off-on nature to tariffs and global trade disputes, and the future of critical climate and equity work continues to look more challenging every day. Keeping up with the daily changes in global developments could be a full-time job, a reality that I know many of you understand all too well.
Given the constant 24/7 news cycle, I would like to pause for a moment and ensure that SPLC’s direction and stance is crystal clear. My intent is to make sure you know that SPLC continues to work daily with our community to progress the sustainable procurement movement, as always leveraging the Power of Procurement for Good. Our mission is global, non-partisan, and has not changed. ‘Good’ continues to mean environmental and climate progress, the elimination of human rights abuses, building supplier strength and diversity, and so much more.
By definition, sustainable procurement must make financial sense. The power of procurement truly lies in the scale and magnitude of the impact – when procurement decisions can be aligned with environmental and human related goals, not only can positive impact occur but it has a lasting effect. The economic rationale of those same decisions means that those positive changes can persist in a capitalistic system. This hasn’t changed in recent weeks and sustainable procurement continues to make business sense, regardless of ideological viewpoints and outcomes.
To be clear, we know that climate change mitigation is a global imperative. We strongly abhor the human rights abuses that persist within many facets of global supply chains. We know that supplier diversity is a key lever of capitalism to lift up marginalized populations, ensuring that access to economic opportunity is a right for all.
Ideologically, this drives our daily work. Yet fundamentally we know that these actions don’t just make the world a better place. They make businesses stronger. Sustainable procurement reduces risk, eliminates wasteful spending, and increases competitiveness. Those are not philosophical or ideological outcomes.
In speaking with our members over the past months, we know that uncertainty abounds right now. We know that economic volatility, tariffs, and trade disputes have our collective attention. It’s difficult to change systems for the better when the systems themselves are in turmoil. We also know there is pressure to downplay commitments to environmental, social, and equity progress. We see this in the news cycle and we hear it in our one-on-ones and group discussions. Yet we also see tremendous leadership and strength. We see companies continue to deepen their work. We see state and local governments progressing their commitments and action. We see work happening quietly and occasionally publicly (less so than it would normally be). We see bold collaboration continuing.
We see your leadership and courage.
At this moment of truth, know that SPLC does not waver from our purpose – to use the power of procurement to create environmental, social, and economic good in the world. The journey ahead for us all looks different. We continue to push ahead, adapting as necessary. Thank you for making progress alongside us.
Onward,
