There is growing awareness amongst Saskatchewan's population of the environmental impacts associated with consumer choices, especially those that relate to energy conservation. While consumers are more and more interested in making healthy, environmentally-appropriate choices, it is sometimes difficult for them to access information about the availability of products and services, and the existence of local or regional suppliers.

Based on information from Statistics Canada, Canadian revenues related to environmental products and services (on a per capita basis) are approximately $30 per annum. Saskatchewan revenues rank last of all jurisdictions in Canada, at approximately $9 per annum. Environmental revenues include not only consumer sales, but also business to business sales. Given Saskatchewan's ranking, it is apparent that the sale of products and services in Saskatchewan could benefit from additional promotion and easier access.

The objective of the Green Directory project, therefore, is to provide valuable information to Saskatchewan consumers, resulting in positive environmental impacts including energy and water conservation. At the same time, it will extend the market reach of local businesses, and enhance rural-urban linkages around the provision of environmentally appropriate goods and services.

The Green Directory project was initiated by the Saskatchewan Eco Network with support from the Saskatchewan Research Council and Ministry of Environment.