What is Solidarity Purchasing Group?
Solidarity Purchasing Group, known as GAS in Italy, comprises of group of people who decide to meet the nutritional and consumptional requirements. The reasons for entrepreneurs to form into groups may vary. Economy is the most obvious stimulus: I interconnect with other consumers and I buy in bulks - therefore I save money; I am able to purchase goods which, for some reason, are unavailable in smaller quantities (for instance - making a trip outside the city to get a liter of milk from a farmer does not pay off – but making the same trip for 50 liters, does). Other reasons may be purely idealistic: we want to belong to a group, take part in meetings, exchange experiences and live in community spirit. However, that’s not all. Apart from what has already been said, our every purchase contributes to development of a particular production, economical and social model. Solidarity Purchasing Group accumulates such choices and manages them altogether, gaining economical strength which allows to change the nature of small production or consumption business activity. If a group joins other, similar groups, it becomes significantly stronger. It supports projects based on honesty, respect for other human beings and the environment; it also supports production of high quality goods and it protects biodiversity. And finally - it not only invests in nourishment that it purchases, but it also invests in the future of the system that it belongs to. We also have to remember that we are a part of a global system, therefore we do not have the luxury to limit ourselves to our own values or personal interests. The consequences of such actions could occur far away from us, in distant countries. Violation of such balance, even in microscopic sense, determines and engages all elements of the global system. Therefore every time that we spend money, we have to think about our choices and their consequences, as not all ways lead to ‘progression’. Unfortunately, the word ‘progression’ is no longer synonymous with growth and well-being, but our awareness, solidarity, responsibility, mutual respect and ability to think critically, may give our future a more positive perspective.
How is Solidarity Purchasing Group established?
There is no single and perfect formula. It all depends on habits, lifestyles and social backgrounds of people engaged in particular business activity; their reliance on an already existing community or the fact that they have met through the Internet. It all depends on motivation and reasons for which people wish to create a group. There are very small, closed groups that maintain their private character and there are groups which constantly increase their political and economic power. There are groups which separate from each other and there are groups which unite to create a Chain. There is no correct or incorrect definition, as long as there is solidarity. What are the requirements that need to be met in order to create a group? Well, it’s very simple – start by observing people who live in your surroundings and who think along the same lines as you do. They may be your neighbors, colleagues or even parents from your children’s school. There are many people who we share our living space with – and they may be the people who will become your partners.
