This relationship of trust offsets for the lack of a quality certification that is substituted by on field checks of the product and production quality . For this reason , EPGs prefer to address local producers . The ethicality of EPGs is confirmed by the selection of small disadvantaged firms that privilege a fair behaviour toward work and environment .
Beyond the goods exchange : make people know , make people reflect
The aim of EPGs is not only the collective purchase , but also the promotion of the territory and the local resources . In order to spread the awareness of the importance of a responsible purchasing choice , EPGs and producers organize several events ( fairs , open-air markets , festivals , meetings , tastings , guided tours , etc .). These are usually local events , like “ Tuttaun ’ altracitt {”, but also exist national events , such as “ Fa ' la cosagiusta !” a travelling exhibition which goes through the Italian EPGs promoting a critical consumption and a sustainable life style . On one hand this kind of initiatives lets people know the virtuous cycle of small producers while , on the other hand , aims to make people reflect about the vicious circle of great companies , that damage and exploit environment , work and health . By this reflection it become possible to evaluate the power of the consumer , and , especially , of his aware and responsible choices .
How an EPG is managed in practice
In general , people who decided to join an EPG are domiciled in a delimited area because moving many kilometres several times a month may be disadvantageous in many aspects . Those who want to create a new group usually can begin to talk about the idea of making collective purchases in their circle of friends , relatives , acquaintances or colleagues , or they can put an ad , and when there are some people interested , they can meet them and start . In order to better understand how it works can be useful to invite a member of an already existing EPG . It can be also useful if someone of the new group can directly attend some meetings of a group already active .
The first step would be to discuss in group on members ’ consumption and needs , and then what kind of products to buy together . It can also be important to establish what criteria
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