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
51