Gruppi di Acquisto Solidale

G.A.S. is an acronym for the Italian expression Gruppi di Acquisto Solidale ("Solidal Buying Groups"). Usually, a buying group is set up from a number of consumers that cooperate in order to buy food and other commonly used goods directly from the producers or from big retailers at a discounted rate.

The meaning of the word "Solidale" (Solidal)

When a buying group doesn't search for the ultimate discounted rate, but instead puts people and environment before profit the group become a Solidal buyers group. As a consequence, in a Solidal buying group the guidelines in the choice of the products and the producers are the respect for the environment and the solidarity between the members of the group, the traders and the producers.

More in detail, these guidelines lead to the choice of local products (in order to minimize the environmental impact of the transport), fair-trade goods (in order to respect disadvantaged producers by promoting their human rights, in particular women's, children's and indigenous people one's) and reusable or eco-compatible goods (to promote a sustainable lifestyle).

Motivation

Every single G.A.S. has its specific motivation, but usually all groups draw their roots from a critical approach to today's global economical model and consumistic lifestyle; individuals that feel the unfairness in this model and are searching for a practical alternative can find reciprocal aid and advice by joining solidal buying groups.