My particular concern here, however, is with governmentnot just because of its quantitative impact, but because of how state procurement policy dovetails with its environmental regulatory policy in affecting the entire economy. The simplest example is how governments can require that all products in a particular market have a certain recycled content. But green procurement can also be a major support to green job creation, waste management, energy conservation, etc. The possibilities for this kind of multi-dimensional impact are greatest at the local level, where government procurement can also work in a complementary way with community consumerism, like that of the GCI. Not surprising, local authorities are leading the way in countries with strong green procurement initiatives (Erdmenger, 2003). This is particularly in Europe, but it is also true in North America for cities like Santa Monica CA, Seattle and even, to a lesser extent, Toronto. According to Clement, Plas and Erdmenger (2003, p. 70) of the International Congress on Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), which co-ordinates programmes around the world: Local governments are closest to the peoplethus they offer the potential for the participation of interest groups within their boundaries, often even down to the level of the individual citizen. This does not guarantee, but increases the likelihood, that local politics will pick up the new ideas, that the implementation of decisions will be monitored more closely, and that administration will be held accountable. Local Governments are more adaptable/flexible than governments at national level. They are more able and willing to experiment and innovate. In all international examples of green purchasing activities, it was local governments who first instigated such approaches. They add that local innovators tend to get recognition and learn quickly from others experience, key factors in innovation.