Waste Paper Reduction

From 2004 to 2006, a number of initiatives were began to reduce the amount of waste paper generated by the University. Many of the initatives started in this period are still around today and have not only resulted in less wasted paper on campus, but have also helped save the University money.

Initiatives from 2004-2005

  • To promote the conversion of paper forms to an electronic format and replace hard copy submittals with electronic filing requirements, the Waste Paper Reduction Team met with UITS to discuss options available which would allow more University wide forms to be submitted electronically. UITS is currently working on a system to authenticate electronic signatures. Once completed, this topic will be revisited.
  • The Purchasing Department printed its last paper copy of the Husky Buyer in March of 2004. All future issues will be available on-line. This is a savings of $4,064 annually.
  • Under the new stationery contract with Advanced Printing, 90% of all stationery orders are now processed directly on-line. Between September of 2003 and March of 2004, this contract has allowed the University to recognize a $138,100 cost savings by promoting on-line ordering. Invoices are also being sent as a flat file directly to Accounts Payable for payment, allowing for an almost non-existent paper system.
  • Fisher Scientific, the University's Scientific product supplier, has 59% of its orders placed on-line. Training continues in this area, so this number is expected to increase.
  • The Museum of Natural History & Archaeology Center will now be providing information pertaining to their summer programs on-line.
  • Under the current contract with Boise Cascade, our contracted office supply vendor, 58% of the office supply orders are placed on line. This number continues to increase as departments are trained how to order on-line.
  • The copy center at the Library has moved its biggest mediated service to scanning and uses discarded copies for draft printing/scrap paper, thereby reducing their paper usage by 30%.

Initiatives from 2005-2006

  • Maintained promotion of double-sided copy via copy machine reminder stickers and developed a system to identify and label all new copiers.
  • Continued to promote the sale and use of reusable coffee mugs so as to decrease waste paper resulting from coffee sales. Organized an EcoHusky Mug Day in coordination with Dining Services.
  • Evaluated the feasibility of electronic publications, forms, and class materials; provided recognition for those individuals and departments who have set a goal to go entirely electronic.
  • Researched the feasibility of implementing a cross-reference system for mailing lists to minimize unwanted circulations. University Mail Services was contacted regarding the possibility of developing a cross-reference system and determined that there are multiple databases throughout the various departments and systems on campus. In order for a recipient to request the discontinuation of a certain mailing, they would have to contact the department of distributor directly. At that time the department could update your profile for mailings. This would apply to the mass-mailings of Jorgensen newsletters as well, once the database is updated. In short, in order to reduce your inbox for mail, you have to call each department that is sending these items to you and have them remove your name from the mailing list. There is no central mailing list on campus for all departments. As for dorm and interdepartmental mailings, you would have to contact the Department of Human Resources.
  • Assessed the necessity of the student phone directory and evaluated contract renewal.
  • Sought to implement a University-wide paper margin default to decrease the number of pages required per document printed.
Reduce Paper Waste: Consider Double-Sided Copies
EcoHusky Reusable Mug

The EcoHusky reusable mug, which was sold from 2005 to 2008 at cafes around campus.