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A number of environmentally friendly changes are coming to campus, one that
may even change the way you make photocopies.
All state agencies -- including campuses in the state university system --
must take steps to become more environmentally friendly under an executive
order issued last month by N.C. Gov. Jim Hunt.
The order requires state agencies to avoid unnecessary printing and
photocopying and begin two-sided copying of all documents. And agencies should
use electronic media to distribute and circulate materials.
"We consume tremendous resources on a daily basis. We should act every day as
stewards of the environment," Hunt said.
"And if we do, the example won't be lost on those we serve. It takes wisdom
and courage to take these important steps to infuse state government to protect
the environment," he said.
The order also requires access to recycling containers so that state employees
may "separate identified recyclable materials generated in the course of agency
operations and place them in appropriate recycling containers."
In addition, the new executive order asks that for fiscal year 2000-01, 100
percent of money spent on paper be for paper with the highest percentage of
post-consumer content recycled paper.
The paper purchasing requirements outlined in the executive order appear
well-timed. This year, for the first time, virgin paper will not be available
on the state contract.
Instead, customers ordering office paper from Materials Management will have
the option of buying 30, 50 or 100 percent post-consumer content recycled
paper.
The executive order also sets goals and expectations for facilities and
operations, meaning that agencies must examine how operating and improving
facilities will affect health, safety, environmental quality, land use and
resource conservation.
And while building and operating facilities, state agencies must take steps to
ensure energy efficiency, water conservation, pollution prevention, solid waste
reduction and land preservation.
Even transportation will be affected. Beginning Jan.1, 2004, 75 percent of new
or replacement light duty cars and trucks purchased will be alternative-fueled
or low emission vehicles.
The executive order coincides with the formation of the new Sustainability
Coalition at Carolina, a group of administrators, faculty, staff and students
who work together to promote a positive environmental ethic.
But everyone at the University, not just the coalition, are stewards of the
environment, said B.J. Tipton, recycling coordinator at the Office of Waste
Reduction and Recycling and a leading member of the coalition.
"If we value a clean, safe, healthy place to play, work and learn, we must
demonstrate this through our choices and actions,'' Tipton said.
"It is our responsibility as employees of institutions of higher education to
not only teach our students about environmental issues, but to provide them
opportunities to explore and witness those teachings being put into practice
right here at home, on campus," she said.
For information on:
* Setting your copy machine to duplex or printing unofficial documents on the
back of one-sided, used scrap paper, call Copy and Vending Services, 2-2799;
* Setting your printer to double-side or setting up electronic distribution of
information, call ATN, 2-4357;
* Ordering the highest possible post-consumer content recycled paper, call
Materials Management, 6-5671 (Kelly Reed);
* Learning about the University's Sustainability Coalition or recycling
program, call the Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling, 2-1442; and
* Reusing furniture or other materials, call Surplus Property, 2-2134.
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