Waste Management Group



	PAPER The CSUMB Waste Management Committee is currently drafting a campus paper policy that includes guidelines for procurement, use, and conservation of paper. WHY A PAPER POLICY? Through conservation and the use of recycled content paper, CSUMB will increase its commitment to environmental protection and economic responsibility. Environmental Protection: Purchasing paper with a high content of post-consumer material will help establish environmentally sustainable practices at the university. For instance, CSUMB used 22 tons of office paper during 2000. If we had used paper made from 100 percent post-consumer material, we would have saved 154,000 gallons of water, 1320 pounds of air polluting effluent, 90,200 kWh of energy, 374 trees, 66 cubic yards of landfill space, and disposal costs. Using recycled paper protects natural forests that provide animal habitat and preserve biodiversity. Furthermore, eliminating chlorine in the paper manufacturing process reduces the amount of dioxins and other dangerous pollutants released in our water.

Economic Responsibility: Environmentally sound purchasing policies use the university's substantial purchasing power to provide market demand for the materials collected by the university's recycling program. Purchasing recycled content promotes the continued manufacture of these products, which provides more natural resource and energy conservation by reducing demand on virgin resources.

Vision Statement: This paper policy supports the university's vision statement by providing for the efficient and effective operation of the university, contributing to the wellbeing of our community, and by promoting social responsibility among students, staff and faculty.

In adopting this paper policy, CSUMB will be providing a model of good environmental practice by demonstrating practices that exceed established environmental standards. CSUMB will be a role model to other college campus, school districts, government offices, and private businesses and homes in Monterey County and elsewhere.

Please send comments to Anita Castledine at anita_castledine@csumb.edu