RePaper Project helps Campuses Step Up Climate Protection Via Waste Reduction and Paper Recycling

This fall, help your campus move beyond simple paper recycling and take climate and sustainability practices to the next level. The RePaper Project, an initiative of the Environmental Paper Network, has released a  new comprehensive tool designed to facilitate that process. The guide, entitled Paper Steps on Campus: 9 Steps to Protecting the Climate and Reducing Waste through Campus Paper Policies and compiled in partnership with the National Wildlife Federation and Recycling Organizations of North America, is an essential resource even for colleges and universities that have already begun implementing sustainability initiatives on campus.”

“Even if your campus has sustainability measures in place,” says Pam Blackledge, RePaper Project Coordinator and one of the authors of the guide, “implementing one or more of the nine steps outlined in this guide will help you maximize your commitment to the environment. Updating paper policies using this guide offers a huge opportunity to cut costs, cut waste, and cut your campus carbon footprint.”

Higher education campuses have long been the pioneers and champions of many kinds of sustainability programs. However, when it comes to the seemingly easy task of recovering paper for recycling, there is room for improvement. According to a National Wildlife Federation report, paper accounts for 40-50% of the solid waste produced by campuses. Much of that paper is virgin white, office grade paper, which is not only tree-intensive, but also chemically-intensive to produce. By changing but how the paper used is made, purchased and sourced — in addition to how it is disposed of — colleges and universities can make a significant positive impact on the environment. By following the steps outlined in the guide, campuses will not only reduce their carbon footprints and the amount of waste contributed to landfills, but also support businesses developing innovative marketplace solutions necessary for the low-carbon economy 21st century.

“Many colleges in the U.S. have sprawling campuses and transportation systems, which leads to large carbon footprints that endanger the health of our environment,” said Kristy Jones, Senior Manager of National Wildlife Federation’s Campus Climate Education and Action. “However, many schools are proving to their communities that sustainability is not merely possible–going green can save the campuses money.” Similarly, “The Paper Steps on Campus guide will help campuses continue these successes by increasing efficiency of paper usage.”

To download Paper Steps on Campus, please click here.