the greening of eccles library a case study. margaret mead “never doubt that a small group of...
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Margaret Mead
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Margaret Mead
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed librarians can change the world.”
Case Study Our story begins Greening evolution at Eccles
Library– started with individual efforts, – advanced to cooperative efforts
•with other campus libraries and •with the University of Utah
Individual Efforts Started with aluminum cans
– Easy – Doable– Cash incentive– Impact – a closed loop process that
is highly sustainable
Recycling at the University of Utah
University Surplus and Salvage– Computers, projectors, printers,
copiers– Furniture, microscopes, vehicles, etc
Garbage pickup provided by BFI– Newspaper– Clean computer and
white paper– Aluminum cans
Marriott Library Green Team
Invited the three libraries on campus to discuss greening issues (1999)
Identified top issues as gifts and weeding
Discussion with Custodial and BFI– BFI would not pick up our weeded
books, unbound journals or other paper waste
Earth Day Contact
South Valley Training Company, Inc.– A sheltered workshop program
Met with them Negotiated a contract for pickup
– Once every three weeks for a fee of $80– Books, journals, junk mail and
cardboard
NW Earth Institute Discussion Courses
Voluntary Simplicity– Started library-wide discussions – Support from our administration– How can we lessen our impact on the
environment at home and work Choices for Sustainable Living
– Expanding our efforts
Taking Action Plastic bags and plastics containers Reusing packaging Battery disposal Recycling CDs Mulching coffee grounds Copying and printing Computer monitors Lights
Taking Action
Jeff recycling CD’s
Joan recycling plastic wrap, coffee grounds and batteries
Recycling bins
Contract Changes Too much for SVTC, Inc. Weyerhaeuser
– Once a month– More bins– $50.00 split between the three
libraries– Discontinued December 2004
• Raised prices to: $66 per month for Eccles Library
Contract Changes Redi-Therm
– They pay us - $15 per ton•9,000 lbs. January -- $60•14,000 lbs. April -- $125•17,000 lbs. June •2 hours – 15 people – every 2
months or so
Space Issues Storing recyclables Redi-Therm 6 yd. bin location New Building
– New loading dock – New area for bin
People Gaining support of your colleagues
– 100% participation – not required– Many efforts are still highly dependent
on individuals– Education and signage is VERY
IMPORTANT– Personnel changes
Administration– Getting initial “buy-in” – Ongoing support (e.g., cost, space, time)
How do you sustain sustainability?
Continually educate employees and patrons
Purchase products made from recycled materials
Continue campus-wide efforts– Campus Waste Audit
Architectural planning– LEED certification
What Does It Take?
Individuals with commitment Ability to address challenges
– Start small and build step-by-step– Time, money, space, support
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