From Red To Green And Back Again

By: Lida Gardner, University Graphics & Mande Swisher, University Sustainability Office

As an on campus provider of print and copy services, University Graphics and the NCSU Copy Center contend with unique sustainability challenges on a daily basis. As printers, paper is the chief commodity and though paper pricing in general has risen due to the current economic climate, recycled papers have become more affordable due to higher demand.

Sustainability is among the top five issues discussed throughout the trade, and printers everywhere are clamoring to market their businesses as “green.”  Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification is sought by printers to be able to market to their customers that they are green. However, this process is expensive and some printers will not seek certification. Regardless, all printers receive papers from FSC certified vendors and can procure FSC certified papers. Contrary to popular belief, FSC certified printers do not house recycled papers exclusively. It is important to ask for FSC certified papers whether the printer is certified or not.

10 ways the NCSU print department is working toward greater sustainability

Use Eco Set Inks exclusively. This is a vegetable/soy product that uses more than 24% renewable products, minimal solvent content and very low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), 1-5% by weight.
Procure papers with recycled contents from 10-100%.
Procure “treeless” papers when requested.
Recycle all of the papers, metal plates and scraps.
See that custom delivery boxes are comprised of recycled, unbleached kraft paper.
Created an agreement with the paper suppliers to recycle the wood pallets that are delivered with supplies.
Print and copy on both sides of papers in one pass.
Use Emulsion Aggregation (EA) technology in toner used in our color copier.
Utilize Energy Star rated production copiers.
Ensure 99% of the chemicals they use are environmentally friendly.
House a silver recovery unit to filter and capture film residues that are recyclable.

Easy printing tips
Always remember that when printing, or copying, use both sides of the paper versus single sided. This saves paper, energy, time and money. Also if you have leftover printed material, make sure that you recycle it.  University Graphics produces scratch pads from outdated/scrap papers for continued use on campus. We encourage this practice and provide this service free for small quantities.