Recycled Is the Paper of Choice at Columbia
Date: May 1, 2006

Environmental stewardship at Columbia University has taken a major step forward with the endorsement of recycled paper for printing and other office use.

The University announced recently that its Office of Purchasing just negotiated a contract with the business supplier Corporate Express for paper containing 30 percent recycled content at the same price paid for virgin paper. Offices also can buy 100 percent recycled paper, but at a premium price.

According to Environmental Defense, a leading advocate for sustainability, 100 cases of paper containing 30 percent recycled content save six tons of wood and keep 4,800 pounds of waste out of landfills.

About 40 percent of the University’s paper supply is used by administrative offices. More than 35 departments, including the Offices of the President, Provost, and Senior Executive Vice President already have committed to using the 30 percent recycled content paper. Print Services has adopted the paper as standard for over-the-counter services and for self-service copiers.

The Purchasing Office’s decision to pursue recycled paper followed three months of testing recycled stationery by a University strategic sourcing committee, representing the University schools and departments that buy through the Purchasing Office. Members of the committee included Students for Environmental Justice, Print Services and the Medical Center. Both the print shop and the student group began testing recycled paper in 2005.