The Greening of Eccles Library A Case Study

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

Greening Efforts Guided by the Six R’s  Rethink  Reduce  Reuse  Recycle  Recover  Rejoice

Our Challenges  Contract changes – time and money  Space  People  Sustaining the effort

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

“In our every deliberation we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations.”