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.”