Vicious process of reducing, reusing
Andrea Padamonsky
Issue date: 10/17/07 Section: News
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"We addressed the issue at the University Council meeting," tells Leona Sevick, Dean of Academic Affairs. "There was much discussion about whether or not department budgets could handle the increase in costs regarding the 'buy recycled' program. For some items, there is significant cost differential."
The trouble with the proposal relates to how it could be enforced as a policy and also, the impact of the proposal on finances.
"No one that I know of objects to what the proposal aims to do. The question that arose in the context of University Council discussions concerned whether it's possible to have a 'policy' which has no mechanisms for enforcement," comments Dr. David Rehm, Vice President of Academic Affairs. He mentions the problem is that "this policy is really a suggestion, since there are no consequences spelled out for not following it."
With regards to enacting the proposal through purchasing, Rehm tells, "As long as the folks in that Department know about this aim on the institution's part, they can help to bring it about - at least in the context of paper. With some other items, it may be a bit more difficult, in light of the expense involved in trying to buy recycled versions of them."
"The proposal was the result of a joint collaboration between the students, staff, and faculty who serve on the Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability Committee (ESSC)," according to Henning. "The proposal has been passed by both the ESSC and the University Council. I am hopeful that President Powell will enact the proposal."
The trouble with the proposal relates to how it could be enforced as a policy and also, the impact of the proposal on finances.
"No one that I know of objects to what the proposal aims to do. The question that arose in the context of University Council discussions concerned whether it's possible to have a 'policy' which has no mechanisms for enforcement," comments Dr. David Rehm, Vice President of Academic Affairs. He mentions the problem is that "this policy is really a suggestion, since there are no consequences spelled out for not following it."
With regards to enacting the proposal through purchasing, Rehm tells, "As long as the folks in that Department know about this aim on the institution's part, they can help to bring it about - at least in the context of paper. With some other items, it may be a bit more difficult, in light of the expense involved in trying to buy recycled versions of them."
"The proposal was the result of a joint collaboration between the students, staff, and faculty who serve on the Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability Committee (ESSC)," according to Henning. "The proposal has been passed by both the ESSC and the University Council. I am hopeful that President Powell will enact the proposal."
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