Campus Recycling

Waste Reduction Tips

A collection of suggestions from OSU Students, Staff and Faculty

In the Office

• Making two sided copies saves paper at the copy machine and file cabinet space in your office.
• Distribute drafts through e-mail instead of making copies.
• Collect paper used on one side and set up a draft paper tray for your copier and printer.
• File your e-mail messages electronically rather than printing them.
• Instead of using message pads, send e-mail.
• Instead of feeding wood pencils to your pencil sharpener, use mechanical pencils.
• Reuse envelopes for campus mail.
• Donate unneeded office supplies to Surplus Property and visit the Surplus Property used office supply area.
• Collect paper used on one side to make note pads.
• Print forms on both sides so that when you have used one side, you can cross it off and use the other side.
• Print short announcements on half sheets of paper.
• Use a mail merge to print addresses directly on flyers rather than using labels. This saves labels and time.
• Use unbleached, white or pastel paper rather than less recyclable bright colors.

On Campus

• Use a come-back mug to save both paper cups and money. All campus coffee shops and restaurants offer discounts for using your own mug.
• Bring your own bag when you go to the campus store.
• Bicycle, carpool, or take advantage of the free OSU bus rides. Just show your campus ID.
• Use one paper towel instead of two to dry your hands.

In Class

• Use two sided copies for handouts and exams.
• Submit assignments electronically.
• Distribute grades via e-mail.
• Use notebooks completely before recycling them.

At Home

• Use a cloth bag when you go to the store. If everyone in the U.S. reused their grocery bags just once, 60,000 trees would be saved each year.
• The Recycler's Handbook
• Bring your own container and buy in bulk.
• Buy products made from recycled materials.
• Pack your lunch in reusable containers.
• Build a compost pile or use your yard waste bin.
• Share magazine and newspaper subscriptions with your neighbor.
• Donate unused clothing and household items to community organizations.