Sustainability Guidelines - University of Queensland

UQ School of Psychology Sustainability Guidelines

Prepared by: Nathacha Subero Castillo & Christine McCoy (UQ Green Office Representatives) in consultation with Karen Perkins (School Manager), John McBreen (Finance Officer) and Roxanne English (Reception) on behalf of all staff and students at the School of Psychology, UQ. Page 1

Introduction •

Outlined herein is a set of guidelines which has been developed by staff at the School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, to direct the School’s purchasing decisions, as well as some other core activities, towards more environmentally sustainable alternatives wherever available and feasible.

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These Sustainability Guidelines demonstrate the School’s commitment to the University’s core value, honesty and accountability, and specifically that, “We lead by example in all areas including our approaches to sustainability.”1

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The guidelines also demonstrate our commitment to the University’s Strategic Plan 2014-2017, and specifically UQ’s commitment to “providing leadership in sustainability and embedding sustainability in all aspects of University life.”2

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In developing this set of guidelines we have focussed on two key areas: 1) Office Supplies (including stationery) and 2) Catering & Events.

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These areas we believe are currently most effectively addressed as they present opportunity for change that is i) of significant immediate environmental benefit, and ii) most feasible. It is envisaged that the guidelines will be reviewed in time and potentially expanded as these initial changes become embedded.

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The specific guidelines are detailed on the following pages.

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Contents Sustainability Guidelines: 1) Office Supplies a) Paper………......4

b) Plastic Biros…5

c) Other Plastic Stationery.…….6

Sustainability Guidelines: 2) Catering & Events a) Single Use Plastic………….7

b) Catering Purchasing……8

c) Food Management….9

References…………………………………………………….……........10 Additional Reference Material and Resources………………….…….11 Ideas for Future…………………………………………………….…….12 Page 3

Sustainability Guidelines: 1) Office Supplies [1/3] a) Paper Context

Key Environmental Impacts

In 2015, the School of Psychology used one million sheets of paper in printed documents; that is 2000 reams,

Related to Pulp and Paper

or 400 boxes of paper. This level of paper usage puts us among the highest users of paper across the Faculty

Production4:

and comes at a significant financial and environmental cost.

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World deforestation and loss

Office paper with recycled content is not suitable for use in the School’s printers and instead we use carbonneutral office paper (‘Brilliant’ brand) supplied by Australian Paper. Carbon neutral certification means this

of biodiversity •

Water and energy use during

paper is produced with zero emissions by reducing greenhouse gas emissions during the production cycle and/or through purchase of offset

units3.

Virgin materials are still used in this paper so it is especially important

to make best use of this resource in terms of both prudent usage and conscientious recycling.

production •

Use of toxic chemicals, such as chlorine, brightening agents, colourants, etc.

Sustainability Guidelines  The School of Psychology will:

 continue to invest in carbon neutral paper for printing (or more environmentally sustainable options whenever possible), and  operate in line with the behaviours detailed below.



Actively avoid



Consider instead



Suggested alternatives

Single-sided printing

Double-sided printing whenever possible

Colour printing

Printing in black and white whenever possible

Set your printer to print in black and white by default

Printing hard-copy documents

Viewing documents on-screen rather than printing; Emailing documents rather than providing in hard copy; Utilising other online options over printed documents, such as saving soft copy files rather than printing, doing online surveys instead of paper and pencil quizzes

Consider undertaking data collection during teaching, whether it be paper and pencil quizzes, feedback forms, etc., via Qualtrics www.psy.uq.edu.au/research/surveys/

Discarding paper printed single-sided

Re-use the blank side of this paper for note taking or other purposes

Clip multiple pages of this paper together and use as a note pad

Discarding office paper in general refuse bins

Always discard office paper in the small grey “Paper Only” recycling bins

Keep a box under your desk to collect office paper for recycling and intermittently empty into the small grey “Paper Only” recycling bins

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Your printer should be set to print double-sided by default. If not, please contact IT ([email protected])

Please consult with reception should you need access to devices, such as iPads, in order to make this happen

Sustainability Guidelines: 1) Office Supplies [2/3] b) Plastic Biros Context Globally, hundreds of millions of tons of plastic is produced every single year and its production continues to rise year on year.5 While plastic is a necessary material, it also

“I Wish I Had a Pen”, an

comes with significant disadvantages, most notably the health impacts due to its toxicity

artwork created by The

and the massive waste problem it creates. For example, in 2005, Bic announced it had

Pen Guy7 using discarded

sold its 100 billionth disposable pen, which is enough pens to stretch 40 times the

pens to try to highlight the

distance from the earth to the moon if laid end to

end6.

Add to that the fact that this

milestone was reached over 10 years ago and that it represents the number of

problem of our throwaway society.

disposable pens made by just a single manufacturer and the significance of the waste problem comes into focus.

Sustainability Guidelines  The School of Psychology will commit to operating in line with the behaviours detailed below whenever possible.



Actively avoid

Wholly disposable/non-recycled biros

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

Consider instead

Biros that are non-plastic, made at least partly from recycled content, recyclable and/or refillable. Recycle all of your used biros through the TerraCycle Zero Waste Box located in the academic mail room.


The School’s preferred suppliers of stationery include Officeworks, Staples and UQ Stores. These offer a range of biros that are more sustainable than standard disposable plastic pens. See for example: Papermate Recycled Stick Ballpoint Pen Staples Recycled Ballpoint Pen (Paper) Micador Ecoflow Ballpoint Pen The School will purchase and provide for general use the Micador Ecoflow ballpoint pens which are available through reception. Also make use of the TerraCycle Zero Waste Box to recycle writing instruments and other plastic office stationery. This recycling bin will be available in the academic mail room.

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Sustainability Guidelines: 1) Office Supplies [3/3] c) Other Plastic Stationery Context Other plastic stationery also presents a serious environmental problem given these products are petroleum-based and manufactured and

discarded in huge quantities. According to a 2015 Worldwatch Institute report5, about 8% of the petroleum consumed worldwide each year is used to make plastic, and at most it is estimated only about 25% of post-consumer plastic is recycled (just 9% in the US in 2012). As much as 43% of the plastic used worldwide is disposed of in landfills and much of it also makes its way into our

Plastic in the ocean is concentrated in gyres, where ocean currents meet and form whirlpools. Here the plastic breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces eventually becoming plastic dust. The dust never goes away but remains in the ocean, absorbing toxins and working its way into the food chain after being ingested by animals.9

oceans; an estimated 8 million metric tons a year and growing8.

Sustainability Guidelines  The School of Psychology will commit to operating in line with the behaviours detailed below whenever possible.



Actively avoid

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

Consider instead

Wholly disposable/non-recycled plastic stationery items such as correction tape dispensers, whiteboard markers, highlighters, etc.

Stationery items that are non-plastic or made at least partly from recycled content and/or are refillable

Keep large quantities of unused stationery items in your desk that can be used by someone else

Take back any unused stationery to main reception on level 3 to keep circulating what is already available in the school and avoid unnecessary stationary purchases.


The School’s preferred suppliers of stationery include Officeworks, Staples and UQ Stores. These offer a range of options that take account of the lifecycle of products and have less environmental impact, such as products made out of recycled material. See for example: Staples Correction Tape (Recycled Plastic) Papermate Dryline Correction Tape (Recycled Plastic) Also make use of the TerraCycle Zero Waste Box to recycle other plastic office stationery. This recycling bin will be available in the academic mail room.

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Sustainability Guidelines: 2) Catering & Events [1/3] a) Single Use Plastic Context Plastic lasts forever. Yet it is made into single use items such as water bottles, and plastic cups and straws, that are used only very briefly before being discarded. The effect is that millions of these items are produced and used every day. As mentioned, most end up as landfill or make their way into waterways where they contaminate our groundwater, poison our food chain, pollute our oceans, and threaten marine life, as well having other damaging impacts on our health and the environment.10 Please be aware that some products marketed as ecofriendly, “green” or biodegradable might still be made of plastic that simply breaks down into smaller pieces of plastic with potential to cause even more significant environmental damage.

Source: Clean Up Australia Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CleanUpAust/

Sustainability Guidelines

 In recognition of the damaging impact of single use plastics on our health and the environment, the School of Psychology: 

will NOT purchase single use plastic items for events or any other catered activities, where reasonable alternatives exist, and

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will operate in line with the behaviours described below.

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Actively avoid

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

Consider instead


Single use plastic bottled water

Reusable jugs, glasses, water bottles; water cooler; water urn

The School supplies water jugs and glasses. We also have an 11 litre capacity refillable water cooler and a 8 litre capacity refillable hot water urn to loan to staff and students.

Single use plastic/plastic-lined cups

Reusable plastic/crockery mugs or cups; disposable cups made from organic (decomposable) materials such as cardboard, paper (not plastic lined) and cellulose

Single use plastic cutlery

Reusable plastic/metal cutlery; disposable cutlery made from organic (decomposable) materials

The School provides a moderate quantity of these supplies for loan to staff and students. For higher volume needs see for example: www.vegware.com.au www.greenpackshop.com.au www.biome.com.au/381-catering-entertain-picnic www.biopak.com.au/products

Single use plastic plates

Reusable plastic/crockery plates; disposable plates made from organic (decomposable) materials

Single use plastic straws

Reusable plastic/glass/metal straws; disposable straws made from organic (decomposable) materials

For alternatives see for example: www.greenpackshop.com.au www.biome.com.au/381-catering-entertain-picnic

Plastic/helium/latex balloons

Alternative decorations made from paper or other organic (decomposable) materials

Streamers, bunting, honeycomb garlands, tissue paper pom poms, other paper decorations

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Sustainability Guidelines: 2) Catering & Events [2/3] a) Catering Purchasing Context The School purchases catering for various large and smaller scale events and activities, e.g., School seminars, student interviews, academic meetings, symposia, conferences, awards ceremonies, etc. Professional caterers are engaged for the larger, more formal events and for the smaller, less formal events food and/or drink is purchased by School staff. Purchasing of catering for these events represents a great opportunity for the School to implement more

sustainable purchasing decisions. This is especially true in relation to opting for more plant-based food choices given the significant environmental impact of animal agriculture, which is reported as being responsible for 18% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions, more than the combined exhaust of all transportation worldwide.11 Source: Meatless Mondays website: http://www.meatlessmonday.com/


 The School of Psychology will commit to operating in line with the behaviours detailed below whenever possible, while still observing individuals’ additional dietary needs.

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Actively avoid

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Consider instead


Single use plastic or disposable items whenever possible

Reusable items and/or disposable items made from organic (decomposable) materials

For self-catered events, please see the previous page for alternative options. For professionally catered events, advise the catering company of our needs in this respect.

Caterers/catering options that do not align with our sustainability guidelines

Catering options that align with our sustainability guidelines and advise caterers of our requirements in this area

St Leos catering has a track record of operating according to these guidelines.

A predominance of food choices containing animal products

Opting for more wholly plant-based food choices

Make a conscious choice to purchase more vegetarian and/or vegan menu options and foods for events. Food consumed at these events represents a small portion of attendees’ overall diet so eating less meat at the events should not represent a hardship. Any special dietary requirements will additionally be catered for. The School and sponsors of the annual Compassion Symposium have committed to catering this event as vegan/vegetarian, with foods containing meat provided only to those who choose to specify that option.

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Sustainability Guidelines: 2) Catering & Events [3/3] a) Food Management Context Food waste has significant negative impacts in terms of financial loss as well as the damaging consequences for the environment from the generation of greenhouse gas emissions.12 Therefore, better management of food and food waste is another opportunity area for the School to show leadership in sustainability.


Source: Think Eat Save: Reduce Your Foodprint. http://thinkeatsave.org/

 The School of Psychology will commit to operating in line with the behaviours detailed below whenever possible.



Actively avoid



Consider instead

Unnecessary food wastage

Carefully consider the quantity of food being ordered to ensure it is not excessive and to minimise potential leftovers; Redistributing leftover food whenever it is possible and safe to do so; Opt for event venues that have compliant food management practices in place.

Poor disposal of food waste

Compost leftover food when it is not safe to consume; Make good use of food waste management services.

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When catering events and following the rule of thumb of ‘under-catering’, establish a reasonable drop-out rate and cater for that number and not necessarily the total number of registered attendees. Store leftover food properly for later consumption using reusable containers rather than single-use plastic. Share leftover food within the School whenever it is possible and safe to do so. Whenever possible, utilise the services of Oz Harvest (www.ozharvest.org) to collect sufficiently large quantities of leftover food for redistribution to those in need. Discuss these sustainability guidelines upfront when looking for potential event venues, for example Customs House already partner with Oz Harvest in this way. When leftover food is not safe to consume dispose of it in the office compost bins provided. Compost bins are available for loan for small events and can be collected from reception. Whenever possible, work with food waste management service providers to minimise food waste from preparation through to post-event. The recommended supplier is Ground Around Town: www.groundaroundtown.com/event-basedservices

References 1. The University of Queensland. UQ’s Mission, Vision and Values. http://www.uq.edu.au/about/mission-statement 2. The University of Queensland. Strategic Plan 2014 – 2017. http://www.uq.edu.au/about/docs/strategicplan/StrategicPlan2014.pdf 3. Carbon Neutral Program, Department of Environment and Energy. www.environment.gov.au/climate-change/carbon-neutral/carbonneutral-program/accredited-businesses/australian-paper 4. Sustainable Procurement Guidelines, Stationery Background Report. United Nations Environment Program 2010, United Nations. https://www.ungm.org/Areas/Public/Downloads/UNSP_Stationery_Background%20report.pdf 5. Global Plastic Production Rises, Recycling Lags. Worldwatch Institute. http://www.worldwatch.org/global-plastic-production-risesrecycling-lags-0 6. “Bic over the moon as sales top 100bn”, The Guardian. www.theguardian.com/world/2005/sep/09/france.jonhenley 7. Pen Guy Art. http://penguyart.com/ 8. Jambeck, J. R., Geyer, R., Wilcox, C., Siegler, T. R., Perryman, M., Andrady, A., Narayn, R., & Lavender Law, K. (2015). Plastic waste inputs from land into the ocean. Science, 347 (6223), 768-771. doi: 10.1126/science.1260352 9. Project Oceanus: Cleaning up our oceans one gyre at a time. https://projectoceanus.wordpress.com/ 10.Plastic Pollution Coalition. www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org 11.“Livestock’s long shadow: Environmental issues and options”. Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations. www.fao.org/docrep/010/a0701e/a0701e00.htm

12.National Food Waste Assessment - Final Report. Department of the Environment and Energy. www.environment.gov.au/protection/national-waste-policy/publications/national-food-waste-assessment-final-report

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Additional Reference Material and Resources •

UQ’s Green Office Program website (http://www.uq.edu.au/sustainability/green-office-program) or Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/UQSustainability)

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Clean Up Organisation. http://www.cleanup.org.au/au/

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Meatless Mondays. http://www.meatlessmonday.com

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Think Eat Save: Reduce Your Foodprint. http://thinkeatsave.org/

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Ozharvest. http://www.ozharvest.org/

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Ground Around Town. http://www.groundaroundtown.com/event-based-services/

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Queensland Government, Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, “Reduce, reuse, recycle”. https://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/waste/minimisation/reduce_reuse_recycle.html

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Ideas for Future •

Investigate options for recycling soft plastic waste produced in the office, for example through initiatives offered by TerraCycle: http://www.terracycle.com.au/en-AU

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Establish a Stationery Reuse Centre in the School, which would allow staff and students at any time to drop off stationery currently not being used and/or pick up stationery that is needed for use. The University of New South Wales already operates a centre like this: http://www.arc.unsw.edu.au/grow/volunteering/stationery-reuse-centre

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Investigate options for purchasing only environmentally friendly cleaning products as well as buying in bulk when possible in order to reduce the plastic waste and our impact on the environment.

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Establish a continuing sustainability working group with representation from the different groups within the School of Psychology community, including staff and students, who are interested in environmental and other related issues and would like to contribute to the School in this way. The initial idea is to monitor and maintain a conversation about the different ways the School of Psychology can improve its environmental performance within our operations and activities. If you are interested in getting involved please contact Christine McCoy at [email protected]

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