Search

This paper considers the use of paper by academics and student computer laboratories at Rhodes University as a basis for identifying areas to reduce the amounts used and increase rates of recycling. A sample of 50 academic staff monitored the volume and purpose of the paper they used over 5 months, and the procurement officers in all the academic departments were interviewed regarding the total amount of paper used per academic department. Mean use was 34±20 new sheets of paper per working day, of which 3% were trashed, 15% were kept for later use (as scrap or printed on the opposite side) and 79% were given out as notes to students, filed as records or posted out as mail to other departments or institutions. There was a significant relationship between number of students served by a department and the overall demand for paper, as well the number of staff per department and the number of recycling bins. The university could save approximately US$ 7000 per year for every 10% reduction in current use of paper (12,784reams/year). Reduction in paper usage could be achieved through an increase in re-use of paper, printing handouts for students on both sides of each sheet of paper and by investing in printers that are capable of printing on both sides of a sheet of paper. Double-sided printers are only 20–25% more expensive than single-sided ones, but will potentially reduce paper usage by half. A 40% reduction would save the university approximately US $ 20,000 per year in direct costs, and more in reduced waste streams, as well as help promote the environmental image of the university. On a per unit basis, the higher costs for a double-sided printer in offices would be repaid in 9 months or less through reduced paper use. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Whilst forest management certification emerged in the early 1990s as a potential market-based solution to the problem of forest loss and degradation, certified timber has not yet taken a significant share of timber and wood product markets. Although the lack of supply of certified timber is acknowledged as a problem, market barriers to the uptake of certified products are poorly understood. This study sought to identify and compare barriers to the uptake of certified wood and wood products in the UK's paper and construction industries. Findings indicate marked variation in barriers between individual companies and between the industries. Key barriers identified include: organizational constraints – strategic commitment, inadequate systems, staff skills and financial provision; supply constraints – material availability, supply chain complexities, entrenched supplier relationships; and demand constraints – lack of knowledge, weak demand, price sensitivity, traditional expectations and availability of substitutes. Ways to overcome these barriers are discussed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper identifies and assesses the potential environmental burdens associated with the life cycle of printing and writing paper produced in Portugal from Eucalyptus globulus and consumed in Germany. Life cycle assessment methodology is applied in accordance with International Organization for Standardization standards. The life cycle of printing and writing paper covers the following stages: forest, pulp production, paper production, final disposal, energy production, chemical production and transports. The results suggest that pulp production processes have an important contribution to water emissions, resulting in a major contribution to eutrophication. Besides, it plays a major role in renewable energy consumption. Energy production in the grid, printing and writing paper production and transports contribute significantly to air emissions and to non-renewable energy consumption, and consequently to global warming, acidification and non-renewable resource depletion. Wastepaper landfilling assumes the predominant role in photochemical oxidant formation. Useful information is provided regarding the stages of the life cycle where improvements should be done in order to achieve an effective reduction of the environmental burdens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the 2009 Environmental, Pulping & Engineering (EPE) Conference which runs from October 11 to 14 and the International Bioenergy & Bioproducts Conference which runs from October 14 to 16, 2009, both held in Memphis, Tennessee.