from the Colorado Association of Libraries conference 2005

1. Greening Your LibraryGreening Your Library
Beth Filar WilliamsBeth Filar Williams
Colorado Library ConsortiumColorado Library Consortium
Presented at CAL Conference 2005Presented at CAL Conference 2005

2. OutlineOutline
Why RecycleWhy Recycle
Paper recyclingPaper recycling
Other office type recyclingOther office type recycling
ElectricityElectricity
E-wasteE-waste
Cleaning suppliesCleaning supplies
TravelTravel
Other ways to be greenOther ways to be green
Building GreenBuilding Green
Fun ideas!Fun ideas!

3. FACT:FACT:
Today, more people in AmericaToday, more people in America recyclerecycle thanthan votevote!!
BUT:BUT:
Over the past 30 years our garbage generated hasOver the past 30 years our garbage generated has
increased by 87%increased by 87% -- twice as fast as our population!-- twice as fast as our population!
WHY?WHY?
We consume too muchWe consume too much
(& there is way too much packaging!)(& there is way too much packaging!)

4. The 5 R’sThe 5 R’s
Respect
Rethink
Reduce
Reuse
Recycle

5. FACT:FACT:
Indirectly/directly each American citizenIndirectly/directly each American citizen
consumes his/her body weight in naturalconsumes his/her body weight in natural
resources each day.resources each day.
Are we not stealing from futureAre we not stealing from future
generations and throwing it away?generations and throwing it away?

6. Why Recycle?Why Recycle?
Saves energySaves energy = saves you money!= saves you money!
Conserves natural resourcesConserves natural resources
Reduces pollutionReduces pollution
Reduces landfillsReduces landfills

7. FACT:FACT:
Landfills contribute methane gasLandfills contribute methane gas
that scientist believe is one ofthat scientist believe is one of
the gases contributing to globalthe gases contributing to global
climate change.climate change.

8. Colorado RecyclingColorado Recycling
Colorado lags nation is PAPER recycling.Colorado lags nation is PAPER recycling.
Recycled paper waste:Recycled paper waste:
Colorado 10%Colorado 10%
Nationally 50%Nationally 50%
Cost to dump in landfill:Cost to dump in landfill:
Colorado = $20/tonColorado = $20/ton
National average = $100/tonNational average = $100/ton

9. Denver metro area is one of the mostDenver metro area is one of the most
untapped places for recycling!untapped places for recycling!
But things are changing ….But things are changing ….
Denver Recycles:Denver Recycles:
http://www.denvergov.org/recycle/default.asphttp://www.denvergov.org/recycle/default.asp

10. FACTS:FACTS:
An average worker throws away 180 lbsAn average worker throws away 180 lbs
of high-grade recyclable paper everyof high-grade recyclable paper every
year.year.
A ton of recycled office paper save 380A ton of recycled office paper save 380
gallons of OIL and 3 cubic yards ofgallons of OIL and 3 cubic yards of
landfill spacelandfill space

11. Recycling Paper @ your libraryRecycling Paper @ your library
Read it onlineRead it online if possible. Not everythingif possible. Not everything
needs to be printed.needs to be printed.
Duplex:Duplex: For printing and copier. WhyFor printing and copier. Why
not set on automatic duplex?not set on automatic duplex?
FACT: USFACT: US duplexingduplexing rate is only 15%!rate is only 15%!

12. Reuse paper:Reuse paper:
print on the other side,print on the other side,
use it for notes,use it for notes,
have it bound as a “real” scratch padhave it bound as a “real” scratch pad
Shred sensitive documentsShred sensitive documents and they can beand they can be
recycled. Can also use shred for mailing packages.recycled. Can also use shred for mailing packages.
Reduce the size of imagesReduce the size of images before you print.before you print.
EmailEmail instead of printing.instead of printing.

13. Buy recycled paper:Buy recycled paper: look for chlorine freelook for chlorine free
alternative bleaching agentsalternative bleaching agents Using chorine toUsing chorine to
brighten paper sends carcinogenic chemicals intobrighten paper sends carcinogenic chemicals into
the water supply which in turn will affect humansthe water supply which in turn will affect humans
and wildlife.and wildlife.
Charge patrons to print.Charge patrons to print.
Recycling Bins:Recycling Bins: place one at everyone’s desk;place one at everyone’s desk;
have one by patron printer (and NO trash can)have one by patron printer (and NO trash can)

14. Use a white/black board insteadUse a white/black board instead
Reuse envelopes, mailers, packages, etcReuse envelopes, mailers, packages, etc
relabel over old labelrelabel over old label…… or use for libraryor use for library
courier!courier!
These ideas can saveThese ideas can save
your libraryyour library
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

15. Other Office tips:Other Office tips:
Look for non-toxic labels on pens and artLook for non-toxic labels on pens and art
supplies.supplies. Most solvents from correction fluid,Most solvents from correction fluid,
highlighters and permanent makers are toxic to thehighlighters and permanent makers are toxic to the
environment and the fumes may cause health problems inenvironment and the fumes may cause health problems in
people as well.people as well.
Always purchase products that are reusable instead ofAlways purchase products that are reusable instead of
disposable.disposable.
Send faxes via your computer.Send faxes via your computer.
Choose a green web host – one that is run via wind orChoose a green web host – one that is run via wind or
solar power.solar power.
http://www.techsoup.org/news/news_article.cfm?newsid=1722http://www.techsoup.org/news/news_article.cfm?newsid=1722

16. Local Recycling OffersLocal Recycling Offers
Recycle your books, CDs, DVDs, VHS, or cassette tapes!Recycle your books, CDs, DVDs, VHS, or cassette tapes!
http://recyclebooks.orghttp://recyclebooks.org
In the Front range area: free & request a pick up.In the Front range area: free & request a pick up.
In the SW area, twice a year pick up in Durango.In the SW area, twice a year pick up in Durango.
The San Luis Valley area a stop may be coming soon.The San Luis Valley area a stop may be coming soon.
3M offers recycling of transparency film & related items3M offers recycling of transparency film & related items
http://www.3m.com/meetings/product_catalog/trans_recycle.jhtmlhttp://www.3m.com/meetings/product_catalog/trans_recycle.jhtml
Funding Factory – recycle inkjet & laser cartridges & cell phones.Funding Factory – recycle inkjet & laser cartridges & cell phones.
AND redeem them for equipment or cash!!!AND redeem them for equipment or cash!!!
http://http://www.fundingfactory.comwww.fundingfactory.com/programs/recycling//programs/recycling/
Also try Cartridge World http://Also try Cartridge World http://www.cartridgeworldusa.comwww.cartridgeworldusa.com toto
refill your ink.refill your ink.

17. FACT:FACT:
The Electric Power Research InstituteThe Electric Power Research Institute
estimates that American businessesestimates that American businesses
could save 50% or more of theircould save 50% or more of their
electricity they use each year if theyelectricity they use each year if they
looked into better methods.looked into better methods.

18. FACT:FACT:
Whenever you flip an electric switch, youWhenever you flip an electric switch, you
negatively impact the environment.negatively impact the environment.
Electricity is the single greatest industrialElectricity is the single greatest industrial
source of air pollutionsource of air pollution contributes tocontributes to
smog, acid rain, global warming gasses,smog, acid rain, global warming gasses,
which all negatively affect human healthwhich all negatively affect human health
and ecosystems.and ecosystems.

19. Dirty vs. Green power:Dirty vs. Green power:
DIRTY POWER:DIRTY POWER:
Coal – produces smog, toxic metals like mercury, and tiny particulars ofCoal – produces smog, toxic metals like mercury, and tiny particulars of
pollutionpollution
Nuclear Power – risk of catastrophic failure and radioactive wastesNuclear Power – risk of catastrophic failure and radioactive wastes
Natural gas – emit excessive carbon dioxide, other greenhouse gasses thatNatural gas – emit excessive carbon dioxide, other greenhouse gasses that
cause global warmingcause global warming
Large scale hydroelectric – degrade water quality and devastate riverLarge scale hydroelectric – degrade water quality and devastate river
ecologyecology
GREEN POWER:GREEN POWER:
Wind – converted to energy, cheap and fastest growingWind – converted to energy, cheap and fastest growing
Solar – energy produced electricity by collecting radiant energy of the sunSolar – energy produced electricity by collecting radiant energy of the sun
Small-scale hydroelectric (under 30MW) – use flowing water to produceSmall-scale hydroelectric (under 30MW) – use flowing water to produce
clean electricity without impact larger dams have on the waterclean electricity without impact larger dams have on the water
Geothermal – uses steam from geysers, molten rock and steam spoutsGeothermal – uses steam from geysers, molten rock and steam spouts
Biomass – use energy stored in green plants and organic matterBiomass – use energy stored in green plants and organic matter

20. Save electricity @ your librarySave electricity @ your library
Buy EPA approved Energy StarBuy EPA approved Energy Star
equipment.equipment.
Replace light bulbsReplace light bulbs by using compact, moreby using compact, more
efficient fluorescent bulbsefficient fluorescent bulbs they last 13x longer!they last 13x longer!
Use dimmersUse dimmers on lights.on lights.
Keep lights turned offKeep lights turned off when not in use and atwhen not in use and at
night. Try occupancy sensors that turn off lights whennight. Try occupancy sensors that turn off lights when
no one is in the room.no one is in the room.

21. Do anDo an energy calculationenergy calculation by using theby using the
Energy Star online calculator. See howEnergy Star online calculator. See how
much you can cut and save:much you can cut and save:
http://http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?cwww.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c==small_business.sb_calculatesmall_business.sb_calculate
Check outCheck out Green-eGreen-e to find out whatto find out what
alternatives are availablealternatives are available::
1-888-63-GREEN1-888-63-GREEN
http://green-http://green-e.org/your_e_choices/colorado.htmle.org/your_e_choices/colorado.html

22. Computers @ your libraryComputers @ your library
Purchase LCD monitors:Purchase LCD monitors:
more energy efficientmore energy efficient cancan save you ½ tosave you ½ to 2/32/3
the energy of traditional monitors.the energy of traditional monitors.
reduce heat generation and eye strain forreduce heat generation and eye strain for
users.users.
Recycle your computer.Recycle your computer. Check outCheck out TechSoupTechSoup::
http://www.techsoup.org/howto/articles/hardware/page2261.cfmhttp://www.techsoup.org/howto/articles/hardware/page2261.cfm

23. TravelTravel @ your library@ your library
Can youCan you telecommutetelecommute one day a week?one day a week?
SStay in green hotels.tay in green hotels. http://whttp://www.greenhotels.comww.greenhotels.com
Bring your own shampoos, etc.Bring your own shampoos, etc.
Use your towels for several days.Use your towels for several days.
Turn off lights when not in room.Turn off lights when not in room.
Look into a hybrid vehicle for employees to useLook into a hybrid vehicle for employees to use
when traveling for work.when traveling for work.
Use Web base teleconferencing. Check outUse Web base teleconferencing. Check out
OPAL for libraries.OPAL for libraries. http://www.opal-online.org/http://www.opal-online.org/

24. Cleaning @ your libraryCleaning @ your library
Use biodegradable and environmentally friendlyUse biodegradable and environmentally friendly
cleaning productscleaning products
Buy recycled paper towels and toilet paper, putBuy recycled paper towels and toilet paper, put
HEPA filters on vacuums cleaners, and buy floorHEPA filters on vacuums cleaners, and buy floor
mats from recycled micro fibers to reduce dust.mats from recycled micro fibers to reduce dust.
These ideas can reduce absenteeism due toThese ideas can reduce absenteeism due to
environmentally caused factors!environmentally caused factors!

25. FACTS:FACTS:
Using a permanent mugs instead of disposableUsing a permanent mugs instead of disposable
for about 1000 uses:for about 1000 uses:
Solid waste is reduced by 86%Solid waste is reduced by 86%
Energy use is reduced by 98%,Energy use is reduced by 98%,
Water pollution is reduced by 86%,Water pollution is reduced by 86%,
Greenhouse gasses are reduced by 29%Greenhouse gasses are reduced by 29%
Air particulates are reduced by 86%Air particulates are reduced by 86%
Polystyrene (Styrofoam) can take about 500Polystyrene (Styrofoam) can take about 500
years to break down.years to break down.

26. Coffee Mugs @ your libraryCoffee Mugs @ your library
Bring your own coffee mugBring your own coffee mug to work to use/refill.to work to use/refill.
Use real mugsUse real mugs for large meetings instead offor large meetings instead of
Styrofoam or plastic if possible.Styrofoam or plastic if possible.
If you must,If you must, use paperuse paper not the other choices sincenot the other choices since
paper can be biodegradable.paper can be biodegradable.
OfferOffer thermal mugs for salethermal mugs for sale (via your Friends(via your Friends
group) with the library logo. Raise money for thegroup) with the library logo. Raise money for the
library and be eco-friendly!library and be eco-friendly!

27. Water Bottles @ your libraryWater Bottles @ your library
Bring your own water bottle to work andBring your own water bottle to work and
refill.refill.
Offer water bottles for sale with theOffer water bottles for sale with the
library logo. Raise money for the librarylibrary logo. Raise money for the library
and be eco-friendly!and be eco-friendly!
FACT:FACT: Americans use 2.5 million plasticAmericans use 2.5 million plastic
bottles every hour.bottles every hour.

28. Recycling @ your libraryRecycling @ your library
Set up glass, plastic and aluminum recycling atSet up glass, plastic and aluminum recycling at
work.work.
Place containers in prime locations - lunch room, byPlace containers in prime locations - lunch room, by
soda machines, next to all trash cans.soda machines, next to all trash cans.
Have a sign up sheet for staff or get a eco-friendlyHave a sign up sheet for staff or get a eco-friendly
volunteer to pick up and take to the recycling centervolunteer to pick up and take to the recycling center
for the library.for the library.
FACT:FACT: Did you know some fleece jackets areDid you know some fleece jackets are
made using recycled plastic soda pop bottles?!made using recycled plastic soda pop bottles?!

29. EDUCATEEDUCATE
Remember to educate students, staff,Remember to educate students, staff,
patrons on your “green” programs &patrons on your “green” programs &
ideas!ideas!
Great example of a library web siteGreat example of a library web site
explaining how they recycle:explaining how they recycle:
http://http://library.georgiasouthern.edu/recycle/how.htmllibrary.georgiasouthern.edu/recycle/how.html

30. FACT:FACT:
-Well designed green buildings cost LESS to operate and-Well designed green buildings cost LESS to operate and
maintain than conventionally constructed buildings.maintain than conventionally constructed buildings.
- Use less energy through more natural lighting and less- Use less energy through more natural lighting and less
natural resources.natural resources.
- Use native landscaping and construction items that- Use native landscaping and construction items that
better integrate into their communities and are morebetter integrate into their communities and are more
attractive to patrons.attractive to patrons.
- They are also less likely to cause health problems for- They are also less likely to cause health problems for
workers.workers.

31. Green Building @ your libraryGreen Building @ your library
Use skylights, atriums, overhangs to minimize overUse skylights, atriums, overhangs to minimize over
heating a building & to get lots of natural sunlight.heating a building & to get lots of natural sunlight.
Use southern exposure to maximize natural winter lightUse southern exposure to maximize natural winter light
Save water by getting faucet aerators, low flow toilets.Save water by getting faucet aerators, low flow toilets.
Use native plants and efficient irrigation componentsUse native plants and efficient irrigation components
like collection gray water for landscape irrigationlike collection gray water for landscape irrigation
Have bicycle racks for patrons/staff to encourage non-Have bicycle racks for patrons/staff to encourage non-
driving. Offer a shower for staff cyclists.driving. Offer a shower for staff cyclists.
Install solar panels.Install solar panels.
Reuse site materials when designing a new buildingReuse site materials when designing a new building
(such as rock to build a fireplace)(such as rock to build a fireplace)

32. Check out LEEDCheck out LEED (Leadership in Energy and(Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design)Environmental Design)
http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CategoryID=19http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CategoryID=19
a nationally accepted,a nationally accepted, green building rating system,green building rating system,
which balances between effective practices andwhich balances between effective practices and
emerging technologies, promotes environmentallyemerging technologies, promotes environmentally
responsible, profitable and healthy workplaces.responsible, profitable and healthy workplaces.
Example:Example: Fayetteville Public Library ArkansasFayetteville Public Library Arkansas
savings about 1 million gallons of water every yearsavings about 1 million gallons of water every year
and about 25 cents per square foot annual in utilityand about 25 cents per square foot annual in utility
costs!costs!
Also check outAlso check out http://smartgrowth.orghttp://smartgrowth.org

33. Green elements libraries can use:Green elements libraries can use:
collaboration (multi-use facility)collaboration (multi-use facility)
more natural lightingmore natural lighting
using green materialsusing green materials
a green roofa green roof
raised floors (for heat/air flow underneath and room to rewire)raised floors (for heat/air flow underneath and room to rewire)
energy efficiencyenergy efficiency
natural ventilationnatural ventilation
green power and renewable energygreen power and renewable energy
indoor environmental qualityindoor environmental quality
(from Bill Brown article)(from Bill Brown article)

34. Funding your green libraryFunding your green library
For Colorado: check out:For Colorado: check out: http://http://www.colorado.gov/rebuildcowww.colorado.gov/rebuildco//
offers FREE services to most libraries to help with more energyoffers FREE services to most libraries to help with more energy
efficient building or just want advice on how to save money.efficient building or just want advice on how to save money.
EERE FinancingEERE Financing
http://www.eere.energy.gov/financinghttp://www.eere.energy.gov/financing
Western Area Power AdministrationWestern Area Power Administration
http://www.energyexperts.orghttp://www.energyexperts.org
Database of State Incentives for Renewable EnergyDatabase of State Incentives for Renewable Energy
http://www.dsireusa.orghttp://www.dsireusa.org
Rebuild America (see "solutions center" on website)Rebuild America (see "solutions center" on website)
http://www.rebuild.orghttp://www.rebuild.org

35. Fun Ideas @ your libraryFun Ideas @ your library
Plant a tree or garden at your library. GetPlant a tree or garden at your library. Get
students, volunteers, etc. involved. You neverstudents, volunteers, etc. involved. You never
know who you might excite over the idea!!know who you might excite over the idea!!
Plants in your library that are sprouting “babies”Plants in your library that are sprouting “babies”
have a plant sale of the offspring and raise ahave a plant sale of the offspring and raise a
few bucks!few bucks!
Old CDs- there are so many ways to use old CDsOld CDs- there are so many ways to use old CDs
for crafts, invitations, wind chimes, etc. Checkfor crafts, invitations, wind chimes, etc. Check
the document on my web site for ideas!the document on my web site for ideas!

36. Altered BooksAltered Books
- an artistic method of recycling weeded- an artistic method of recycling weeded
books!books!
Make into a theme, poetry, book report, author study,Make into a theme, poetry, book report, author study,
historical event, even a purse or bench!historical event, even a purse or bench!
Work with your art teacher at school.Work with your art teacher at school.
Public libraries can offer this as a class or for kids/youth.Public libraries can offer this as a class or for kids/youth.
The following photos are courtesy of Kimberly Hopkins,The following photos are courtesy of Kimberly Hopkins,
independent library consultant…independent library consultant…

43. Take the Greening ColoradoTake the Greening Colorado
Challenge!Challenge!
GreenbuildGreenbuild November 2006 in DenverNovember 2006 in Denver
Each fall theEach fall the USGBC (United States Green Building Council)USGBC (United States Green Building Council) holds anholds an
international conference focused on environmentally-consciousinternational conference focused on environmentally-conscious
buildings and other sustainable ideals calledbuildings and other sustainable ideals called GreenbuildGreenbuild. Although. Although
the conference is focused on green building, projects featured at thethe conference is focused on green building, projects featured at the
Challenge will cover a range of environmental concerns.Challenge will cover a range of environmental concerns.
Participate, sponsor or volunteer! The Greening Colorado ChallengeParticipate, sponsor or volunteer! The Greening Colorado Challenge
committee will be accepting project applications through the end ofcommittee will be accepting project applications through the end of
2005. We encourage all kinds of groups (teams can be municipalities,2005. We encourage all kinds of groups (teams can be municipalities,
businesses, non-profits, schools, student teams, and so on) to takebusinesses, non-profits, schools, student teams, and so on) to take
up the Challenge!up the Challenge!
http://www.greeningcolorado.comhttp://www.greeningcolorado.com

44. For this presentation, links,For this presentation, links,
and many other ideas,and many other ideas,
visit:visit:
http://www.clicweb.org/cal2005/gogreen.htmhttp://www.clicweb.org/cal2005/gogreen.htm
I’d love to hear your ideas too!
Email them to me at:
bwilliams@clicweb.org