Recycled Paper Policy

The University at Buffalo (UB, university) requires the use of 100% post-consumer, recycled content, process chlorine-free paper for all of its paper needs including copy paper, university documents and publications, janitorial paper, and other paper supplies, unless recycled paper is unavailable.

When paper with 100% post-consumer recycled content is not available or does not meet required form, function, or utility, or the cost of the product is not competitive, paper procurements shall use post-consumer recycled content to the extent practicable. Non-recycled content shall be derived from sustainably-managed renewable resources to the extent practicable.

The university is committed to responsible stewardship of natural resources and strives to:

• Reduce the university’s carbon footprint and environmental impact on forests, air, water, and energy resources
• Reduce fossil fuel usage
• Conserve natural resources
• Demonstrate UB leadership in campus environmental sustainability
• Encourage faculty, staff, and students to be environmentally conscious
• Support the consumer market for environmentally responsible products

On April 24, 2008, Governor Paterson issued Executive Order #4 that states in part, that commencing no later than July 1, 2008:

• All copy paper, janitorial paper and other paper supplies purchased by each state agency or authority shall be composed of 100% post consumer recycled content to the maximum extent practicable, and all copy and janitorial paper shall be process chlorine-free to the extent practicable, unless such products do not meet required form, function or utility, or the cost of the product is not competitive
• All state agency and authority publications shall be printed on 100% post-consumer recycled content paper. Where paper with 100% post-consumer recycled content is not available, or does not meet required form, function and utility, paper procurements shall use post-consumer recycled content to the extent practicable. Non-recycled content shall be derived from a sustainably-managed renewable resource to the extent practicable, unless the cost of the product is not competitive

This policy applies to all university entities and employees.

Carbon Footprint

The measure of the impact human activities have on the environment in terms of carbon dioxide emissions.

Fossil Fuel

Fuels or hydrocarbons found within the top layer of the Earth’s crust. Fossil fuels are non-renewable resources because they take millions of years to form, and reserves are being depleted much faster than new ones are being formed.

Process Chlorine-Free Paper

Paper that is not bleached with chlorine or chlorine derivatives, avoiding dioxin pollution and other negative environmental impacts.

Sustainably-Managed Renewable Resource

A natural resource qualifies as a renewable resource if it is replenished by natural processes at a rate comparable or faster than its rate of consumption by humans or other users. Some natural renewable resources such as geothermal, fresh water, timber, and biomass must be carefully managed to avoid exceeding the environment's capacity to replenish them. Sustainable management of these resources meets the needs of the present without compromising the social, economic, and ecological needs of future generations.

• Print and publish all university documents on 100% post-consumer recycled content, process chlorine-free, paper to the maximum extent possible.
• Give preference to vendors who can provide or are able to secure 100% post-consumer process chlorine-free paper for printing services performed out-of-house (e.g., brochures, posters, invitations, self-mailers).

• Order office supplies through ShopBlue. 
  • Navigate to the Office Supplies Showcases section in ShopBlue to order direct and real-time. 
  • Visit the Office Supplies Website for instructions.
• Search Copier 100% Recycled Paper in the search bar and select Letter or Legal Size and quantity of reams (Carton = 10 reams).