What you can do?

Extracted from: World Wildlife Fund

April 1st 2020

Griffith University

1. Reduce energy usage

TIPS:

· Turn off lights, computers, monitors and nonessential equipment when not required including at the end of the day.

· Keep doors and windows closed in areas air conditioned.

· Buy energy efficient appliances and equipment.

Laboratories

· Turn off laboratory equipment where possible, when not in use, especially anything with a heating function.

· Keep fume hood sashes low as much as possible. Fume hoods not only operate more effectively but this reduces the air conditioning load and associated energy usage

2. Conserve water

TIPS:

· Minimize water usage

· Purchase water efficient equipment and appliances

· If a dishwasher is available, completely fill it, and then use it

· When washing labware, fill the sink rather than using running water.

· Think about refilling your own water bottle

3. Reduce, reuse and recycle

Recycling options include food waste, paper, cardboard, printer and toner cartridges, mobile phones and batteries, E-waste (computers and associated equipment), and recyclables (glass, plastics, aluminum cans).

TIPS:

· Place paper recycling bins near printers and photocopiers

· Mobile phone and battery collection points are located in all Griffith libraries

· Recycling and composting bins are located across all campuses.

· Source of reduction means buying fewer quantities of any kind of processed and unprocessed food products that may end up into garbage.

· Collection of the leftover food from sources and distributes among the hungry and poor.

· If the tested food is not suitable for human consumption, it can be send for composting.

· Another option is subjecting food waste to anaerobic digestion to produce biogas. Bio-waste does not land into landfill sites thus preventing environmental damage and improving agricultural output by improving soil.

· A restaurant to give discount on a buffet if there is no leftover on the table

· Supply chain issues should be resolved

4. Practice sustainable purchasing

TIPS:

· Use on-line ordering and consolidate requests.

· Buy only what you need – keep an eye on what you store.

· Ask your supplier if there is a recycled content option for your next purchase.

· Look for the ‘Energy Star’ when purchasing printers, computers and appliances.

· Consider sharing – share lab, office or other equipment and resources to reduce unnecessary purchases.

· Use local suppliers where possible.

· End of Life Consider the options for disposal: Can the item be repaired, reused or recycled?

5. Reduce paper usage

TIPS:

· Think before you print – every day

· Do not change the default duplex (double sided printing) setting on your Multi- function device (MFD)

· Use electronic versions for policies, forms and other documents ê Read from the screen where feasible

· Think about all processes – could paper versions be changed over to electronic?

· When printing promotional material – don’t over order.

6. Use sustainable transport

TIPS:

· Use public transport, cycling, walking, carpooling, intercampus buses, where possible

· Use video conferencing facilities to reduce travel needs.

7. Hold sustainable events

TIPS:

· Use electronic communication and promotion, rather than printed material

· Use online registration for attendance and cater to final numbers

· Consider biodegradable or recycled merchandise and giveaways

· Use video conferencing where possible to reduce travel

Place waste and recycling bins in prominent locations