Materials Ideas

Laboratory should ensure use of recycled fiber in paper products
I read a blurb by the NRDC (National Resources Defense Council) about the paper manufacturer Kimberly-Clark, makers of Kleenex, Cottonelle, and Scott paper towels. According to the NRDC, Kimberly -Clark does not use ANY recycled fibers in their products whereas numerous other companies use upward of 96% recycled fibers. I know the paper towels we use in the labs and office areas are Kleenex and Scott. I was wondering whether NREL has a purchasing requirement or something for these products, and whether it would be possible to switch to a more "sustainable" company's products? I suppose the janitorial company we contract with supplies the paper products for the bathrooms. I wonder what products they are using for the bathrooms and if NREL had any influence with that?

• Response: We have our janitorial company looking into this. However, we did find some information regarding this product on the Kimberly-Clark Web page. It appears they do use some recycled product in their paper (maybe not as much as others), but it's hard to determine which group is providing the most accurate information. We will, however, continue to follow up and see if we can do better. (March 2005)

Pallets can - and should be - recycled
I often see wooden pallets and crates going into the dumpster near the Alternative Fuels Users Facility (AFUF). I've worked at other places where pallets and crates are reused or returned to vendors. These are durable materials. It seems like such a waste to simply throw them out. We do a great job of recycling paper. Each pallet or crate certainly weighs more than a case of paper. That's a lot of wood (trees) to simply be trashing. Is there something we can do under Sustainable NREL?

• Response: The Recycling Advisory Committee also is aware of this ongoing problem - thanks for calling it to our attention as well. We'd like to remind staff that we do recycle these materials, so if you have pallets/crates that need to be recycled, please call Work Control (ext. 7344) to arrange for pickup. Visit the recycling area of this site for more information.

Recycled paper should be used throughout Lab
What is NREL's policy on using recycled paper in printers?

• Response: It was the belief of some NREL staff members that recycled paper in printers caused maintenance problems from paper dust. According to Source Management, the company that provides our printer repair service, recycled paper in printers is not a problem. Just to make sure, we decided to conduct a test using five designated printers as test machines for recycled paper. Five similar printers were used for nonrecycled paper. The test machines and control machines were in similar locations, were of the same model, and received approximately the same amount of use. All 10 machines were cleaned and checked before the beginning of the test. On August 1, 2000, the machines were cleaned again to determine if there was any detrimental build-up of paper dust. The test showed that there is no difference between regular and recycled paper when it comes to paper-dust buildup! Therefore, we will implement the use of recycled paper in all Laboratory printers. Contact Fay Hoover with any questions. (January 2001)

Add white paper/magazine bins to FTLB recycling group
I think it would be helpful to have a bin for recycling white paper and magazines included with the other recycling bins in the FTLB parking lot. I have a feeling that others at NREL bring these items from home and recycle it in the blue bins in their offices and cubicles. Please let me know if that is acceptable. If not, I'd like to know if it's possible to add that bin to the FTLB group.

• Updated response: That bin has been added to the recycling area at the FTLB. (March 2002)
  
• Response: Don Selmarten has called Tri R recycling to see if that is possible. Watch this Web site for more information. (January 2001)

NREL should recycle old computers
Is NREL actively donating or recycling old computers?

• Response: A great suggestion. And NREL is already doing something similar to that. NREL Property and Information Services work together to ensure that all NREL computers are reused in one way or another. After having all software and data erased, excess computers that are still working properly are made available to NREL staff through Information Services. If an NREL person cannot be found to use it, it is offered through a DOE program that matches excess working computers to local K-12 schools. If it is not accepted by a school, it is made available through a different government program that offers excess computers to any DOE contractor and then to all government agencies. If the computer is not working, the hard drive is erased or pulled, and the computer is sent to an auctioneer who ensures that all products are sold to someone. Contact Eric Leimkuhler for further questions. (January 2001)

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