Purchasing

Paper Policy

Northland College has maintained an on-going paper policy to ensure the greatest conservation of paper on campus, and developed procedures for purchasing the most environmentally responsible paper possible. To reduce the paper bought, data is collected to breakdown the amount of paper going to each department and computer lab. This information is used to assess where the greatest amount of paper is being expended, so that minimization can be directed in the correct places.

As listed in Northland College’s paper policy, all photocopy paper, laser printer stock, toilet paper, towels, napkins, and computer paper purchased in bulk should have a minimum of 50% post-consumer recycled content (100% when possible) with no chlorine bleaching used in re-manufacture. All of the printed materials should adhere to 20% minimum post-consumer recycled content, with vegetable-based inks instead of petroleum-based ones. Environmental Council is responsible for conducting, gathering, and sharing research on the latest availability of environmentally-sound paper products. All marketing and communication materials are printed on at least 30% post-consumer recycled paper stocks and soy ink (if possible).

Sustainable Vending Initiative

In September 2008, the Sustainable Vending Initiative, a group originated by students, began developing the plans for a student-run vending machine business. This initiative has three primary objectives: to provide healthy beverage alternatives to the Northland College community, to create an experiential opportunity for students in managing a sustainable small business, and to develop a sustainable model for vending machine operations on this and other college campuses. The vending machines are stocked, maintained, and managed by students under work-study positions. Local beverages from breweries within Wisconsin are supplied to the campus through these machines. Most importantly, we continually assess the beverage companies from which we purchase, to examine their environmental and social responsibility in compliance with Northland College’s mission.