The Buy Recycled Program works with other departments and programs on the UC Davis campus to encourage purchasing products made from recycled content, such as paper, binders, and other products. Rebuy is one of the 4 R's because it closes the recycling loop. Through purchasing recycled content products, we are creating a demand, encouraging suppliers to use recycled materials when making their product. A committee made up of individuals from various campus units, including Purchasing, Environmental Sciences, Repro Graphics, Storehouse and the R4 Recycling Program, developed procedures enabling the campus to buy recycled paper with minimal change in service or procurement procedures. The approved recycled paper product is available for departmental purchases through the UCD Buy website.
I heard that products made from recycled material are poor quality?
Actually, aluminum and glass can be recycled repeatedly without a loss in quality. It is highly unlikely that consumers could tell the difference between beverage cans that have been made from reprocessed materials and cans made from raw materials. Paper does suffer from degradation in quality as paper
fibers shorten with each reprocessing. This limits the number of times it can be recycled but does not stop it being reprocessed into other suitable products. Many paper processors mix raw materials with reprocessed paper to make new newsprint. Even in safety critical situations, recycled products can be used. Next time you take a flight, remember that you may be landing on re-treaded tires.
But don't recycled products cost more than non-recycled products?
Recycled products should not cost more but for some product areas, economies of scale do result in higher prices. Creating consumer demand for products using recycled materials is important and will help to lower prices in the longer term.
By making products from recycled material, aren't you using more energy and resources than a product made from primary raw materials?
Many recycled products offer significant savings in terms of energy and water as well as potentially significant reductions in raw material usage. It is estimated that to manufacture 1
ton of recycled paper results in 74% less air pollution and 34% less water pollution. This is in comparison to using the equivalent quantity of virgin wood pulp to make the paper. As new technology and processes become more widely used there will be increasing opportunities to substitute or incorporate greater amounts of post consumer wastes instead of virgin materials.
OK, you convinced me. How do I get started buying recycled products?
Be positive. Start with only a few changes in what you buy. Dont forget that buying recycled is an important part of the overall message to Reduce, Re-Use and Recycle your waste at all times. Take a fresh look at what you buy and the possibilities for reducing waste.
Avoid over-packaging. Ask yourself whether you need to buy items individually wrapped. If so, is the wrapping material made from recycled materials or could you buy the same product made from recycled materials? Also, look out for recycled items such as recycled toilet paper, kitchen rolls, tissues, refuse sacks, recycled paper and envelopes. There are many other products which commonly use recycled materials in their production are widespread. Visit the UCD Buy Website and look for products with the chasing arrow symbol next to it for items made of recycled products.
For more information on buying recycled products, visit the following websites!