Green Printing January 31, 2008

GreenPrint World – a new, free application  (for windows users) detects and highlights unwanted content before printing such as banner ads on a Web page, images that tends to spill over onto extra pages, etc. It also allows users to delete images they dont want to print, and create quick PDF files for easy printing.

GreenPrint World estimates regular users of this application will eliminate over 1400 pages a year and save $90! And it will spare 100 million trees from being chopped down and 300 million tons of greenhouse gases from polluting the atmosphere. 

Download the free application here.

Better World Books January 29, 2008

Looking for a place to discard old library books that is not a dumpster? Check out Better World Books. They sell discarded and donated material from libraries across the USA States on over 17 online marketplaces. The program generates funding for both libraries and non-profit literacy initiatives. Yup, you can actually donate your materials to Better World Books and get money in return! There are no costs – no sign up fees, no service agreements, etc.  And books they can’t sell – they recycle – nothing ends up in a landfill.  Check out the FAQs for more info. I know several libraries who use the program now and would love to hear their comments on the program.

SLA Announces Green Initiative January 25, 2008

CHEERS TO  SLA!!   From the press release: “The Special Libraries Association (SLA), a nonprofit global organization for innovative information professionals and their strategic partners, today announced it will take the first steps and begin efforts to become an environmentally sensitive organization at the membership, board, volunteer leadership, and staff level.”  

SLA has already begun greening their offices through elminating excessive paper use,  replacing disposable plates, cups, and utensils with real washable ware, buying recycled products only,  recycling everything they can, creating incentives for staff to use public transportation,  and purchasing carbon credits to offset all staff travel for events throughout the year.  At their next event, the SLA Annual Conference & INFO-EXPO in Seattle in June 2008, they will lauch significant environmental initiatives. They hope to see a ripple effect througout the SLA community as they launch this green initiative.

Resources for Energy Management Planning January 21, 2008

You have probably heard of Energy Star ratings for buying appliances but Energy Star (part of the EPA) also has many great resources available free online. The library contains spreadsheets, documents and PDF files you can download such as Facility Energy Assessment Matrix, Building Design Guidelines, Green Building Energy Efficiency, and more. The site also offers free online training with pre-recorded, self-guided or online live choices to help you the energy performance of your organization.

Did you know that Energy Star Leaders, comprised of hospitals, supermarkets, commercial real estate businesses, etc. boast two-thirds of their leader organizations as US school districts. Schools know that being green saves green $ in the process!

WasteWise January 17, 2008

WasteWise is a free, voluntary, flexible EPA partnership program to help organizations in the US eliminate municipal solid waste, save money and the environment! The program includes management support, waste assessments, employee education, measurement, reports and maintenance. Register here.

Eastern Illinois University reclaimed over 9,000lbs of computer equipment and 25,000lbs of coated paper AND in turn saved the university $7,000!

Environmental Practices at Conferences January 16, 2008

A Task Force on the Environment of the Social Responsibilities Round Table (TFOE-SRRT) asked conference goers to bring their favorite traveling mugs & water bottles to Midwinter this year. Think about all the water and coffee/tea being used by the over 10,000 librarians over the course of several days and many sessions. I hope to hear that many people participated!!!

For more info on this group visit the TFOE-SRRT website.

For information on running more green meetings check out BlueGreen Meetings.

College Library – Green Blogging January 14, 2008

Moraine Valley Community College (IL) with a Sustainability Initiative and the library’s One Book, One College program has started a blog called Green Today, Green Tomorrow.

The blog posts will include new items in the library’s collection, information about programs related to the One Book events, and items related to the campus-wide sustainability initiative. Check it out: http://ext.morainevalley.edu/green/

Are there more libraries going green and blogging? I’d love to hear about them!

REGISTER NOW: Greener Gadgets Conference January 10, 2008

WHERE? McGraw-Hill Conference Center, 1221 Avenue of the Americas, NYC

WHEN? February 1, 2008, 10-6pm

WHAT? A one day conference with representatives from consumer electronics companies, academic thinktanks, startup companies focused on renewable energy, and sustainable design and business. Topics: design for sustainability, product life cycle management, take-back and recycling programs, energy efficiency, greener materials, and green lifestyle and product marketing.

WHO? “industry leaders, entrepreneurs, journalists, and designers will gather to discuss the business case for the greening of the consumer electronics industry”

COST? Early registration (thru Jan 15) $250; Students w/ ID $75; after Jan 15 $350. Registration includes lunch, beverages and refreshments throughout the day, access to the Event Gallery space and a ticket to the post conference cocktail reception.

Visit the Greener Gadgets Conference Website

Check out Inhabitat.com January 10, 2008

I recently discovered a new website/blog called Inhabitat. It’s all about smarter and more sustainable home (or office/library!) designs, innovations in technology, and environmentally friendly practices and building materials. Recent examples include Solar Bag that Charges Laptops , a Global Energy-Efficient Power Adapter and even a
Laptop made from corn!

Be sure to check out their Guide Section for info and links to online/provider cell phone recycle programs, manufacturer take back programs, retails take back programs and other online resources.

Altered Books January 8, 2008

Altered Books - a creative way to reuse discarded books AND provide programming for youth (or adults). There is even an International Society of Altered Books! Try it with old card catalog cards or find other ideas by searching on Flickr.