New 100% recycled printer paper

We are trialling new, environmentally friendly printer paper in three printers in the Arts and Social Sciences Library. It comes from a company called Envopap and is made of ‘bagasse’, a reclaimed agricultural by-product that consists of sugarcane and wheat husks. It is 100% biodegradable, recycled, unbleached and is the UK’s only carbon neutral printer paper. More details about its production can be found here.

We really hope that it gives us good quality printing and can be rolled out across all of our libraries.

If you use any of the following printers (in ASSL) and have feedback about the paper, then please contact us:

• Ground floor nearest the Self-scan terminals,
• Ground floor near the Subject Librarians’ office
• Special Collections office on first floor 

 Green Impact awards

Staff across our libraries and study centres take part in the University’s Green Impact Awards Scheme. In 2018, the Wills Library achieved a Platinum award, as well as 2 special awards: Alumni for student wellbeing 'Mindful Marbling' sessions and Environmental Hero of the Year for Library Assistant Kerrianne.

Charitable efforts

Library staff regularly hold charity bake sales, with beneficiaries including environmental organisations such as the Forest of Avon Trust and the Fairtrade foundation. Since 2013 over £6,500 has been raised. We really are fond of cake.

We liaise with various University and Students’ Union groups, regularly setting up donation points for charities such as the British Heart Foundation and the Trussell Trust. This gives our users opportunities to make sure unwanted items are put to good use.

Reduce, reuse, recycle

Our libraries host a full complement of recycling opportunities, including batteries, glass, plastic, food waste, cardboard, CDs, books, and even jewellery.

All books withdrawn from library stock are either resold or recycled.

The Source Cafés in the libraries and study centres avoid sending waste to landfill by using compostable packaging for all their in-house takeaway products. Library staff also compost food waste from all staff kitchens.

All printer paper across the libraries is at least 75% recycled.

The latest version of our 'Take a break' card is designed to be more sustainable - the dial means it can be used again and again and again.