Notes on Green Office Committee Meeting, 11/3/8

1.                   Present were Dave, Judy M., Kimberly, Sara, Adrienne, Neta, and Scott.

2.                   Discussion:

a.       ABA-EPA Law Office Climate Challenge: Scott discussed the ABA’s program to promote energy conservation. The idea is that you sign up for the program, report your results, and then you are recognized for your efforts by the ABA. Most of the programs didn’t relate to us because of practical difficulties (we can’t choose renewable energy sources, for example). But, we might be able to enroll in the waste paper program. We discussed a number of ways we could cut down on waste paper. We are already recycling and using “earth friendly” paper. We discussed ways we could encourage two-sided printing. We also talked about whether we could cut down on printing intake sheets and discourage people from needlessly printing e-mails. Scott will look into the specifics of signing up for the ABA program. Neta will investigate how we can measure our paper usage (do we have records for paper purchases over the past few years?) and if we can use copy paper that is composed of at least 30% recycled paper. Scott will see about cutting back on intake printing. We will also see if we can get someone from the Hotline to attend next time so we can talk about printing intakes and rush cases.

b.       Kimberly reported on green promo items. She had samples of several items, including a water bottle that is made from recycled plastic, a first aid kit made from recycled plastic, etc. Neta will store the items so that we can find them next year, when it is time to order promo items.

c.       Kimberly and Neta have not ordered posters, but they will.

d.       Dave suggested that we look into ordering Kleenex tissues made from cotton. Neta says that we use a little over one 36 box case of Kleenex every year. She will get with Dave and look into the cost of ordering Kleenex made from cotton.

e.       Dishwasher: someone mentioned that the dishwasher is leaving soap on the clean dishes. There were two theories: either there is a problem with the soap, or the water is not getting hot enough. We decided it is most likely the hot water. The next time we wash dishes, we need to check the water in the middle of the cycle and see if it is hot.

3.                   To-Do

a.       Scott

                                                                                       i.      Sign us up for ABA program

                                                                                     ii.      Investigate ways to cut back on paper usage for intake and rush cases

                                                                                    iii.      Recruit Hotline person for next meeting

                                                                                    iv.      Look for easy ways to print two-sided sheets

b.       Neta

                                                                                       i.      find out how we can measure base line for paper usage

                                                                                     ii.      check on use of paper that is composed of at least 30% recycled paper

                                                                                    iii.      Work with Dave on ordering tissues made from cotton

c.       Kimberly: order posters

4.                   Next meeting: Tuesday, January 13^th, 3:00

 

Scott Hamilton