October 16^th, 2003                                                                              59LCB#8 UCSU Purchasing

Sponsored by:                          Eugene Pearson                                    Arts & Sciences Co-Senator

                                                Stephen Fenberg                                  Representative at Large

Authored by:                            Eugene Pearson                                    Arts & Sciences Co-Senator   

A Bill

Bill History

The University of Colorado at Boulder has recently switched from using 100% recycled paper products in its lavatories.  It has done so for the beneficial decrease in the cost of these products and because the products are more environmentally friendly.  The UCSU, which is typically at the forefront of environmental change on this campus, has fallen behind in the implementation using these products in our own cost centers.  Many companies including, but not limited to, Treecycle®, ShitBegone®, Seventh Generation®, The Real Earth, Inc., and Marcal® sell 100% recycled paper products for both food service and lavatory use.  These products range from 25-80% post-consumer content.  The post-consumer content is important because it is the actual measure of what was recycled and previously used by consumers.  The non-post-consumer recycling is simply factory leftovers that are reused.  Additionally the use of chlorine bleaching makes the paper industry the most water polluting industry on the planet.  The addition of chlorine to organic compounds produces organochlorides which include the family of chemicals known as dioxins.  The dioxin family of chemicals is one of the most potent chemical toxin families known.

Additionally, biodegradable wheat utensils are available in a natural brown color.  These wheat products have the feel of ordinary non-biodegradable plastic while maintaining the ability to be used in hot foods and drinks or cold foods and drinks.  These amazing products will break down in a compost pile and have a shelf life of five years.  These wonders of modern technology are also dishwasher safe and can therefore be used again and again.

WHEREAS:  Cost effective recycled and non-plastic alternative products exist; and

WHEREAS:  The UCSU strives to be at the forefront of environmental change; and

WHEREAS:  The UCSU, in 2001, switched to 100% post-consumer paper products for its printing and copying needs; and

WHEREAS:  Recycling by consumers should be rewarded in that consumers should see the products which can be used in their every day lives which are environmentally sound; and

WHEREAS:  Environmentally conscious companies have developed products worthy of this student union’s monies; and

WHEREAS: Dioxins released from the chlorine bleaching process are known carcinogens, cause birth defects, cause DNA damage, accumulate in the environment, and concentrate in species higher up the food chain; and

WHEREAS:  Human beings, by representing the pinnacle of the food chain, are the ultimate repository for chemicals which concentrate as they move up the food chain; and

WHEREAS:  The University of Colorado Student Union is opposed to chemicals which accumulate in the environment and cause cancer; and

WHEREAS:  Bleaching is a purely cosmetic process which does not effect the quality of or the manner in which a product is used; and

WHEREAS:  The use of disposable non-biodegradable materials adversely effects our environment; and

WHEREAS:  Studies have shown that many plastic materials also contain estrogen like compounds which may adversely effect the population as a whole; and

WHEREAS:  The University of Colorado Student Union will once again place itself at the forefront of environmental conservation efforts;

Bill Summary

This bill would require UCSU cost centers to purchase paper products which are non-chlorine bleached, are 100% recycled, and have varying degrees of post-consumer content.

THEREFORE BE IT ENACTED by the Legislative Council of the University of Colorado Student Union, THAT,

SECTION 1: All non-writing-paper paper products purchased by the UCSU and its cost centers must be non-bleached or “Processed Chlorine Free.”

SECTION 2:  The UCSU and its cost centers will adhere to the following guidelines for the minimum amount of post consumer waste for a given product.

A.     Toilet Paper – 20% Post Consumer Waste and 100% Recycled

B.     Paper Towels – 20% Post Consumer Waste and 100% Recycled

C.     Dispenser Towels/Napkins – 30% Post Consumer Waste and 100% Recycled

D.     Facial Tissue – 15% Post Consumer Waste and 100% Recycled

E.      Cup Insulator Sleeves – 100% Post Consumer Waste and 100% Recycled

SECTION 3:  All paper products not mentioned in Section 2 should be purchased while keeping in mind the UCSU’s commitment to recycled and post-consumer products.

SECTION 4:  The UCSU and its cost centers will follow the following timeline to implement this bill.

A.     UCSU Budget hearings – The UCSU and its cost centers must budget for cost increases, should cost increases exist, in their fiscal year 2004-2005 budgets.  Cost increases can be brought to the Finance Board and Legislative Council so that these bodies may discuss including these increases into the student fee package.

B.     The UCSU and its cost centers will be allowed to deplete existing inventories of products not in accordance with this bill.

SECTION 5:  This bill will be sent to all cost center directors.

SECTION 6:  ENACTMENT. This bill takes effect upon passage upon passage by the Legislative Council and upon obtaining the signatures of the Council President and the Tri-Executives.

10-14-03                                              Tabled

10-23-03                                              Passed                                                                                    12-2-0

10-30-03                                              Passed as Amended                                                   12-2-0