Office of Student Financial Aid

The Office of Student Financial Aid is doing their part to lessen KU's impact on the environment. Starting with a "Green Day" and the formation of an office "Green Team", OSFA is on a roll with a number of initiatives:

• OSFS first "Green Day" was in May 2008 and was recognized by the KU Center for Sustainability and the Oread. The event featured re-usable dishware and flatware for a veggie lunch and reusable water bottles (rather than disposable bottles). Staff biked, walked and carpooled to work, and took many other small steps toward a greener environmental impact in the office.
• Stopped copying appointment schedule and went paperless, saving about 150 pieces of paper every work week.
• Many of the staff use a signature on their emails encouraging recipients to consider the environmental impact of printing.
• Participate in the University's new desk side recycling program for paper. In addition, many of the staff take advantage of the more comprehensive recycling of a variety of materials such as aluminum, plastic bottles, cardboard, chipboard and tin/metal cans.
• Turn off computers, monitors, printers and the copier at night.
• Continue to turn off lights in offices when leaving (thanks to light switch reminder stickers - see the February 2008 issue of Energy Saver News).
• Increasingly use reusable glasses, water bottles and mugs for drinks.
• Share information regarding upcoming sustainability activities outside the office.
• Reduce paper usage by moving documentation to electronic formats.
• Have started testing the use of 30% recycled content paper in one of the printers.
• Phasing out bottled water previously available in the office.
• Celebrated "Green Month" in October 2008. Activities included a drive for reusable products to use in the office, an "Eat Local Luncheon", setting individual green goals, and sending out daily tips for a greener lifestyle.