Sister Maureen Mackay from CUPE 1870 at the University of Prince Edward Island recently assessed her workplace’s environmental features using CUPE’s new online Eco-audit tool. She was not surprised that her workplace scored very well on various green workplace criteria. Sister Mackay reported back to CUPE National that her workplace has these green programs in place:
- All paper used on campus is post-consumer, recycled paper.
- Paper for printing is only delivered on campus one day per week, encouraging conservation and cutting back deliveries and greenhouse gas emissions.
- The majority of lighting on campus is derived from energy-efficient, compact fluorescent light bulbs.
- Staff are reminded to turn off computers, lights and other electronics at the end of the day and on weekends.
- Photocopiers are set to power down completely after two hours of non-use.
- All toner and printer cartridges are recycled.
- The entire campus participates in a composting, recycling and waste diversion program.
- The cafeterias and washrooms are stocked with only post-consumer, recycled paper napkins, toilet tissue and paper towels.
UPEI surveyed workers asking for their input on ways to green the campus. CUPE 1870 members – including Sister Mackay – contributed to many of the advancements that have made UPEI greener.
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