NASA Ames Research Center 2005 Update on Use of Greener Copier Paper
December 2005

NASA Ames Research Center currently uses approximately 3,100 cases per year of the Boise Aspen 100% post consumer content (PCC) copier paper.

In 2003, the Environmental Services Office worked with the Logistics Supply group to establish the current policy that requires the on-site supply store to issue 100% PCC paper to fill all requests for copier paper. The Aspen is about $10-$12 per case more than the cheapest 30% PCC (as of late 2005, NASA Ames is currently paying approximately $38/case for the 100%).

After the policy was in place, there was some initial push back and a few complaints from employees primarily because of the additional cost. One office manager complained that the quality was poor and the 100% PCC paper was curling excessively causing printer malfunctions. Other than these cases, the paper has been fairly well received. Employees are allowed purchase 30% PCC instead of the 100% if they provide a written request.

In 2006, NASA Ames Research Center is considering creating a similar default ordering policy for remanufactured laser toner cartridges (the pilot study has been successful so far) and at least two other office supply items.

 

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