Monash Memo - articles - 28 November 2001

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'Waste Wise' Monash wins recycle award

Monash's Green Office program at Clayton has been recognised with a major environmental award by EcoRecycle Victoria.

Director of the Monash Environment Institute Professor Chris Cocklin (pictured, left) received the Waste Wise award recently on behalf of the university from EcoRecycle's Mr Jan van de Graaff (pictured, right).

The award is part of the organisation's statewide strategy to reduce the waste that goes to landfill and to improve the recovery and reuse of resources.

Organisations that join the Waste Wise program submit an action plan on how waste minimisation may be achieved through a range of programs and actions.

Manager for the Occupational Health, Safety and Environment unit Mr Paul Barton said the award recognised the changing culture within the university towards environmental issues.

"Not only does Monash need to lead in environmental teaching and research, but our own institutional environmental practice has to be excellent as well," Mr Barton said.

Describing the award as a milestone for the program, he said it was important that Monash continue to recognise its responsibilities and pursue sound environmental practices.

"The Green Office program and the dedication of its representatives has been the driving force behind an increased awareness of environmental issues at Monash," Mr Barton said.

"I would like to encourage those people who are interested in improving the environmental practices of their office to get behind the program."

Mr Barton said the achievements that led to the award included:

* the development of a comprehensive recording system for recyclables and wastes destined for landfill;

* extension and intensification of the recycling program through the network of enthusiastic Green Office representatives;

* reduction of wastes through paper waste minimisation strategies; and

* development of a web page for recycling resources at all campuses to facilitate university-wide recycling.