As offices across Vanderbilt’s campus go more fully digital in an effort to conserve resources, they have found themselves with a surplus of physical office supplies. The Sustainability and Environmental Management Office, the VU ReUse Surplus Program, and VU Plant Operations have coordinated efforts to donate these extra supplies to LP Pencil Box, a nonprofit that distributes donated office supplies to Metro Nashville Public Schools.
Part of the Pencil Foundation, LP Pencil Box ensures that classrooms are fully stocked. This donation-based program allows teachers to “shop” for free school supplies for their students, which keeps them from paying out of pocket for these supplies. Local companies, charities and individuals can donate or volunteer.
Vanderbilt tries to reuse as many materials as possible. This donation is part of Vanderbilt’s ReUse Surplus Program. The program aims to reuse or donate many materials, including chemicals, medical equipment, electronics, office supplies and more. Reusing is a fundamental process that conserves energy by eliminating the need for the production of new materials.
To request items from surplus or for more information, contact recycle@vanderbilt.edu.
Contact: Sustainability and Environmental Management Office, 615-322-9022
sustainvu@vanderbilt.edu