Sustainable Use of Materials and Waste Prevention

• Recycled paper with the “Blue Angel” eco-label – Use of eco-friendly paper products in administrative and library operations.
• ReUse notepads – Production of notepads from paper printed on one side for workshops and events.
• Double-sided paper use – Printouts are made double-sided whenever possible. 
• Envelopes and shipping materials are reused multiple times.
• Flyers and merchandise in small print runs – Printed materials are produced as needed and in a resource-efficient manner.
• Receipts printed only upon request – Paper is used only when requested.
• Digital purchase requests – Media suggestions can be submitted online – paperless and straightforward.
• Proactive opt-out from printed promotional materials – Reducing paper-based advertising from publishers and book suppliers.
• Recycled paper even in restrooms – Environmentally friendly paper products in the restrooms.
• Waste separation in the libraries – Separate collection of paper, plastic, glass, batteries, and digital media.

Reuse and Sharing Initiatives

• Reusable library baskets – Sustainable use instead of single-use bags.
• Reusable containers in the Central Library’s tea kitchens – A resource-saving alternative to single-use packaging.
• Book sales and book flea market – Passing on used items.
•  ReUse furniture and Globus lending service – Sustainable use of equipment and teaching materials.
• Swap shelf in the Geosciences Specialized Library – Opportunity to swap books and items.
• Propagating houseplants – Adding greenery by propagating plants rather than buying new ones.
• Book exchange via the “Electronic Exchange Platform for Libraries” (eltab) – Sustainable exchange of collections between libraries.

Sustainable Technology and Energy Conservation

•  Public computers in power-saving mode – energy-saving and standby modes reduce electricity consumption.
• “Primo der Dinge” – Rental of everyday and educational materials – Lending out items ranging from adapters, learning kits, and USB drives to PowerNap pillows promotes shared use instead of buying new items.