The University of Colorado is closely monitoring the situation in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank as it affects University travel. Many airlines have already cancelled or suspended flights, and traveler advisories are changing regularly. For the most up-to-date information on worldwide travel advisories and how those impact any University business travel planning, please refer to the US Department of State Travel Advisories page.
CU travelers are also encouraged to utilize ISOS Membership Services (enter CU’s Membership No. 11BCAS000006 to log in) as an additional resource. To receive updated notifications dependent on your travel destination, download the ISOS mobile app. Note: All travel booked through Concur/CBT is automatically registered with ISOS.
1. Assess the Need
Ask yourself...
- Can you avoid the purchase?
- Can you repurpose what you have?
- Can you get it secondhand from Buff Surplus or another department?
2. Use Ecolables
Look for the “Eco Option” Indicator on Marketplace. Ecolabels tell you if a product is certified as having met environmental and social standards.
Look for:
- Made with recycled content
- Recyclable/compostable
- Reusable or durable
- Low: toxicity, VOCs, energy, or water use
- Biobased
3. Employ Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA)
- When evaluating energy- and water-using products and systems, think about the entire life cycle costs and environmental impacts.
- For example: when purchasing an ultra-low freezer for a laboratory, consider the initial financial cost to purchase the freezer, how much the energy will cost over the entire time of use, the cost of necessary repairs over the entire life span, and finally, the cost to dispose of the freezer at the end of its life.
4. Reduce Shipping Waste
Try to:
- Purchase in bulk or combine orders
- Recycle packaging
- Choose standard shipping, not overnight
- Choose local suppliers
5. Extend the Longevity of the Stuff You Buy
Could Another Department Use this?
6. Disposal
When you're done with something:
- Reuse items, or give to another department
- Compost or recycle
- Send back to the supplier, when applicable
- Dispose of hazardous waste correctly