Reduce, Reuse, and RHPL

This Earth Day, we're taking the opportunity to share the big and small ways that RHPL makes thoughtful decisions about reducing energy consumption, reusing and repurposing where possible, making green building improvements, and providing learning opportunities for our patrons.

Lowering Emissions through Technology and Flexibility

ChromeOS Flex

RHPL uses Chrome OS Flex, a cloud-based operating system, which uses less energy than a Windows 11 PC. By adopting this operating system, RHPL is lowering our overall energy use and making sure the energy we do use is used in the most efficient way.

ChromeOS Flex extends the lifespan of our computers by reducing the need to replace existing hardware, which prevents devices from ending up in landfills. Not only are we saving money by replacing computers less, but we are also reducing electronic waste.

RHPL is also moving from on-premise servers and the corresponding hardware to cloud-based storage in order to enhance efficiency in cooling costs and reduce our electricity use, without sacrificing security. 

Remote Work

By providing support for staff to work from home, RHPL reduces vehicle emissions and the overall energy use of our offices. Our operating system makes it possible to work and collaborate seamlessly, wherever our staff may be.

Autosleep

The library uses auto-sleep and shutdown procedures for computers, lights, and other electronic devices to reduce our energy consumption. Considering the size of our building and the amount of technology available, these practices go a long way toward reducing RHPL’s carbon footprint and promoting sustainability. 

Infrastructure & Landscaping

Library Furniture

RHPL will always maintain furniture if it is cost-effective and more sustainable to refurbish or reupholster it, rather than buy new. Any furnishings we don't need are offered for sale or for free to neighboring libraries or are donated to the Friends of RHPL to sell as a fundraiser.  In our most recent storyroom renovation project, cabinetry in the Youth Services Room was relocated and reused, instead of purchasing new fixtures, saving money and preventing waste.

Gardens

Rochester Pollinators maintains a garden of native plants near the west entrance.  This partnership encourages RHPL to focus on including native plants throughout our landscaping, benefitting pollinators and people alike.

Aqua Swirl Infrastructure

Parking lots are equipped with aqua swirl infrastructure for drains.  This type of drain is designed to separate sediment and oil from parking lot run-off. While these drains do require annual cleaning, they reduce solid waste and motor oil runoff into the Paint Creek.

Bookmobile operations

While at scheduled stops, bookmobile operations run entirely on rechargeable batteries.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Library Materials

Weeding is a library process by which librarians look at collections and remove any items that are worn, no longer checked out, no longer needed (for example, books that were once bestsellers, but are no longer checked out in large volumes), or are out of date. Weeding is a necessary process that allows the library to continue to purchase new and updated materials and keep you from waiting for new releases.

Most weeded materials in fair condition are sent to Friends used book sales to raise funds for the library. Bookmobiles and mini-branches use weeded large print books for deposit collections at local assisted living sites and hospitals, youth materials are sent to youth mini-branch collections, and some weeded youth books from the main library are relocated to the Early Literacy Bus. 

Our annual magazine giveaway gives out-of-date issues to patrons who then upcycle them in new ways, saving hundreds of magazines from going to a landfill after library use.

Reusable circulation bags offer patrons a way to tote items home without using single-use plastic or paper bags. RHPL bags can withstand years of repeated checkouts, which allows RHPL to save money and prevent waste.

Office Supplies

Office supplies, including paper, boxes, rubber bands, and envelopes, are reused for MeLCat shipping between libraries. To keep library materials clean, staff use washable rags instead of single-use towels. Staff also lean into their creative side and host craft programs that turn unused or surplus office supplies into art.

Local Partnerships & Programs

Makerspace

RHPL's Makerspace encourages staff and patrons to reuse materials and repair or upcycle Items. RHPL will host a Repair Cafe on October 10 to help give new life to items that may otherwise end up in the landfills. Look for more information in the Summer News & Views. (Sign up at rhpl.org/news to get your digital copy!)

Outdoor Explorers

RHPL's Youth Services team has invited preschoolers and their caregivers to learn about the environment and how to protect it with the Outdoor Explorers program for over a decade. The next session begins June 8. Register at calendar.rhpl.org starting May 25.

Educational Programming

RHPL regularly partners with Dinosaur Hill, Howell Nature Center, Rochester Pollinators, Bees In the D, and Oakland University to provide environmental programming for all ages. This summer, RHPL will host a plant swap at Summer Reading Kickoff and a Citizen Science program to help patrons understand how they can help support local research.

While libraries have always championed the idea of reusing materials, we have also committed to doing our part to keep all of our practices sustainable and as environmentally friendly as possible. Using the library saves you money, but it also makes reducing, reusing, and recycling an easily accessible part of your everyday life.

Happy Earth Day from everyone at RHPL!