SAVE Award 2011 Ideas

I propose that government agencies invoke an active recycling program for obsolete government property, such as computers and equipment, to benefit workplace and community.

As technology advances, obsolete equipment and electronics occupying valuable space could be routed to recycling centers, which can safely dispose of or reuse the valuable components. Benefits include newly free workspace, increased productivity,... more »

There is a paper company I've found here in San Francisco called New Leaf Paper that produces 100% post consumer waste (PCW) paper. We've been using their paper for publications and day to day copying. Why not purchase this sustainable paper. We found they even cost $30 cheaper per box. We've informed the vendor how to get on the Central Contracting Registration, but until then all of the paper we seem to get is only... more »

Every day we throw out tons of Food and organic material. from gov. cafeterias, and 'take out' meals, etc. Collect it and compost, recycle for mulch and topsoil for gov landscapes, gardens for growing vegetables, schools, etc. Feed the homeless with unused staples, like day old bread, etc. Feed livestock with lightly used items.

At the end of every year, your uniform allowance becomes use or lose.

Minimize the allowance slightly and allow for rollover of unused moneys, and people would feel less compelled to spend it, and may even promote the saving of unused moneys.

Also implement uniform recycling.

I once tried to return a bunch of old uniforms, that no longer fit, or were unused because they weren't the right size. I was not looking for... more »

We are building a user-friendly website where staff can post, search, and exchange equipment and supplies they no longer need. NIAID (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) conducts and supports basic and applied research to better understand, treat, and ultimately prevent infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases. Our intramural research programs require substantial operational expenses, including... more »

We waste thousands of large plastic containers daily, simply because there is no recycling sytem in place at the VA. This includes large containers of used cranberry, lemonade, fruit punch and apple juices daily on each unit. Not to mention all the wasted paper, cardboard, aluminum etc. We should research other company's who have implemented cost saving recycling systems successfully (like Target for example) and adopt... more »

There are many times when the government updates equipment/furniture. I have frequently seen old equipment/furniture thrown away. This includes computers, TV's, lamps, bedside tables, etc. In an effort to be more environmentally friendly and save money, it would be more effective to either re-use the equipment elsewhere in the VA or with another local agency, sell or publicly auction the old equipment to recover some... more »

Problem, as I perceive it:

Valuable equipment that is disposed of via the Defense Reutilization Management Office (DRMO) process often results in a lost opportunity for reuse within the DOD and other government organizations. This is due to the narrow visibility given to item being disposed of. If greater visibility were given to a specific item in the DRMO process, then there would be a greater chance for reuse to occur.... more »

Federal agencies should establish a “freecycle” like email listserv or website page in each region or metropolitan area to make available no-longer-needed items to other federal agencies that can use them. Agencies can circulate either “OFFERS” or “WANTS” to other agencies.

Freecycle is a concept that has found widespread acceptance throughout the country, and the same idea can be applied within the federal sector.... more »

DRMO, used to reutilize and/or dispose of government property, is too bogged down. People do not use the program as much as they should because it is a hassle (paperwork, appointment making, no local access). It should be streamlined/replaced/or supplemented with local programs. Each base should have their own warehouse/storage area (does not have to be air conditioned/heated, lighted only when necessary) that any... more »

The orange medication containers that VA prescription drugs come in are #5 recyclable. If bins were located throughout the facility (by entrance/exit doors) and in the outpatient pharmacy area, people could drop off their empty medication containers, as they keep appointments or place their refill orders.
These medication containers could then be recycled and reused thus saving the VA and US citizens money, lessen... more »

I propose a solution that improves the government's use of funds in a sustainable, green, efficient manner that fosters education and creativity while linking the country together and allowing kids to create and explore. I propose the government catch up and do what private industry has been doing for decades. Places like RAFT (Resource Area for Teaching) combine industry “waste” and turn trash into treasures for teachers... more »

Have a clearinghouse for office supplies, furniture, computer equipment, uniforms, anything that people can use that they may not need anymore, or have a surplus on, that other people may need. Instead of always buying new stuff, save money by using something already purchased, or reusing. May also reduce waste. Uniform caches for all agencies that use them, so not always buying new ones, especially if in good condition,... more »

Start some type of system where patients exchange old bottles for new owns or create a drop off station so old bottles could be cleaned and reused instead of buying new ones every month.

Mail all medicaiton in recycled cardboard boxes instead of plastic boxes which are often thrown away. You could also allow patients to return there empty perscription items in these boxes and mailed back so you can save on plastic mail bags as well as medication bottles.