Plastic Use Reduction and Sustainable Materials Policy

Policy Statement

An-Najah National University is committed to minimizing the environmental impact of plastic use across all its campuses by promoting sustainable consumption and responsible waste management practices.
In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), the University strives to phase out single-use plastics, encourage reuse, and adopt environmentally friendly and biodegradable materials wherever possible.

The University recognizes its institutional responsibility to lead by example through sustainable procurement, research, operations, and community engagement, thereby fostering a culture of environmental stewardship within the campus and beyond.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

1. Minimize Plastic Use: Reduce overall plastic consumption, particularly single-use plastics, in all university activities, offices, laboratories, cafeterias, and events.

2. Promote Sustainable Alternatives: Encourage the use of biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable materials in procurement, packaging, and campus services.

3. Strengthen Waste Segregation: Ensure all plastic waste is sorted, collected, and recycled through designated recycling points in accordance with ANNU’s Waste Measurement and Recycling Management Policy.

4. Raise Awareness: Educate students, faculty, and staff about the environmental consequences of plastic pollution and promote behavioral change towards sustainability.

5. Lead by Example: Position ANNU as a national model for sustainable operations and environmental responsibility.

Scope

This policy applies to all university entities, including:

• Administrative and academic departments

• Laboratories and research units

• Student associations and clubs

• Cafeterias, shops, and vendors operating within the university

• Events, conferences, and outreach programs organized or hosted by ANNU

Policy Principles

1. Single-Use Plastic Phase-Out:

   • Gradual elimination of single-use plastic bottles, cups, straws, cutlery, and bags from university operations.

   • Replacement with reusable or compostable materials.

2. Sustainable Procurement:

   • All procurement processes must favor suppliers offering eco-friendly and recyclable packaging.

   • Preference given to local suppliers who adopt green packaging and delivery systems.

3. Plastic Waste Segregation and Recycling:

   • Installation of color-coded bins for plastic collection across all campuses.

   • Collaboration with local recycling facilities to ensure proper material recovery.

   • Annual reporting of plastic waste quantities through the Sustainability Dashboard.

4. Awareness and Education:

   • Conduct regular campaigns, workshops, and training sessions to raise awareness among students and staff.

   • Integration of plastic minimization topics within environmental education programs and sustainability courses.

5. Green Events and Catering:

   • All campus events must adhere to a “plastic-free” standard.

   • Event organizers are required to use reusable or compostable serving materials.

6. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement:

   • The Sustainability Committee will annually assess plastic consumption and propose improvement measures.

   • Progress will be reported in the Annual Sustainability Report.

Implementation Responsibilities

• Facilities and Maintenance Department: Oversee installation and maintenance of recycling stations.

• Procurement Department: Enforce sustainable purchasing guidelines.

• Sustainability Committee: Monitor implementation, collect data, and publish progress.

• Student Affairs and Clubs: Promote plastic-free campaigns and volunteer initiatives.

• Public Relations Office: Highlight achievements and awareness activities through media and website.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Annual audit of plastic consumption and recycling rates.

• Integration of data into the ANNU Waste Dashboard and Sustainability Performance Indicators (KPIs).

• Results communicated through the Annual Sustainability Report.

Related Policies

• Sustainable Waste Management Policy

• Sustainable Food Policy

Review and Updates

This policy shall be reviewed every three years or sooner if needed to incorporate emerging sustainability standards, technologies, and best practices.