3R (REDUCE-REUSE-RECYCLE): ARE THEY PRACTICED BY UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS WHEN THEY USE PAPER IN ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES?

Minimize negative environmental impacts generated by its activities by implementing responsible consumption practices, is one of the environmental commitments of the university. Thus, it is important to analyze the consumption practices of paper by professors when they carry out their activities, in order to diagnose whether they practice the reduction, reuse and recycling of paper. This research is part of a descriptive study, based on a fieldwork. The sample consisted of 55 university professors, assigned to the Psychology Degree Program at Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado (UCLA). To carry out the diagnosis was used a questionnaire validated by the judgment of three experts. For data analysis, descriptive statistics were applied. The results indicate that even when some academic activities are carried out by digital media, they continue generating unnecessary printouts that prevent the reduction of paper consumption. It was also evident, that the majority of professors do not perform reuse practices of paper when they use reproduction equipment; and a considerable number of them do not perform an efficient selection of the paper to be submitted to the recycling process. The results support the need for environmental education workshops for professors to assist in the development of labor competence of environmental sensitivity; and institutionalize according to the environmental policies of the university, the implementation of standards that support the responsible paper consumption.