Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) is committed to minimizing the plastic and paper waste generated each year. More than 10 programs have been implemented by UNS to reduce the amount of plastic and paper waste. These programs are grouped into 11 integrated strategic programs, which involve the entire UNS academic community and work units on a continuing basis. The efforts undertaken include:

1. Implementation of an integrated paperless office (Integrated Paperless Office). UNS limits paper use in administrative management, among other things through an electronic correspondence system and centralized archiving with UNS-developed applications.
2. Paperless scientific work and final project system. Submission of undergraduate theses, master’s theses, dissertations, and final projects is done online through the Digital Library (Digilib UNS). This policy is reinforced by limiting the number of manuscript pages so that the need for printing (hardfiles) is reduced.
3. Digitalization of cross-sector research management (IRIS UNS). Proposal submission, monitoring, and final reporting for research and community service grants for lecturers and researchers are done 100% digitally through the UNS Institutional Research Information System (IRIS).
4. Academic services based on a learning management system (SPADA). Class activities, distribution of materials, exam registration, and student assignment submission are done online through UNS SPADA, thereby reducing the photocopying of worksheets in class.
5. 3R culture education campaign. The campaign is carried out through digital posters on the website and social media, posters or banners in various corners of campus, student activities and academic community events, videos at national and international conferences, and calls to stop the habit of using single-use plastics. The evidence file contains the posters “Let’s Recycle!”, “Use a Tumbler Bottle”, and “Tumbler Day”.
6. Installation of the UNS drinking water supply system (SPAM UNS). UNS provides free drinking water dispensers at various strategic points in lecture buildings and the rectorate. SPAM is managed by the UNS Business Management Agency (BPU) to ensure sustainability, and this program encourages the academic community to bring their own drinking bottles so that plastic bottle waste is reduced.
7. Point-based smart waste exchange machine (Smart Waste Vending Machine). Automatic deposit box facilities for plastic bottles are available, connected to a digital reward point system. The evidence file shows the Reverse Vending Machine from SiTukar.
8. Substitution of seedling media in practical classes and reuse for compost and liquid organic fertilizer (POC). The UNS Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) laboratory units no longer buy commercial plastic polybags and instead reuse containers and used plastic cups from campus consumption as seedling media. The Faculty of Animal Husbandry uses used plastic bottles to make Liquid Organic Fertilizer (POC) and used gallon containers for composting.
9. Program for upcycling cardboard, paper, and plastic into works of art. Cardboard, paper, and plastic waste is turned into artworks, decorations, and architectural models of high aesthetic and economic value. The works are displayed at the annual Art Edu Care exhibition.
10. Standardization of online administrative services and student academic services. An example is SIAKAD, an integrated system used by students from admission until graduation without needing to print documents. SIAKAD covers registration, document verification, course planning, transcript issuance, class administration, academic advising, and examinations. Systems for research proposals, community service, MBKM, KKN (community service program), and internships are also being developed without printed administration.
11. Optimization of the centralized UNS Waste Bank. The centralized waste bank serves as a center for collecting, sorting, and recording the tonnage of plastic bottle and paper waste from all faculties. Customers earn points that can be exchanged for gold. The program is supported by PT Pegadaian. In 2026, its development involves the UNS TPST Development Team to expand the waste bank’s coverage and capacity.

The upcycling programs and alternatives to single-use items are also supported by UNS research. Widagdo et al. (2025) evaluated the benefits, impacts, and contributions of steamed ecoprint training to the green economy (E3S Web of Conferences, 652, DOI: 10.1051/e3sconf/202565203002), and Istiqomah et al. (2025) developed packaging films made from chitosan, starch, and aloe vera as a more sustainable packaging alternative (Food Biophysics, 20(36), DOI: 10.1007/s11483-024-09921-y).

The expected outcomes include the formation of an environmentally friendly culture, improved resource efficiency, and less single-use waste released into the environment. For long-term sustainability, UNS is committed to strengthening digital services, expanding environmentally friendly initiatives across faculties and units, and involving students in green-technology-based innovation. Through this policy, Universitas Sebelas Maret demonstrates its commitment to supporting SDG 12 by promoting more responsible and sustainable consumption practices.