The Binder Clip Philosophy
As you can see, the binder clip appears prominently on our logo. When we were designing the logo for the program, this particular one was selected from many others by our Green Office Advisory Committee. At first, I wasn’t very excited about this logo – it isn’t a very dynamic or exciting symbol. The binder clip, I thought, was really quite boring and hum drum. But, as I began to think about the binder clip, and research it, I warmed to it as our program’s symbol.
You see, I think that, in fact, the binder clip is a great symbol for the program. It embodies many of the qualities of a green office. The binder clip is inexpensive to purchase. It is easy to use and lasts a long time, even longer than a paper clip. And when it can no longer be used, it can be recycled.
One of its best qualities is that it has so many different uses. The more I began to talk about the binder clip, the more people began to share their many and varied uses (besides holding paper together):
- To close a bag
- To display a photo
- To hold business cards
- As a money clip
- And if you're hipster enough, maybe even as a tie clip (skinny ties only)
The binder clip philosophy then came to mean taking a brief pause to reflect when we have a specific need or want to buy something new. Does an item, already in my office, exist that can help meet my need? Can I borrow or reuse this item? Does everyone in my office need to have their own individual item? When we make purchasing decisions, the binder clip can also guide us. How are the items we purchase used? Can they be reused and then recycled? Do they have multiple uses?
So in keeping with the binder clip philosophy, I want to welcome you to add your own binder clip use to our growing list of uses. What is your unique use for the binder clip? Send your use (and a photo) to atoews@umd.edu. Help us grow the list and spread the binder clip philosophy.
Aynsley Toews