Back to School Tip: Recycle your old notebooks
August 9, 2007 by Noel
Filed under Green Living
One of my simple contribution to mother earth was during my school days. I remember, whenever it’s school time ones again, I would gather my old notebooks from the previous year and collect all the blank notebook pages.
I just neatly compile it and create a recycled notebook. To make it a little bit interesting, I remember designing a unique front cover. I cutout my favorite cartoon character, superhero, or my favorite band and pasted it on the cover.
I suggest you try it. You may get ideas on how you can design your notebook once you visit your local craft store.
Come to think of it, maybe if you have children going to school, try making one with them. Have them go through their old notebooks and sit down with them while you and your child build a recycled notebook. It’ll teach them about the benefits of recycling, and also have fun in the process.
Great idea. There is all that wasted paper. As I kid I didn’t have much because I major doodled my way through school. But in college I did collect my old folders each year. I didn’t add a fly cover (but a kid would love to do that).
Great idea! Thanks for the tip.
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Here is some more information I found on how environmentally friendly ideabox is…
· Wireless technology because power lines are SO last year.
· Standing seam metal roofing – sustainable and fire retardant
· Fiber-cement siding for low maintenance
· Galvalume corrugated metal siding for an industrial look and efficient construction.
· Bamboo flooring because it’s sleek and renewable
· Energy Star appliances and lighting for the best in energy efficiency
· Marmoleum countertops, made from renewable resources
· Fully insulated walls for maximum energy efficiency
· Energy-efficient ENERGY STAR labeled windows to regulate temperature
· Less than 2% construction waste because materials are ordered to size
· Low volatile organic compound paints for better, healthier indoor air
· Duo-flush toilets for water efficiency
· Day lighting; windows in all exterior walls and interior re-lite strategies
· Tankless water heaters to reduce electricity use
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I used to get upset when I reached the end of an old notebook, however I don’t recall it being for environmental reasons, more the fact that that I’d lose all the drawings and doodles on the old book. It’s a good idea though, on I’ll start using in the office!
At the end of our school year, we go through all our school papers. All papers that most would normally throw out but are blank on the back are put in a separate pile. When working at the computer, only final copies are printed on new clean paper. Everything else we print is on the back of the old papers. Not only do we save lots of paper, we also save lots of money not buying all those reams of new paper. And when we do buy paper, we buy recycled.
Also at the end of the school year all notebooks with clean pages left, all pencils, folders and anything else that can be reused the next school year are put in the closet. When we get or school supply list in September, we first head to the closet, and then if necessary we head to the store.