On June 27th, 2024, as the school year drew to a close, members of The Preserver initiated a new project: rescuing textbooks that would otherwise be thrown away. These books, once used by students throughout the year, are often forgotten in lockers and classrooms, and left to be discarded as trash, which has been extremely environmentally unfriendly. However, we saw an opportunity to reduce waste and make a positive impact on our community.
It’s wasteful to let them end up in landfills as textbooks are heavy and expensive and most of them are almost brand new. Therefore, we decided to collect as many textbooks as possible and find ways to allow them to be reused. Our team spread out across classrooms, hallways, and lockers, gathering stacks of abandoned textbooks, and then sorting them by subjects, dividing them into three categories: donation, library storage, and Pioneer Class delivery.
First, we identified a portion of the textbooks to donate to organizations in need. These donations would provide valuable educational materials to students who might not otherwise have access to them. Next, we placed a selection of books in the school library. These will serve as extra resources for future students, providing them with easy access to study materials for reference and further learning.
Finally, the largest portion of textbooks was delivered to Pioneer Classes. These classes, filled with students preparing for the upcoming school year, will benefit greatly from having access to these materials for previewing content and getting a head start on their studies. By providing them with these textbooks, we pass the books into the new class and help those students reduce the financial burden of purchasing new books.
This initiative was not just about recycling—it was about recognizing the value in what others may see as waste and ensuring that these valuable resources were put to good use. Through teamwork, organization, and a shared sense of purpose, The Preserver was able to make a meaningful impact, ensuring that these textbooks will continue to serve students for years to come.
Our hope is that this project inspires others to think about how they can repurpose materials in their own lives. Small actions like this can add up to big changes, and together, we can work towards a more sustainable future for our school and community.