Turning Old Cereal Boxes and Scrap Paper into Notebooks

By Julia Scott

It started as all successful projects do—with a good idea. Seven years ago, students at the University of Michigan were walking around with re-used coursepacks and handing in homework on scrap paper (already printed on one side). They couldn't bear to waste it, but it didn't occur to the members of EnAct (Environmental Action at U of M) that they were onto something bigger until they spoke to some other students at an East Coast University who were doing the same thing.

Using one-sided, recycled paper and collapsed cereal boxes, EnAct constructed their first set of recycled notebooks. They harvested more scrap paper from school offices and old cereal boxes from residences. Then they invested in a binding machine, and the 100% Recycled Notebook Project was born. Soon students were walking around with the brightly-colored, funky, earth-friendly products.

Since then EnAct has sold thousands of notebooks, both at the local bookstore and through the internet. Order one at http://www.umich.edu/~enact/notebooks.html (they'll only put you back $2 for three or more). Or write to EnAct and get step-by-step instructions on how to start a recycled notebook project in your school or hometown. Or simply make your own—you can do it!

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