Lending a hand to the environment is the right thing to do! And it's good for everyone. Interested? Of course! When you buy or sell used textbooks this year, you'll be helping plant trees.
We've partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation and for every used textbook transaction, a portion of the purchase will be donated to help build a forest of 100,000 trees.
And not only will you be planting trees and reducing global warming, but you'll also be recycling when you sell your books back for students of the coming semester to re-enjoy!
Last year we contributed 100,000 trees to Gallatin National Forest in southwestern Montana. This 108 year-old forest was in dire need of both Lodgepole Pines and Douglas Firs after major fire devastation in 2001 and 2006.
By replenishing trees to an area that had been badly burned, we provided habitat and food for wildlife. We helped clean the air, prevent soil erosion and protect water sources. Best of all, we restored beauty to the forest.
And you better believe the animals are fired up! The gray wolves are dancing with the big horn sheep, bald eagles are laughing with the squirrels. We even saw a couple grizzly bears chest-bumping near the stream.
With your help, we truly did an incredible thing.
The following message from John Rosenow (of the National Arbor Day Foundation) is an affirmation of that:
"We just want to express thanks to all of the students across the country that participated in the program. Your decision to purchase recycled textbooks helped us plant 100,000 trees in Gallatin National Forest. These trees will provide cleaner air, habitat for wildlife and endless other benefits to our environment for years to come. So thank you very much."
1. Don't smoke in the forest! Animals, much like children, learn by our actions. A raccoon sees you smoking, he starts smoking, suddenly all the animals are smoking and then a fire breaks out. It's not prison… it's a forest. Cherish it.
2. Talk to your friends about buying used books! This conversation is much less awkward than talking about something like drugs. Plus it ends with all kinds of benefits! Used textbooks are cheaper and they don't require any trees to be chopped down. Ultimately, this will strengthen your friendship.
3. Have a chat with your professors. When it comes down to it, teachers are the ones who decide which books go on your syllabus. They can choose to reuse books or use new ones. It's a huge difference and unfortunately, one is significantly more costly - both to you and the environment!
4. Recycle! Buying used books is just one form of recycling... but look at the impact it can make! Now imagine what would happen if you could apply that to other parts of your life. The possibilities are endless! Buy a Book, Build a Forest... save the environment, save the world.
5. Watch this Arbor Day PSA to feel better about what you're doing.