Sharjah
For as long as I can remember, my parents have been recycling plastics and paper. They have educated me about the benefits of recycling and reusing. And ever since I came to know that papers are made by cutting down trees, I have been very careful in fully utilising my notebooks. The order of my preference is ‘Use, Reuse, Recycle’.
At the end of my school year, I never throw away my notebooks and books immediately. I usually categorise my used notebooks into piles of ones that are completely used and ones that are only partially used. I then use the blank pages of the partially used notebooks to do my daily revisions and rough calculations. I also use the blank sides of a one-side ruled notebooks for practicing science diagrams or for other art projects. The pages are put together to form a scrap book or sometimes even a personal phone directory.
The notebooks that are fully consumed were handed in for recycling. However, from this year, I have found a unique use even for these fully utilised notebooks. My younger sister, who is two years old, loves to practice her scribbling skills on my notebooks and so I gave her these notebooks so that she can scribble away without ruining something that is of use.
Similarly, I collect pencils, which have been sharpened many times and have become too short for me to be able to write properly, in a box at home. These short pencils fit her tiny hands perfectly! This way, the use of pencils at our home has also become more optimal than ever.
From my old textbooks and storybooks, I cut and retain nice pictures or illustrations that I could perhaps use for future school projects and artworks. I sometimes also like to make greeting cards for my friends with items like pencil shavings and colour paper bits that are leftover from previous craft projects. I use blank spaces of worksheets for rough work and also reuse plastic files and folders year after year, instead of purchasing new files every new school year.
Finally, the used notebooks and books, which are of no use anymore, are given up for recycling. I also deposit my old school bags, which are in reusable condition, in one of the charity boxes near my home. It feels good to think that some underprivileged child could use it when going to school.
Apart from reusing your school supplies, there are other ways to conserve Nature. I love reading and like to go the traditional way and read books. Reading gives me more satisfaction when I purchase pre-used books. I regularly visit secondhand bookshops in India and also the book festival in Sharjah to purchase storybooks at a very low price. This way, I save money and also contribute to the conservation of Nature. Reusing and recycling gives me a great sense of satisfaction. I will continue my efforts to reuse and recycle forever.
— The reader is a student based in Sharjah.
Be a community reporter. Tell us what is happening in your community. Send us your videos and pictures at readers@gulfnews.com
