Repurpose, Reuse, Reflect: Eco-Friendly Yearbook Tips for Earth Day

With spring finally here, Walsworth is here to help channel your inner Marie Kondo and do some yearbook room spring cleaning this Earth Day! Earth Day is an especially relevant time to think about sustainability and intentional eco-friendly practices.

We strongly believe in giving back to the planet! Did you know Walsworth recycles over 85% of the waste generated at our manufacturing facilities? That’s a big win for sustainability efforts. We also proudly hold certifications with the Sustainable Forestry Initiative program and the Forest Stewardship Council. We even implement green initiatives in our printing processes, such as installing low-emission press equipment and using aluminum plates, which recycle easily. We proudly commit to responsible, sustainability practices, which you can read more about here.

But, enough about us, let’s talk about what you can do as a yearbook staff to be eco-friendly.

Make room for the new editions, all while doing your part for the planet. ♻️

As you gear up for the fresh scent of those amazing new yearbooks, you may wonder where to put any remaining copies you might have leftover from previous years.

• Vintage Vibes: Old yearbooks (think a few years back) can be collector’s items! Sell a limited number on social media for a fair price. Pro Tip: Don’t undercut the original cost – you don’t want to send the message that waiting equals a cheaper yearbook.
• Social Media Blast from the Past: Facebook reunion groups are buzzing! Offer an extra yearbook to community members who might have missed out the first time around.
• Yearbook Angels Take Flight: Your school counselor might know students who would cherish a yearbook but couldn’t afford one originally. Spread the yearbook love with an anonymous gift!
• Future Ad All-Stars: Yearbooks are amazing marketing tools! Offer a copy to businesses that advertise in your current edition, along with a friendly reminder to secure their spot next year.  Walsworth even has resources to help you with your ad sales!
• Hometown Heroes: Consider the historical archives at your city hall, police department or fire station. They might be interested in preserving these snapshots of your school’s past.
• School Board Shout-Out: ‍Don’t forget the amazing people who shape your school! A yearbook is a great way to showcase your hard work and document a period they helped influence.
• Local Library Love: Libraries are book havens, and your local branch might be happy to add your old yearbooks to their collection. Imagine someone researching their family history and finding a familiar face in your yearbook!
• Walsworth’s Green Team: Remember, your yearbook sales rep is your most valuable resource! Chat with them about even more ways to give your old yearbooks a new life.

How to make your yearbook room eco-friendlier and more sustainable:

Take these steps to minimize your staff’s environmental impact and create lasting memories for your school.

• Double-Sided Printing: Encourage double-sided printing whenever possible, especially when reviewing spreads and layouts. This cuts down on paper use significantly.
• Donate Unused Supplies: Do you have leftover materials from previous years? Donate them to local schools, art programs or community centers.
• Earth Day Campaign: Dedicate a spread in the yearbook to environmental awareness. Feature student-led initiatives, local eco-friendly businesses or sustainability tips.
• Don’t forget about environmental clubs: Collaborate with environmental clubs at your school. They could be featured in the yearbook and might even have other ideas for promoting sustainability.
• Plant a Tree: At the end of each year, when you finish your yearbook make it a staff tradition to plant a tree at your school.

By finding new homes for your old yearbooks and minimizing your classroom’s environmental impact you’re joining our mission to be kind to the Earth.

Here’s to a clean, green and yearbook-filled Earth Day!