I’m a local graduate who went on to work as a janitor at my old school for a short time. What I saw shocked me: classrooms had recycling bins full of paper, but at the end of the day, it all got dumped in the regular trash. There was no recycling pickup—no way to actually recycle it. We were going through the motions of being “green” while wasting massive amounts of paper that came from trees.
Trees aren’t just resources—they give us the oxygen we breathe and provide homes for countless animals and ecosystems. While responsibly managed forests have a role to play, the truth is we’re using far more tree-based paper than we need to, especially in schools and universities where digital tools are already available.
We can do better—and it’s not hard.
Better alternatives already exist: recycled paper, fast-growing bamboo, and hemp all have a much lower environmental impact, require fewer resources, and help reduce deforestation and waste. Many of these options are cost-competitive, especially when paired with simple reductions in paper use (like double-sided printing or going digital for handouts).
Public schools and universities have a special responsibility to lead by example. By making the switch to recycled and sustainable paper sources, they can:
Save trees and reduce waste
Cut costs in the long run
Show students what real sustainability looks like
Here’s how we can make it happen:
Conduct a quick study of affordable, sustainable paper options (recycled, bamboo, hemp) already on the market.
Prioritize recycled and sustainable sources in purchasing policies.
Expand digital tools and better recycling programs to reduce paper use overall.
This isn’t about perfection overnight—it’s about taking practical, meaningful steps toward a healthier planet.
By signing this petition, you’re asking school districts, universities, and education leaders to commit to using recycled and sustainable paper sources wherever possible. Small changes in our schools can inspire big change everywhere.
Our planet deserves it. Future generations deserve it. And honestly—we can do this.
Sign today and help make education truly sustainable.
Thank you,

-Mother Earth