From Pages to Planting: Our Library Turns Damaged Books into Sustainable Bookstands
The Padua College library team is actively contributing to reducing its environmental impact by utilising a sustainable process that repurposes damaged books into biodegradable book stands.
Thanks to the integration of 3D printing into the College library services, the team has designed and made custom moulds to shape shredded books and a biodegradable binder into stands.
According to Luke Low, Director of eLearning and Library Services, we have made great strides in significantly reducing our environmental impact. “These stands can be planted after use, where they naturally decompose and, when embedded with seeds, support tree growth, linking educational resources with environmental renewal,” he explains. “Additionally, books no longer in circulation have been sold to students to raise funds for charitable causes or donated to local not-for-profit organisations, extending their value within the community”.
Padua College is committed to sustainable environmental practices across all departments and we are very proud of this initiative.