Every school year, millions of students start with stacks of shiny, brand-new notebooks. Yet many of us have half-used notebooks, blank pages in the back, or old papers that could easily serve the same purpose.
The truth is: we don’t always need new materials — we just need to use what we already have.
By taking the No-New-Notebook Challenge, students help reduce paper consumption, save resources, and support Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Why It Matters
- Every ton of paper consumes about 24 trees and 20,000 gallons (75,000 liters) of water in production (Source: TC Tech Innovation).
- Paper waste makes up about 26% of total waste at landfills globally (Source: EPA).
- Producing paper also uses a lot of energy and contributes to carbon emissions.
The Tiny Action: The No-New-Notebook Challenge
Here’s how students can participate:
- Gather Old Notebooks
Look for half-used notebooks from previous years, or blank sheets tucked away. - Reuse Before You Buy
Commit to filling those unused pages before buying a new notebook. - Get Creative
Decorate, label, or repurpose old covers to make your reused notebook feel fresh and personal. - Encourage Classmates
Turn it into a class or school-wide challenge — who can avoid buying new notebooks the longest?
Why It Works
- Reduces Resource Use: Less paper means fewer trees cut and less water and energy used.
- Minimizes Waste: Reduces the amount of unused paper that ends up in landfills.
- Saves Money: Fewer supplies to buy = less spending for students and parents.
How It Supports SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 12 encourages using fewer resources and producing less waste. By reusing school supplies, students actively practice responsible consumption and extend the life of products, directly contributing to this global goal (Source: UN SDG 12).
Bottom Line
You don’t need a brand-new notebook to start learning — just a fresh page and the will to waste less.
Join the No-New-Notebook Challenge — because small choices today protect resources for tomorrow.