Bookstore Sustainability
Commitment to Sustainability
The Bookstore supports sustainability and education through initiatives such as donating books to reduce waste, using eco-friendly bags, selling and using sugarcane-based copy paper, and adhering to Fair Labor practices to ensure the ethical treatment of workers in global supply chains. It also provides two refugee students with free textbooks yearly and operates a Book Loan Program, improving access to course materials. These efforts demonstrate a commitment to education, equity, and environmental responsibility.
100% of Perfectly Imperfect Sale proceeds were donated to the SU Food Bank
Key Initiatives—Driving Positive Change
Throughout the academic year, the Bookstore places a donation bin in MacEwan Student Centre to collect books, including during Residence Move-Out. This initiative reduces waste by giving unwanted books a second life and supporting education globally. Donated books are sent to libraries at institutions like Moi and Pwani Universities in Kenya, promoting access to knowledge and resources in under-resourced communities.
By repurposing books that might otherwise end up in landfills, this program not only enhances global education but also contributes to a circular economy, reduces environmental impact, and fosters sustainable development through literacy and learning opportunities.
The Bookstore is an FLA Collegiate Licensed member, demonstrating its commitment to Fair Labor standards and human rights. As part of this program, the university ensures adherence to the FLA Collegiate Licensee Program, promoting ethical practices wherever branded merchandise is produced.
The Book Loan Program is a vital initiative designed to reduce financial barriers to education for students facing financial hardship. Operating twice a year, the program lends essential textbooks to up to 40 students—20 in the Fall and 20 in the Winter semester. By alleviating the cost of purchasing course materials, the program allows students to focus on their studies and achieve academic success without compromising their financial well-being.
Every year, the Bookstore proudly partners with the Student Refugee Program, an initiative that brings opportunity to young refugees seeking higher education. As part of this commitment, the Bookstore provides brand-new textbooks for two incoming first-year students, ensuring they have the tools they need to thrive in their academic journey.
Selling imperfect merchandise at discounted rates reduces waste, conserves resources, and lowers environmental impact by extending product lifespans. This practice promotes a circular economy, encourages responsible consumption, and maximizes resource use. Additionally, 100% of the proceeds are donated to the SU Food Bank, making a positive impact on both the planet and the community.
Sugarcane paper is a responsible option for the Bookstore to use and sell because it is renewable, biodegradable, and compostable. This choice helps reduce waste and minimize its environmental footprint. Sugarcane paper also helps reduce deforestation, as it is made from materials that do not deplete forests. Its manufacturing process also requires significantly less energy than that of traditional paper.
We sent 3,755 lbs of donated textbooks to Textbooks for Change in the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
John Campbell
Director, ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ Bookstore
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