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Student commissioner says Book Rescue Project diverted thousands of books from landfill
Summary
Felix Fai reported that his Book Rescue Project collected about 3,500 books and 700+ media items (roughly 4,200 pounds) and distributed them to four partner organizations, estimating an avoided greenhouse-gas impact using EPA data.
Felix Fai, an outgoing ex officio student commissioner, described the Book Rescue Project he developed and led while serving on the commission.
Fai said the project collected more than 3,500 books and over 700 other media items — approximately 4,200 pounds of material — and routed donations to four partners including LA County Books for Jails, the Children's Book Recycling Center and Rebook It. He described environmental and social rationales: diverting books from landfills reduces methane and provides reading materials to underserved populations.
"By the numbers, we collected over 3,500 books and 700 plus additional media items," Fai said while summarizing partners and distribution plans. He said the estimated decay of those materials in landfill would have produced about three metric tons of CO2-equivalent, citing EPA modeling.
Commissioners praised the project and suggested media outreach and partnerships to expand visibility. Fai said the project maintains a web presence (bookrescueproject.org) and social accounts to coordinate future events.
Ending: Commissioners commended the project's community impact and environmental benefits and encouraged continued support and publicity.
