Creating a “Culture of Austerity”: Cost Saving Tips For Staff Members

Recycled Binders
Our agency’s focus on a “culture of austerity” also ties nicely to being environmentally friendly and cutting waste and excess. We want to remind you of a great way to save money and cut waste: the recycled binder coop. Since the Agency began recycling binders, we have saved at least 150 of them from the landfill, eliminated the waste stream associated with their manufacture and distribution and have saved the Agency over $800. Remember, you can make a difference!

Here’s how it works… If you have a gently used three ring binder that you no longer need, bring it the loading dock area in the Johnston Office or send it to Jason Elliott in the Johnston Office, and he will add it to the inventory of used binders. If you need a quantity of binders for a workshop or project, don’t buy new—use the binder coop! Jason has hundreds of used binders at our warehouse that he has separated by color and size. If you would like to order binders from the binder coop, simply e-mail Jason at jelliott@aea11.k12.ia.us and let him know what size, color and quantity you need. Most people probably don’t care if the binder they are getting is new or used. In fact, most people would probably prefer to be given a recycled binder!