This blog post, written by Project S.A.V.E. (Cycle 4 awardee), shares insight to their project, their experience with the Social Innovation Seed Fund, and what they were able to do with their seed grant. Please click here for more info about Project S.A.V.E.

Project S.A.V.E. is an initiative that focuses on bringing writing instrument recycling to the larger community, and increasing awareness about recycling and eco-friendly interests among youths. Over 75% of Canadian generated waste is recyclable, but only 30% of it is recycled. We want to reduce that percentage and aid in building a self-sustainable world. Thanks to the Social Innovation Seed Fund, we were able to prepare more eco-friendly writing instrument recycling boxes and we expanded further into the lower mainland.

Additionally, we are in the process of creating our own website to make our information more accessible to a wider variety of audiences.  Our website will contain information about the committee, our goals, current recycling locations, future events and a volunteer page, available to anyone who is interested in joining this environmental initiative.

Finally, we held an information booth at Simon Fraser University Convocation Mall with the goal of  increasing students’ interest in environmental initiatives. We shared with students where they can access the writing instrument recycling box at SFU and Students also had a chance to sign environmental pledges/goals as shown on the whiteboard in the picture. Fundings were used to print business cards and small prizes to create an interactive promotion booth.