A SHELF made of books is a colourful new addition to the Margaret River Senior High School library, built by teacher Martin Keen.
Martin built the shelf in three days using books donated by the Margaret River Lions Club and St Vincent de Paul, and collected by 'dumpster diving', with help from fellow teacher Ian Thwaites.
The shelf was the idea of library coordinator Petra Stene, as an example of 'upcycling', saving the discarded books from becoming landfill. "A large item of furniture such as this would be expected to cost around $250 from a commercial supplier," Mr Keen said.
"Instead for approximately $120, timber and glue mainly, the library has a unique item of furniture and a talking point for visitors."
A member of the school's Waste Wise Committee, he encourages students to create upcycled works of art and furnishings.
Mr Thwaites is also working on a 'pallet project', using discarded timber pallets to build items like fences and cubby houses, while Mr Keene and Ms Stene plan to hold upcycling workshops with the school students for such things as t-shirts, paper and timber.
They thanked Sue Pateman and the Margaret River Lions, Garry Pusey and Judi Westaway for their help with the shelf project.
The years 8s are continuing recycling food waste for the school warm farm, destined for Worm Tea fertiliser sold at the Farmers Market.
