It was a funny experience during their first year living in India that gave birth to this interesting book of illustrations, The Recycle of Life: Elephant Poop to Paper Story, by 12-year-old Jonathan Jenefsky. He co-authored the book with his mother Mari.
When Mari brought home gifts that were made out of nothing else but recycled elephant poop, environmentally-conscious Jonathan got the idea of putting this unique form of recycling in the form of a fun book and sharing it with others.
“We decided to take gifts made out of recycled elephant poop paper back to the United States for friends and family. Upon receiving their gifts, everyone laughed and couldn’t believe the story when we told it,” says Mari.
Having visited the factory in Jaipur to see the process first-hand and actually making the paper, the mother-son duo could really describe their learning experience. In the book, Jonathan describes to his grandfather how after removing fibre from the dung, it is mixed with vegetable dyes and then turned into large sheets of paper.
The mother-son duo informs that recycling and taking care of the environment are an important part of the American culture. It’s a common practice to recycle in the United States and separate receptacles for recyclable items such as newspapers, glass and plastic containers are located everywhere.
Jonathan, an inquisitive child and an avid reader, like his mother and other Americans, is mesmerised by India. “We are fascinated to see elephants, cows and monkeys walk through our neighborhood,” says Mari. They also love the amazing forts and monuments that they have visited around India.
“And Jonathan’s friends are impressed by how he’s doing something positive for the Indian community. Jonathan is preparing for Mitzvah (Jewish good deed) project and funds from the book sales will go to this charity,” adds Mari.