We're Back: Save A Sample! Returns in 2026
We are excited to share what's changing and what's staying the same as we move forward with the re-launch of Save A Sample!
The Mission:
The design sample recycling program has evolved, but its core values remain. After a pandemic pause, the Save A Sample! program is relaunching with a new brand, a new look, and the same mission: getting good materials into student hands and diverting them from the landfill. This initiative aims to provide students with high-quality materials that will enhance their learning experience.
The Process:
What started as a one day event is now an on-demand process. Local design firms interested in donating material samples are connected with local schools and artists that can use those materials.
When a design firm has a box ready to donate, they send an alert to the network of students and artists in their area. The students and artists receive the email alert that a box is ready at that firm’s location, with a picture of the box and what it contains (fabric memos, tile, wood samples, etc) and they can click to “claim” the box. The design firm “awards” the student or artist, and then coordinates the pick up of materials.
The donations are one box at a time to keep the process manageable for the student picking up and to avoid the accumulation that always seems to occur in materials libraries. Instead of stockpiling unneeded materials that can’t be returned to manufacturers, the single box posting keeps materials moving out of the design firms’ materials libraries and into the hands of students and artists who can use them. This process allows designers to post materials as frequently as they need to, so they are not saving the materials all year long in their library.
Sound good? Interested in getting involved?
Signup to participate!
Provide unneeded materials.
Receive studio ready materials for your next project.
Fund the logistics that keep materials moving.