Do you know how to Go Green at school?
There are approximately 80 million students in the nation going back to school soon. These students are going to need new supplies when they go back to school. If you are a student or will be buying for a student, why not get eco-friendly with your choices and reduce your carbon footprint?
School supplies
The greenest thing you can do here is to reuse your previous school supplies. This goes for everything from paper, folders, binders, paper clips to your backpack. An easy example is rounding up your used pens and pencils and simply reusing them again for this school year. Also, when you have the option always select used books as opposed to buying new ones. This is certainly more eco-friendly, but you'll also be saving money as well.
If new school supplies are needed, look into supplies made from recycled products. Paper, notebooks, folder and binders are just a few examples. To find these items just takes a visit to your local Wal-Mart, Target, Staples or Office Depot. As these and many other outlets are now selling various eco-friendly products.
More specifically on pens and pencils, Paper Mates's EarthWrite pencils are made from re-claimed wood and pre-consumer waste materials. When it comes to pens and markers, look for refillable ones. They can be used again and again, and you'll avoid the waste of buying disposable products. When shopping for pens, also keep an eye out for ones that use water-based ink (they're made with fewer toxins).
Clothing
As in the school supplies, the greenest option for school clothing is to reuse your used school clothing. There are also more and more thrift and consignment stores that sell used clothing. They are becoming very popular and you should have a few stores near you.
If you do need to purchase new school clothing, fortunately more companies are selling eco-friendly clothing for students of all ages. There are many clothing companies who offer clothing made from organic cotton, hemp, and other natural fibers. Examples of such companies are: Kice Kice Organic, Sprout Kids Clothing, REI, and Patagonia.
Food
If the student brings their own food to school pack a "waste-free" lunch. Use a lunchbox along with reusable drink and food containers and cloth napkins. This saves not only packaging, but also the money you would have spent on a year's worth of plastic baggies and other disposable containers.
Transportation
If the student is lucky enough to live close to school then walking or biking would great green options. If this is not the case, then riding a bus to school is good. Some school districts are even starting to purchase hybrid buses. Mass transit is a greener option than individual cars. If you drive yourself or a student to school look into carpooling sites like erideshare.com or zimride.com.
Whether you or your student are in kindergarten or college, there are numerous green options. Remember to reuse everything you can and think before you buy. These are very valuable lessons for children to learn before going to school. Go green and have a great school year.
For more information: How to Go Green at School
If you enjoy Clay's articles you can sign up to receive an email alert whenever he posts his
latest article by clicking
Subscribe to the Louisville Green Living Examiner.
Comments
litterfreelunch.com is the place for families to go to find the components of a waste free lunchbox. Taking a waste free lunch can save a family up to $100 per child annually. That is because you invest one time and reuse over and over. Litter Free Lunch offers cloth napkins that are perfectly sized for a lunchbox and made in the USA. We also have stainless steel food containers and water bottles. Check us out at www.litterfreelunch.com and go clean and green at lunch.
litter freelunch.com is a great place to go after cheecking out this page
Another great thing to do is incorporate Itzy Ritzy's Snack Happened bags into your school fundraiser. No more gift wrap! Our preschool is selling these reusable snack bags as our fundraiser this year. Our school is making 50% of everything we bring in. The fabrics are cool. They are the same size as a sandwich baggie so they are perfect for sandwiches, chips, fruit, veggies, you name it. Great for afterschool snacks too. Machine washable and approved by the FDA for food safety! PVC- and lead-free. Check out their website for more info. We are thrilled with this program. Just another way our school has gone green. (itzyritzy.com/fundraising)
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!