Happy Green Tuesday! It’s that time of year when kids head back to school. Did you know that about 1.6 billion pens that may contain dangerous chemicals and come in non-recyclable packaging get thrown away each year? Or that on average, a U.S. elementary school cafeteria will generate more than 18,000 pounds of trash?!
In honor of back-to-school season, here are some great tips to keep in mind for going green this school year:
- Hike, Bike, or Carpool. Walking or riding a bike to school allows kids to get the daily exercise they need. If neither option is possible, carpool and save the gas.
- Buy reusable supplies. Instead of purchasing pens and pencils you’ll toss as soon as the ink/lead runs out, pick up refillable pens and pencils! Also, opt for the solar-powered calculator rather than the battery-operated one (that isn’t so environmentally friendly).
- Ditch the brown bag lunch. By investing in a lunch box you can use daily, and using Tupperware rather than Ziploc bags, you’re reducing the waste pileup greatly! Carrying a reusable water bottle every day is also a great green investment.
- LUV your backpack. It’s not necessary to pick out a brand new backpack or tote every school year. Choose a style and design you like and reuse it for a few years. When you’re ready for a new one, pass yours along to someone else or donate it!
Happy back to school to all the parents out there! Do you have a tip on how to live, learn, or work Green? Let us know in the comments section.
DING! You are now free to be Green!
