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Going Green: Green Your Back-to-School Routine

mbrown
Explorer B
Green_SWAIt’s that time of year again already!  Store aisles are lined with school supplies, the air is (slowly) getting crisper, and it’s almost time for kids to head back to school. Getting ready for a new school year is a perfect time to adopt new habits for yourself and your family.  Here are some tips to earn your family a Green star for back-to-school prep.
  1. Be sparing.  Yes, the back-to-school section is a wonderland of sorts with colorful patterns, cool new gadgets, and all sorts of notebooks and pens that of course I’ll use, mom! Make it a priority this year not to buy more than you need.  Before you head out for your back-to-school shopping adventures, take inventory of the school supplies you have left over from last year.  You can save lots of money and waste by resharpening last year’s pencils and reusing an old notebook or two.
  2. Buy recycled.  While you should try to be sparing with your purchases, research purchasing recycled supplies, which many retailers such as Target and Office Max offer with brands such as Pilot, Post-It, and Greenroom.  Make sure you check the label before making a purchase!
  3. Be thrifty.  All levels of schools call for piles of shiny new books each year, but those costs (and waste) can add up in a hurry.  Consider buying used or renting books instead of purchasing them new.  Many are available in campus bookstores, or on websites such as Chegg and Amazon.  You can check to see if an online version of your book is available if you prefer going paperless.
  4. Carpool.  Whether you’re dropping kids off at school or driving to work, there are many ways to reduce your driving and be kinder to the environment.   To help reduce air pollution, investigate whether you live on or close to the school bus route.  Even if your child stays late for sports or clubs, many schools extend the bus schedule to accommodate.  If busing isn't an option, try setting up a carpool with neighbors.  You’ll save on gas, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and maybe even make some new friends!
  5. Do your part.  Most schools make an effort to be green, but make sure you check that your child’s school is taking part. Ask if the school has a recycling program.  If it doesn't, see if there are plans to implement one, and maybe even volunteer some free time to help! Another idea is to recommend that the school organizes a compost heap in conjunction with the cafeteria, or sets up recycling bins around the campus.
How are you going to implement some Green practices for the upcoming school year?  Let us know by commenting below.