While it may be hard to believe, it’s almost time to start thinking about “back to school." In fact, “back to school” items at area retailers have been in storessince the Fourth of July. In your preparations for this new school year, here are a few tips to keep in mind so that you and your student can be mindful of reducing, reusing and recycling.
- Buy recycled content school supplies: Gone are the days of trying to trackdown recycled content products. Most major office supply retailers, along with other popular big box stores, all carry recycled content school suppliesfrom notebooks to folders, to scissors made from recycled metal. Remember, by purchasing products made fromrecycled materials, you arehelping to keep recyclables in demand by manufacturers. This is often theoverlooked step in the recycle cycle, so remember to reduce, reuse, recycle, and re‐buy!
- Pack waste‐free lunches: There is no time like the beginning of a schoolyear to start new habits. The majority of waste generated at schools each day occurs in the cafeteria at lunch time. Consider packing lunches using these tips: 1) pack lunches in durable, reusable lunch bags or boxes; 2) pack food inreusable containers – check out laptoplunches.com forideas; 3) ditch the disposables while convenient, thesetypes of lunches come with a lot of packaging; 4) ditch the paper disposables—use cloth napkins instead of paper and re‐useable silverware instead of plastic.
- Swap, trade or sell: Does your student require a fancy new calculator thisyear? Is last year’s favorite no longer cool? As you have read here before,one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Purchasing used clothing or supplies can cut costs for parents, and help to reuse items in good condition. Check online marketplaces like Craig's List or Freecycle, or local “mom to mom” sales.
Source" SOCCRA
