Tens Ways to Go Green For Back to School
During the back to school season it is traditional to see crowds of parents and children scoping out the school supplies sections of local stores. They walk up and down the isles with lists in hand, trying to make sure each of their children has what they need for the upcoming year. Their carts are piled full with crayons, pencils, pens, rulers, binders, backpacks, paper, and many other academic tools. The sheer volume of everything that is sold this time of year is staggering and much of it may be tossed in 10 months time to start the whole cycle over again. This year why not consider the environmental impact of your purchases and look for eco friendly school supplies? Here are ten ways to make the back to school season just a bit greener this year.
1. Buy pencils made from recycled newspapers instead of wood from unregulated forests.
2. Plastic never biodegrades so look for non plastic supplies if at possible including binders made from cloth and cardboard.
3. If plastic is the only option be sure to purchase items made from recycled plastic.
4. Purchase paper that is recycled post consumer and look for notebooks with recycled cardboard covers.
5. Crayons are commonly made from petroleum products but crayons can be found that are made from soy and from beeswax as well.
6. Instead of driving to school everyday, see if your kids can walk 2-3 days per week. Parents can accompany smaller children and get exercise at the same time.
7. When you pick up and drop off your kids at school be sure not to idle in the parking lot. This creates a lot of unnecessary emissions.
8. Traditional backpacks are often made of plastic but you can do better by purchasing backpacks made from recycled plastics such as water bottles, or by using ones made of natural cotton canvas.
9. If your kids use iPods, Mp3 players, or cell phones get them a solar charger and reduce their energy consumption.
10. When shopping for new shoes check out online retailers who sell shoes made from recycled materials. If you have a little animal rights activist among your children, you can also find cruelty free, vegan shoes.
Following even a couple of these recommendations will make this back to school season just a bit greener and less stressful on our planet.
1. Buy pencils made from recycled newspapers instead of wood from unregulated forests.
2. Plastic never biodegrades so look for non plastic supplies if at possible including binders made from cloth and cardboard.
3. If plastic is the only option be sure to purchase items made from recycled plastic.
4. Purchase paper that is recycled post consumer and look for notebooks with recycled cardboard covers.
5. Crayons are commonly made from petroleum products but crayons can be found that are made from soy and from beeswax as well.
6. Instead of driving to school everyday, see if your kids can walk 2-3 days per week. Parents can accompany smaller children and get exercise at the same time.
7. When you pick up and drop off your kids at school be sure not to idle in the parking lot. This creates a lot of unnecessary emissions.
8. Traditional backpacks are often made of plastic but you can do better by purchasing backpacks made from recycled plastics such as water bottles, or by using ones made of natural cotton canvas.
9. If your kids use iPods, Mp3 players, or cell phones get them a solar charger and reduce their energy consumption.
10. When shopping for new shoes check out online retailers who sell shoes made from recycled materials. If you have a little animal rights activist among your children, you can also find cruelty free, vegan shoes.
Following even a couple of these recommendations will make this back to school season just a bit greener and less stressful on our planet.
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