28 August 2009 - 12:55Back to School in Eco-Style

Source: the dailygreen.com

It’s hard to believe that summer time is coming to an end and “back-to-school” is here. Whether you’re helping your children get ready for school or going to college/university yourself, this year plan ahead and go back to school in eco-style.

Reuse supplies from previous years
Before you hit the store, do an inventory of any school stuff from previous years. Most supplies, such as sturdy backpacks, lunch kits, pencils can last more than year, so you don’t need to buy them every year. If you do have to buy, look for items that are sturdy, long-lasting and contain recycled materials (see below for more tips).

Moving on?
If you’re moving away for college/uni, ask your family or friends for unused furniture or household items. If you do have to buy, check out your local thrift store or on sites like Craig’s list and Kijiji…it’s cheaper than buying new and you’ll be recycling!

Litter-less Lunches
When preparing your kid’s lunches, think litter-less! Not only does it save money, since you won’t always be purchasing brown bags, but it also reduces the amount of waste you’re producing! For older students, its easy to fall into the trap of always eating at the cafeteria, but if you bring your own healthy homemade lunches, not only will you save money but you’ll also avoid the freshman 15!

School Green Clubs

Last but not least, encourage your kids to join the school’s green club and if there isn’t one, help to start one! In elementary school I learned a lot about environmental issues through my school’s green club. Most colleges/unis also have environmental clubs… they’re a great way to take part in environmental causes as well as to network and meet people in the environmental field! I found my first environmental job through my uni’s green club.

Here are some more ideas for back-to- school prep:

- Buy a sturdy, comfortable backpack that you or your child can use year after year. Avoid backpacks made of nylon or new plastics, especially PVC (vinyl), and look instead for bags made from recycled materials or natural materials, such as hemp.

- Purchase recycled paper – then try to use both sides to reduce waste even further.

- Reuse last year’s pencil case. To make it look new, decorate it with fabric paint and create a new look.

- Buy beeswax or soy-based crayons, water-based paints, and water-based markers and glue, all of which are better for the environment than oil-based products.

- Buy in bulk and avoid individually prepackaged items.

- Healthy lunches and snacks are important for children and help with concentration and learning, so pack nutritious lunches with vegetables, fresh fruit, dairy, protein and water.

- Have your children walk or take the bus to school. If you do need to drive your kids to school, try to start a carpooling initiative with other neighborhood parents and kids.

- Encourage a non-idling policy for your school, so school busses and parents picking up their kids are not idling in front of the school.

By: Prabhjit