Go Back to School Greener

It’s that time of year again … back to school. Everywhere you go you see the big window signs and the energetic commercials advertising big sales to get everyone ready for the coming school year. However, in the rush of fitting in that last summer vacation and getting ready for school it can be difficult to remain environmentally conscious. Here are a few tips to start school in an eco-friendly manner. 1. Buy eco-friendly or recycled clothing: No kid wants to go back to school with last years clothes, so send your students back to school in style, “green style” that is. This year, check out fashionable clothes made from organic materials or recycled goods. You can also use thrift stores to get vintage-looking clothing that can be both creatively stylish, and environmentally sound. You will look great and feel even better while doing a little something for the planet. 2. Use Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent: Between washing all the new clothes and cleaning all the dirty ones, getting ready to go back to school can put your washing machine into overdrive. Chemically-based detergents can be hard on both your clothes and the planet. Though conventional detergents have been working to lessen their environmental impact, the harsh chemicals still take a toll. Using “green” detergents significantly reduces the impact through the use of all natural ingredients. Some are even conveniently packaged in pre-measured, biodegradable units that you can simply drop in. 3. Shop Online: Whether shopping for school supplies, clothing, or textbooks, shopping online is the way to go. Between companies transporting goods to and from manufacturers, to the stores, and then to consumers who drive to the stores, the impact of exhaust emissions is pretty astounding and costly to consumers, retailers, and the environment. By shopping online you both reduce your carbon footprint and cost. Buying online allows products less travel time, and therefore retailers often reduce pricing. 4. Buy Recycled or Green School Supplies: Everybody is going green, even a few big name school supply manufacturers. When shopping for your students’ new supplies, take a look at eco-friendly products, instead of the traditional brands. Buying recycled notebook paper and pens helps reduce waste and even save a few trees. Try out brands like Ampad and Bic ecoLutions for environmentally friendly alternatives. 5. Use Reusable Shopping Bags: If shopping online is not for you, we strongly recommend using reusable shopping bags when you make purchases at retail stores. Using reusable bags ensures a more durable bag, as well as a lesser impact on the planet. The plastic bags that are conveniently available at all our favorite stores are difficult to recycle and end up clogging streams, creeks, and bays, or taking up space in landfills. 6. Check Product Packaging: Many parents have concerns about the food that is going in their children’s lunches, but another concern should be product packaging. You already know that you can learn a lot from packaging: nutrition facts, ingredients, etc., but there is additional information to consider. All recyclable materials are clearly labeled with the three arrow recycling logo and some even give directions on how to recycle them. Many products come in recyclable materials such as cardboard boxes or HDPE Plastic Bottles, but it is always a good idea to check if the packaging on your favorite product is recyclable. Recycling packaging helps reduce waste and your lunch’s negative impact on the environment. 7. Eat a Quick, Healthy Breakfast at Home: Eating a quick and healthy breakfast at home is good for both you and the environment. It is important for everyone to start the day off right with a healthy and nutritious breakfast, and by eating at home, you can reduce your fuel consumption and waste from waiting in the drive-thru line with your engine running, and the wastes involved in packaging restaurant food. 8. Eat Healthy Foods for Lunch: While breakfast is the most important meal of the day, lunch allows students a chance to recharge, yet it is important not to load on sugars and carbohydrates that offer very temporary recharging. Just like any other meal, a balanced lunch is important for proper brain activity and energy to keep your student going strong. The standard sandwich for lunch is great, but rather than sending chips and soda as side dishes, consider sending fresh, organic fruit and a water bottle. 9. Transportation To and From School: Getting your student to school on time can often be a hassle. Transportation has an enormous impact on the environment, and accounts for the second greatest release of greenhouse gases. For many, school is too far away to make walking a safe choice; but if you live close enough to walk your students to school you will cut down on environmental wastes. Carpooling is another great way to cut costs and environmental impacts while getting your students to school. But the number one safest way to get your kid to school on-time and lessen the environmental impact is the traditional big yellow bus. 10. Using Reusable Lunch Boxes and Bags: When you start packing lunches for your kids this fall, consider using reusable bags and utensils. Packing cloth napkins and reusable food containers (such as Tupperware) helps reduce landfill waste generated by lunches, while saving a few trees at the same time. While transporting those healthy lunches back and forth to school, make sure to invest in some reusable lunch boxes and bags. They are more durable than the typical brown sack and are a super stylish way to make a difference in saving the planet. Even if buying recycled school supplies or organic clothing is not for you, there are plenty of ways to make a difference in the environment as school starts again. Changing just a couple of your current habits can make a significant impact on the Earth.