August is the time to enjoy the last days of summer vacation and start planning for returning to school. The education young people receive during school years prepares them for the future and will greatly affect directions taken and decisions made in later years.
Many decisions made now regarding waste reduction and conservation will also have significant impact on the future of young people by conserving the planet’s resources, reducing the impact of global warming, and conserving landfill space. Teaching youth about proper waste management will help them be better resource managers when they become responsible adults.
Preparing for back-to-school presents many ways to reduce waste and to model earth stewardship. Following are some tips to lighten the “footprint” of students starting or returning to school, and should also lighten your cost throughout the school year.
For returning students, look through last year’s school supplies and see what is still usable. Some pencils, pens, and art supplies may still have useful life. Notebooks and binders may have some unused pages. The binders may be in good shape (just cover last year’s decals with new motif). Mend frayed corners with decorative tape. Students can demonstrate their unique style by personalizing their school gear.
Don’t forget to look for new school products with recycled content. You will find recycled content in everything from paper, binders, pencils, pens, rulers, book bags, and clothing.
Pass down or donate items that have been outgrown. This includes clothing, lunch boxes, back packs, sun glasses, etc. If a student is no longer into G.I. Joe that is plastered all over the school gear, and Transformers are the preferred fashion statement, just pass that old gear on.
Lunch is a serious way to reduce or eliminate waste. A reusable lunch bag or box is a way to start. Including reusable forks, spoons, and knives will reduce waste more. You can find a number of durable plastic sandwich/snack bags on the internet, as well as durable plastic, glass and metal food keepers on the internet. Pack cloth napkins instead of paper. Reusable lunch items save resources and reduce cost. Consider wax paper wrapping instead of plastic bags. A waste-wise student is a model for resource conservation and earth stewardship.
Finally, consider shopping resale for school clothes and supplies that you know will be outgrown by the next school year. Not only will this save a lot of cash, it will keep the items from the landfill, and usually contributes resources to worthy charities.
On the Web: More information about reducing back-to-school waste.
Writer Ruth McKinnie Braun has developed a web site that promotes ideas and tools for mothers to help raise smart and productive citizens.
