Keeping Green this School Year

There are many things you can do to keep "green" this school year.  I borrowed many of these ideas from NYS Department of Environmental Education.  School Supply Shopping  Reuse school items left over from last year; backpacks, lunch bags, water bottle, scissors, binders, and any pens and pencils.  Search for products that aren't sold with a lot of packaging, and recycle any packaging materials you can. Buy recycled paper and other items. You might even find a backpack or sneakers made from recycled materials.  Buy non-toxic alternatives - look for non-toxic pens, markers, art supplies and other school supplies. Use rechargeable batteries whenever possible. School Lunches Think "reusable" when packing lunches - use reusable lunch boxes or canvas bags, sandwich containers and utensils. If not "reusable" think biodegradable.  For water or other drinks, bring a reusable stainless steel bottle or bisphenol A-free (BPA-free) bottle. Pack your own lunch instead of buying foods that involve a lot of packaging. Look for bulk food items instead of those that are packaged as single servings and package them yourself in reusable containers! You'll also save money!  Greening Your Classroom Encourage your school to institute a good recycling program or expand their existing program. Compost cafeteria waste.  Use both sides of paper when possible. Start a school garden!