4 Tips for an Eco Friendly School Year

A new school year often means new clothes, school supplies and shoes. In our efforts to live more green at home, we're also working together as a family to enjoy a more eco friendly school year. Set aside some time a few weeks before the new school year starts to go through clothing, shoes and school supplies from the previous year to find out what items can be reused. Avoid buying a new backpack, if last year's is still in good shape.

Before heading to the store to scoop up all the supplies outlined on your child's school supply list, take some time to research some of the green school supplies available. You can green your school year by using your purchasing power to purchase green school supplies that utilize recycled materials.

1. Choose Green School Supplies

An eco friendly school year starts with green school supplies. Look for pencils made from recycled materials. Traditional pencils are often made of virgin wood, so finding pencils made from recycled materials are a better choice. Better yet, choose mechanical pencils. Mechanical pencils offer a greener option since the body of a mechanical pencil can be used over and over again and simply refilled with lead when needed.

Most elementary students will have crayons on their school supply list. Before picking up your favorite brand, read the label. Crayons can contain paraffin wax which is derived from petroleum. Look for crayons made from soybean oil instead.

Look for water-based highlighters and markers and avoid alcohol-based or aromatic solvent-based makers. Choose markers that are certified by the Art and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI), water-based and certified AP non-toxic.

Green school supplies have come a long way. Stylish and colorful, pencil holders made out of juice boxes and other packaging are available at most retail and office supply stores. Spiral notebooks made with recycled paper and covers featuring colorful designs or made from cereal boxes are easy to find as well.

2. Take the Bus for an Eco Friendly School Year

If riding the bus to school is an option for your children, avoid the temptation to drive your kids to school to enjoy a more eco friendly school year. Not only will you reduce the congestion in already crowded school parking lots, but you'll also reduce your carbon footprint and save money on gas. Riding the bus to school allows children the opportunity to be with their friends and get to know new kids in the neighborhood. It also teaches children independence. Giving children freedom to ride the bus allows them to become more independent and understand the importance of sticking to a schedule. Some kids are also able to make use of the time on the bus to get their homework done.

3. Shop at Second-Hand Stores for Clothes for a New School Year

Save money this year while helping your kids find the clothes they want at second hand stores. Buying gently used clothes is a greener option than buying new since you are saving the resources required to make new clothes. Plus, it gives you the option to buy some name brand clothes for much less.

4. Recycle Homework and School Materials for an Eco Friendly School Year

A new school year also means an influx of paperwork. From school announcements to homework, make a point to recycle all materials after you are finished with them. Encourage kids to sort through artwork and projects when they bring them home and set aside a special box or scrapbook to store items they want to keep. Try to recycle everything else.

These are just a few of the steps you can take to help make the new school year more eco friendly. Recycle, reuse backpacks and school supplies, and shop green and you'll be well on your way to making the new school year green.

Sources:

Green Seal's Choose Green Report, Office Supplies, May 2002 http://www.greenseal.org/resources/reports/CGR_officesupplies.pdf

New American Dream Purchasing Network, Purchasing Guide http://www.responsiblepurchasing.org/purchasing_guides/copy_paper/facts/