As students across the country begin a new school year, parents, teachers and administrators are encouraged to incorporate sustainability practices whenever possible with seven back to school tips.
Practice one of these useful tips as students, teachers and schools begin the new school year:
Repurpose
Before starting the new school year, sort through old supplies. Many from last year can be reused, repurposed or donated.
Empty, Clean & Dry
Always make sure your recyclables are empty, clean and dry before tossing them in the blue recycling bin.
Volunteer
Find out if your school has a recycling program, and volunteer. If not, team up with administrators and teachers to start a recycling program that works for your school.
Back to school time is a great opportunity to both identify and minimize the impact of individual activities on the local environment. For example, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), food waste is the second largest category of municipal solid waste and is a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Based on USDA calculations, approximately 31 percent of all food at home and school goes uneaten, and is eventually discarded. By incorporating sustainable practices at home and school, parents, teachers and administrators can instill sustainable behaviors in students that can be carried forward throughout their life.
Plan
Make a list before you shop for school supplies to limit impulse buying.
Buy Smart
Purchase and use supplies made from recycled or reused products.
Reuse
Bring drinks in a thermos or reusable water bottle and be sure to recycle milk cartons, bottles or other recyclable containers.
Pack it
Up If your child brings their lunch to school, send reusable containers and carry them in a reusable bag or lunch box.
—Submitted by Republic Services, Inc.
