Back to School, Zero Waste Style

Is it really that time of year again?  When I was a kid, I loved getting ready for school - those new blank notebooks, pencils that weren’t broken yet, and PeeChee Folders.  (Yes, I am dating myself here!)  In addition to the requisite pencils and notebooks, students now are asked to bring a plethora of supplies to be shared in the classroom.  Below are some simple tips for getting back to school, zero waste style.

Waste Free Lunch
Purchase all reusable lunch ware, including a cloth napkin.  Most of the garbage in schools comes from the cafeteria, where disposable items such as plastic bags, wrappers and individual serving cups are tossed on a daily basis.  Allow your child to decorate the bag with stickers or markers so it is easily identifiable!

Refill to Hydrate
Send your child to school with a reusable water bottle that he/she has decorated.  This helps him/her stay hydrated in between playground sessions and helps reduce waste!  Check out local company, Hydroflask.

Buy Recycled Content
Purchase paper and other school supplies that are made from recycled content.  Look for labeling that shows the highest percentage of POST-consumer content if possible.  Buying recycled products “closes the loop” and creates a market for recyclables. 

Look for Fun “Upcycled” Products
Upcycling is the process of taking an item that would normally be thrown away and turning it into something useful.  SaraBella makes pouches, totes and lunch bags from old plastic bags.  Terracycle collects drink pouches and transforms them into fun pencil pouches and lunch boxes. 

Reuse, Reuse, Reuse
Does your proud new 2nd grader need a new backpack?  Consider patching up holes in old backpacks, or purchasing a bag from a secondhand store.  Remember that athletic gear can also be purchased at local resale outfits such as Repeat Performance Sports. 

Go Non-Toxic
Most classroom products such as markers and glue are now non-toxic.  However, many schools ask that students bring in baby wipes and hand sanitizers.  Regardless of the debate on whether or not things products should be used, concerns have arisen around the safety of certain substances.  Avoid products with Triclosan, a substance that has been flagged by several entities as having harmful effects.  Go for a greener choice such as CleanWell™.  

Encourage Your School to Do More
Individuals and families can make a big impact on the by being more responsible consumers, but schools collect tons of waste on their own. Tell your school and friends about your green back to school ideas and encourage them to implement zero waste practices at school!

For more information, contact by email or call 541-385-6908 x16.