Go Back to School Green

Back-to-school is right around the corner for many families. Judging from the number of fliers clogging mailboxes, back-to-school means new stuff-notebooks, calculators, clothes, backpacks and more. This year, as you embark on your shopping trips, consider these suggestions for reducing waste as you prepare for the school year ahead.

School Supplies

• Many school supplies are reusable from year to year. Save and reuse notebooks with paper left in them; folders that are not too battered; and backpacks, binders and calculators.
• Several programs and organizations accept donated school supplies to send to needy schools around the world. If there are items you can't reuse yourself, consider donating.
• When buying new school supplies, look for paper and plastic products that contain recycled content. On notebooks, folders, and other paper products look for statements like "made from recycled content" and "30% post-consumer paper."
• As much as possible, purchase supplies in bulk and with minimal packaging. This keeps materials out of the waste stream and reduces the need for new materials.

Lunches and Snacks

• Instead of plastic or paper bags, use reusable cloth bags and plastic containers. Invest in a reusable plastic or metal container for carrying drinks, rather than purchasing single-use water bottles or juice boxes. This will save you money and reduce waste.

Clothing, Electronics and Other Supplies

• Chances are, you have growing kids and last year's clothes, shoes and backpacks may no longer fit them. If you have clothing or sporting goods that are in good, usable condition, consider donating them to local thrift stores, charitable organizations or clothing drives. Donating keeps your old belongings out of the trash loop, and helps those in need.
• If you are replacing computers, printers, calculators or other electronics, consider donating or recycling them. Many organizations will accept donations of working electronics. E-Cycle Wisconsin, a new DNR program, makes recycling electronics easier by providing a list of collection locations across the state for items like computers, printers, cell phones and more. See the program’s website for more information.

Education

• Back-to-school season is a great time to talk to your kids and their teachers about the importance of waste reduction and recycling. When you're going through last year's supplies, talk to your child about how to reduce the amount of waste they create, reuse what they can and recycle the rest, and why this is important. Talk to your child's teacher about teaching and using recycling principles in the classroom. For potential recycling activities, see the Wisconsin DNR's pages on Environmental Education for Kids! (EEK!).

Does going back to school mean a move? Check out our tips on how to reduce waste when moving.

Get more information on waste reduction and recycling at school from our Green and Healthy Schools program.

Contact Information

For more information, please contact:

Elisabeth Olson
(608)264-9258