5 Ways You Can Have a Greener Back to School
All week long, people have been talking about the best green products, clothes and accessories to buy your kids for the back-to-school experience. And once again, I’m forced to weigh the encouragement to buy more “things” against the whole spirit of the sustainable living movement, which is, in my opinion, to do more with less.
Now, it’s understandable that after a summer-long growth spurt, many children will indeed need supplies and clothes in order to be successful at school. This is especially true in the case of first time attendees to kindergarten and first grade, who are entering the classroom for the first time.
However, a complete wardrobe makeover for your 4th grader, might not be as easy to justify.
If you’re interested in demonstrating for your children what it means to live simply and more contentedly with what you have and can make for yourself, read on for 5 of the best ways to have a truly sustainable school year.
1. Pack a Lunch
There are whole websites dedicated to the issue of nutrition in youth, especially in school-aged children that must depend on the cafeteria to supply their lunch. Schools have become foils for the poor eating habits of the entire nation, and now come complete with vending machines, soft drinks and fast food menus. Encourage brain power and healthy weight by packing fresh lunches in reusable sacks or lunch boxes. Pretty soon, everyone will want to trade with your kid! (Note: this goes for adults too! Getting out of the company lunch pool and packing your own is the fastest way to lose weight and save money!)
2. Use Your Own Two Feet
Recess doesn’t need to be the only time kids get exercise! If you are lucky enough to live within a couples miles or so of your child’s school, why not instate a family tradition of walking or bike commuting? High-school aged kids with road riding experience can be trusted to bike even further to reach their schools. Ride or walk along for the chance to shed some early morning calories, as well as spending some extra time with your little scholars.
3. Reduce, Reuse…Re-wear!
If you’ve got kids that are just dying for the latest vintage styles, you might as well take them to the original retro boutique: the thrift store! Show them how it much fun it can be to hunt for bargains and resurrect ancient fashions. If your children are still growing strong, and love to express themselves with clothing, there can be no cheaper way to shop than at thrift stores. Check your local listings for consignment boutiques and donation centers near you!
4. Get an iPod
Wait, wait; isn’t this post supposed to be about less consumption?? Yes, it is. And sometimes you’ve got to consider the long term conservation achieved by a purchase in the present. Some researchers have pointed out that investing in a portable music device and opting to only download music can have a significant impact on your personal carbon footprint. (See “The Carbon Case for Downloading Music” from the NY Times).
5. Buy Used Textbooks
Can’t leave out those cute little college freshman, now can we? Despite what your future alma mater might be encouraging (or even forcing) you to do, it is always a greener (and cheaper) choice to purchase used text books. Earth911 reports that in pursuit of the average four year degree, a single student will use about SIX TREES worth of textbooks. Save a tree and your wallet by going used. (Note: used textbooks are always the first to go, so be sure to purchase your text books as soon as you can. Also, many college libraries carry copies of the text books needed by classes. You can usually check them out for a month or two at a time which prevents you from buying a book at all. Sharing text books with classmates is another green option).
BONUS TEXTBOOK RESOURCES: