It is that time of year again; summer is almost over and it’s time to prepare for the new school year. In an attempt to help all those going back to school, I’ve decided to look into some greener ways of going back to school. Here are some of my favorite tips!
1. Buy Smart
It is best to recycle old supplies rather than buying new supplies. There is a lot of waste generated from half-used notebooks and pens, so take an inventory of what you already have before buying. You can tear out the used sheets and add a new cover to give it a makeover. This could cut down your shopping list . In the case that you do need to buy new supplies, consider eco-friendly products and recycled paper. Check out our Grow blog tomorrow to learn about buying eco-friendly clothing.
2. Re-buying
Kids often have to read the classics in school, so instead of buying a new copy why not look for one in a second-hand store. Be thrifty this school year and re-buy when you are looking for some supplies, like a backpack, and clothing. Thrift stores have everything from books to clothing, so you are sure to find what you need at a discounted price. For college students, buying used books will cut down on your textbook costs dramatically. You may even find some helpful notes in the margins!
3. Solar Panel Backpaks
Solar panel backpacks might have been one of the coolest products I stumbled upon while looking into green school items. There are many different types of solar backpacks you can buy, but one of the most prominent brands I found was Voltaic. These backpacks have durable solar panels on the outside that charge a battery you can plug in to most any electronic appliance. I wish I had one of these during my time at college. It would have made getting work done out in the quad much easier!
4. Take a bike to college
This one is a simple one. Some college campuses are quite large and actually give students bus passes to get to class, but there are also many that are small enough to walk across in 15 minutes. Be smart when it comes to getting to your classes on time, and if you don’t feel like walking, take a bike. It is a green method of transportation, and it helps to ward off the freshman fifteen.
5. Avoid the baggies and plastic wrap
Don’t you get sick of buying brown paper bags, sandwich bags and plastic wrap just to throw them out? Then stop, Tupperware containers work just as well and you can reuse them over and over again. This generates less waste, but it also saves you money in the long run. You can also find reusable lunch bags that will replace a brown paper bag and do a better job of keeping your food cool.
What other green tips do you have to get ready for the school year? Share with us in our comment section below.
