Back to School: Green Your Routine

Back to School: Green Your Routine (image from jonathangarcia on Flickr)

Its time to start thinking about back to school!  Did you know you can green your routine, help save the environment and cut down on wasteful spending, all while preparing for the new school year?  Well, then, let’s have an early lesson!

Gear:

Before you purchase a new backpack or lunchbox, check to see if your child’s materials from last year still have some life in them.  A simple wash or light repair can extend their durability for months, if not another year or two.  Check Goodwill and garage sales for gently used items, as well.  Many people clean out their closets in preparation over the summer months.  Great bargains can be had.  Similarly, soft-sided lunch boxes allow you to green-bag it instead of relying on cafeteria food and vending machines.  We also recommend a stainless steel or aluminum water bottle for healthy water consumption.

Clothes:

Go through your child’s closet in August and prepare an inventory of what they have and need.  This often cuts down shopping by about 1/3.  If you live in a temperate part of the country, you may want to wait until late September or early October before purchasing long pants and long-sleeved tops.  Summer wear may take you through the first 4-6 weeks of the school year.  And, by then, many stores start putting items on sale!

If your kids are game, consider second-hand stores.  There are many childrens’ consignment shops which may feel more comfortable than shopping at garage sales.  Or, do a clothes swap with neighbors and friends! If you do hit the mall, you can still find eco-friendly clothing.  From green blue jeans to organic cotton and hemp materials, there is a wide-range of styles to take you back to school with minimal impact on the planet.

School Supplies:

There are definitely earth friendly school supplies for consumers like you!  Check out the video below for some great tips on where to find them, and even how to make certain items yourself – like a pencil case out of old denim.  But sometimes you have to buy specific items on lists, which will vary from school to school and grade to grade.  The best thing to do here is to team up with another parent or group and then buy in bulk.  Whether you visit a warehouse store, like Costco, or take advantage of coupons that allow you to buy 3, get 1 free.

One last tip:  Be sure to check your student’s backpack and desk for items that can be reused from last year.  Don’t buy another ruler, protractor or big pink eraser if you can help it!

It won't be long before they're back to school (image from daveparker on Flickr)

Electronics:

Electronics are often the most expensive item on back to school lists. Its easy to green your routine if you can avoid the big purchase simply by tuning up and replacing the battery on existing cell phones or computers.  Clean out files to increase Internet speed, as well.

If you do end up with the need to purchase electronics, be sure to recycle cell phones and other battery-containing devices.  Lead, copper and other heavy metals are dangerous if tossed into your municipal garbage can.  Its easy to recycle electronics at major retailers, and also at cell phone outlets.

Of course, there are second-hand deals to be had on cool 3G phones, laptops, cameras and the like.  Just check eBay and Craigslist – but be careful in your dealings.  Consider potential warranty issues and return policies before buying.

Transportation:

Last but not least, consider how you’ll get to school.  If you live within 1/4-1/2 mile, you could walk most days, provided there is a safe walking route.  Younger children will need supervision.  Within 1/2 – 1 mile consider riding your bicycle at least two times per week.  Now’s the time to tune up your bike and check the fit of your helmet.  Regular exercise is a great way to keep the brain engaged, so all those spelling words and history facts will stick before the test!

Don’t forget the option of riding the bus.  Whether provided by the school district, or your city or county, mass transit can cut down significantly on fossil-fuel emissions.  As noted in our Greenest School in America post, riding the school bus all year (instead of driving) will save the average family $663 per year!

Alright everyone – There are only a few weeks of summer left!  Get out there and enjoy it, but don’t forget to make plans to green your routine for a healthy, happy back to school season!